This article explains the importance of contacting our Asbestos team (Somerset Scientific Services) and following their advice if you discover exposed Asbestos in your school.
What happened?
At one of Somerset’s Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) settings, a student back heeled a plywood board which caused damage and exposed an Asbestos board located behind it. The Asbestos cement panel that was hidden and located behind a large plywood panel. Four other students and two members of staff were in the room at the time of the incident. The damage was not reported to the Premises Team.
How was the Asbestos discovered?
Whilst doing his morning checks the following morning, the Caretaker found a damaged board which had been kicked through. On removing the board in readiness to replace it, he found a cement type boarding behind which was also broken. He stopped work immediately, photographed the item and called the site Compliance manager who advised that the area to be locked down and Somerset Scientific Services were then immediately contacted.
What happened next?
The material was tested by the Scientific Services Asbestos team, and they advised it was Chrysotile, classification Asbestos Cement. That afternoon, a team of specialist Asbestos removers came to site and removed the affected panel along with a fine clean of the surrounding area and surfaces. The panels adjacent were then planned for removal a week later, followed by Reassurance Air Monitoring.
Why didn’t the school know there was Asbestos behind the boards?
These Asbestos panels were hidden and inaccessible and therefore not on the Asbestos Register.
What lessons can be learnt by this incident?
If any damage occurs to the fabric of the building, it is important to report them to the site manager. At this PRU, the caretaker reacted promptly when he suspected the boards were covering Asbestos and the site Compliance Manager closed off the area and called Scientific Services straight away. The team at this school followed the procedures outlined in the Asbestos Emergency Procedure document and relevant site staff have attended Asbestos Awareness training.
At least two members of staff should attend Asbestos Awareness training every two years and the next free course is Wednesday 25th September 10am-12.30pm, email asbestosteam@somerset.gov.uk to book.
Learn more:
SC Asbestos Policy (HS021)
Asbestos Management Plan (F21a)
Asbestos Emergency Procedure document
