Unpacking The Complex Issue of Asbestos in Schools

The issue of asbestos in schools is a subject that has been gaining considerable attention over the past few years and only in the last few weeks we have seen it in the news yet again. 

The presence of asbestos in environments dedicated to the well-being of children is a matter of grave concern due to its hazardous nature. However, addressing this issue is not as straightforward as it may initially seem. Unfortunately, the removal of asbestos from all schools is simply unaffordable due to historical funding challenges that continue to plague the education system. The funding outlook remains bleak, as schools grapple with insufficient resources for essential infrastructure and maintenance. Regrettably, the current reality dictates that all we can continue to do is raise awareness and educate people to identify it and make sure that it remains encapsulated and undisturbed. Complete removal or full school reconstructions remain a very distant goal, as they are so dependent on adequate funding.

The presence of asbestos in schools represents a ticking time bomb, posing significant health risks to students, staff, and anyone entering these educational institutions. Therefore, comprehending the gravity of this issue is crucial for school leaders and their staff.

When the term "asbestos" is mentioned, most people envision old factories or rundown buildings. However, this hazardous substance can lurk in unexpected places, including our schools.

The dangers of asbestos are also well documented. This naturally occurring mineral, when disturbed, releases tiny fibres into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can cause severe health conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Sadly, the effects of asbestos exposure are not immediate. It can take several years for symptoms to manifest. This makes the dangers of asbestos particularly insidious, as those exposed might not realise the risk until it is too late.

It's especially concerning when we think about the long-term exposure to asbestos in schools. Children, whose bodies are still developing, are more susceptible to the hazardous effects of this harmful substance.

Despite the known dangers, asbestos remains a common component in many school buildings. A large number of schools built between the 1950s and the 1990s used asbestos-containing materials due to their fire-resistant properties.

A DfE report revealed that it is estimated that over 80% of schools contain asbestos. This is an alarming statistic that underscores the prevalence of asbestos in schools. This translates to millions of students potentially have historically been exposed to this hazardous substance, and are also being exposed to every single day.

The situation is not much different in other parts of the world. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggested that nearly half of all US schools have some form of asbestos within their structures.

Given the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it would seem that the solution is straightforward – get rid of it. However, dealing with asbestos is not a quick fix.

Firstly, identifying asbestos within a building is not easy. Here at iAM we speak with schools every day that tell us that their asbestos management plan had to be rewritten after more cases were unidentified in their school - nearly 24 years after it was banned! The substance often lurks behind walls, above ceilings, or beneath floor tiles. This makes it challenging to detect and even more difficult to safely remove.

Secondly, the process of asbestos removal is complicated and expensive. It requires specialised training and equipment to ensure that the asbestos fibres do not become airborne during the removal process.

Furthermore, the financial burden of asbestos management can be significant. For many schools, particularly those in areas where pupil numbers are dropping and funding needs to go further already, finding the funds to address this issue can be a daunting task.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of places within school buildings. It was commonly used in construction materials due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. Hence, it can be present in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation, and even chalkboards.

The danger with asbestos lies in its disturbance though. If these materials remain undamaged and undisturbed, the risk is relatively low. However, any form of renovation, demolition, or even simple wear and tear can disturb these materials and release the harmful fibres into the air. Accidents frequently happen in schools when children are playing, as we saw in Wales a couple of years ago.

This is particularly concerning in older schools, where the condition of asbestos-containing materials may be deteriorating, which increases the risk of exposure.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is a set of regulations applicable to schools in the UK, aimed at effectively managing the risks associated with asbestos exposure. These regulations place responsibilities on school senior leaders, as well as those responsible for the maintenance and repair of school premises, to identify and handle asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the school estate.

Compliance with these regulations necessitates a comprehensive assessment of ACMs' presence and condition, implementation of suitable control measures to prevent or minimise exposure, provision of information and training to school staff, and proper maintenance of records pertaining to asbestos management.

Furthermore, the regulations prohibit specific activities involving asbestos unless performed by licensed contractors. The primary objective of these regulations is to prioritise the health and safety of individuals within the school environment by ensuring the effective management and control of asbestos, thus mitigating the associated risks.

Asbestos management in schools involves a series of steps. First, a thorough inspection of the school building is conducted by a certified asbestos inspector. This involves taking samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials and having them tested in a lab.

If asbestos is found, a management plan is developed. This could involve encapsulating the asbestos (sealing it off and protecting it to prevent fibres from becoming airborne) or removing it entirely.

Each method comes with its own set of challenges and costs. The ultimate goal, however, is to ensure the safety of everyone within the school environment.

There are several challenges in asbestos management in schools. One of the primary issues is funding. As mentioned earlier, the process of managing asbestos can be incredibly costly. Many schools, particularly those in low-income areas, struggle to secure the necessary funds.

Another challenge is awareness. Despite the prevalence of asbestos in schools, many people remain unaware of its presence and the dangers it poses. This lack of awareness can result in inadvertent exposure and delayed action.

Lastly, there is the issue of prioritisation. With so many pressing concerns facing schools today, asbestos management can sometimes fall lower on the priority list. However, given the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it is a matter that cannot be ignored.

Despite the inherent challenges, there have been notable instances of successful asbestos management in schools. A prime example is a Hampshire-based trust that adopted a proactive approach to tackle the issue head-on. They implemented a comprehensive asbestos management program utilising iAM, which involved regular inspections, immediate action on high- priority areas, and thorough documentation of their effective containment strategies for asbestos- containing materials (ACMs).

In early 2023, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) paid them a surprise visit, providing only 24 hours' notice. Upon arrival, the HSE inspector assessed the trust's iAM account and was presented with a well-structured asbestos management plan, complete with location details and images of asbestos within their estates management plan. The inspector also reviewed the thorough audit trail of routine inspections for each area and verified the records of Asbestos Awareness training for all staff on-site. Impressed by their comprehensive approach, the HSE inspector concluded the inspection within two hours and commended the trust for achieving the “Gold Standard” in asbestos management.

This case study serves as evidence that with dedication, careful planning, and allocation of resources, successful asbestos management in schools is indeed attainable.

The battle against asbestos in schools is ongoing. While significant strides have been made in understanding and managing this hazardous substance, there is still much work to be done.

The key lies in awareness, regular inspections, effective management plans, and, most importantly, the allocation of necessary resources. Given the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, the safety of our children and school staff must be a priority.

In the fight against asbestos in schools, there is no room for complacency. It is a complex issue, but with concerted efforts from all stakeholders, we can aim for an asbestos-free environment in our schools.