Were Schools Required To Remove Asbestos In Sussex?

Asbestos was once commonly used in construction materials due to its heat-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, the use of asbestos in building materials was banned in the UK in 1999.

Schools were one of the most common locations for asbestos use, as many schools were constructed during a time when asbestos was widely used. This raises the question: were schools in Sussex required to remove asbestos?

The short answer is: it depends.

The duty to manage asbestos in schools

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on those who own, occupy, manage or have responsibility for premises that may contain asbestos to manage the asbestos. This includes schools.

The duty to manage asbestos in schools involves four key steps:

1. Identify whether asbestos is present
2. Assess the risk of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
3. Prepare a plan to manage the risks
4. Implement and review the plan

In other words, schools are required to identify whether asbestos is present in their buildings, assess the risk of the asbestos-containing materials, develop a plan to manage the risks, and regularly review the plan.

Asbestos in schools in Sussex

According to a 2016 report by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), over 75% of schools in the UK contain asbestos. This means that a large majority of schools in Sussex may contain asbestos.

The NUT report also found that only half of the schools surveyed had an asbestos register, which is a document that identifies where asbestos is located within the building. This means that many schools in Sussex may not even be aware of where asbestos is present within their buildings.

It is important to note that the presence of asbestos in a school does not necessarily mean that students and staff are at risk. Asbestos only becomes dangerous when it is disturbed and the fibers are released into the air. As long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and not being disturbed, they pose little risk.

Asbestos removal in schools

If asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorating or otherwise pose a risk to health and safety, they must be removed. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) provides guidance on safe asbestos removal procedures, and removal must be carried out by a licensed contractor.

Asbestos removal in schools can be difficult and time-consuming, as it often requires the closure of areas of the school and the relocation of students and staff. However, the safety of students and staff must be the top priority, and if asbestos-containing materials pose a risk, they must be removed.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

If you are concerned about asbestos in your school, it is important to contact a qualified and licensed asbestos removal contractor. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a trusted asbestos removal company in Sussex, with years of experience in removing asbestos from schools and other buildings.

Our team of experts can carry out an assessment and provide advice on the management of asbestos in schools, including removal if required. We adhere to all HSE guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of all involved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, schools in Sussex are required to manage asbestos-containing materials under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This involves identifying whether asbestos is present, assessing the risk of the asbestos, preparing a plan to manage the risks, and implementing and reviewing the plan.

While the majority of schools in the UK contain asbestos, as long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and not being disturbed, they pose little risk. However, if asbestos-containing materials pose a risk to health and safety, they must be removed by a licensed contractor. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a trusted asbestos removal company in Sussex that can provide advice and services for the safe removal of asbestos. If you are concerned about asbestos in your school, contact us today for a consultation.