New guidance for the management of asbestos in schools has been published by the Department for Education. The document aims to inform school staff and leaders of the risks of asbestos found in UK schools.
It contains an overview of advice about risk assessments, risk management and what to do if asbestos fibres in the building become disturbed. It also explains who is legally responsible for the management of asbestos – the local authority in most cases.
Asbestos has been used as a building material in an estimated three-quarters of UK schools and is likely to be present in any built before 2000.
The presence of asbestos in schools is understandably a great concern for parents. The government’s current policy is to leave existing asbestos in the buildings but manage it so there is no risk. This is considered safer than attempting to remove the fibres.
Teachers, staff and pupils were put at risk before safety regulations were implemented. Caretakers and maintenance staff are most likely to be affected, as their work may disturb the fibres that can be unknowingly inhaled.
More research and analysis into asbestos related deaths is needed, as the exact number of deaths of former pupils and staff is unknown, but it is estimated that around 14 former teachers a year die as a result of asbestos exposure.
This number has been rising since the 1980s, due to long periods between initial exposure and the presence of symptoms.
One recent case concerned school cleaner Laura Hamilton, who died as a result of contracting mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos fibres during her employment at a school in Durham in the 1980s. She died in 2011, 30 years after the initial exposure. Her husband was awarded compensation in an out of court settlement and Durham County Council accepted liability for her death.
Macks have asbestos solicitors in Middlesbrough who can help trace your employers if you were exposed to asbestos in the past and have been diagnosed as suffering from mesothelioma. Our sympathetic industrial disease solicitors are experienced in dealing with lung cancer and mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, due to the high amount of cases occurring in the North-East.
You can visit our offices in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Darlington, or contact us on 01642 252 828 to discuss your claim.
