Students Unaware of Potential Asbestos Danger
A minimum of 17,000 students slept in university bedrooms containing asbestosAsbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK1. Asbestos was extensively used in construction materials up until the late 1990s, and is present in a significant number of bu... More last year, figures obtained by the Guardian reveal. Of most concern, many students were not warned that the substance was present in their rooms.
Although harmless if undisturbed, asbestos can be deadly if damaged and is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK – approximately 4,500 people die every year because of exposure to the material.
A key concern highlighted by campaigners is that students may not report damaged asbestos because many are unaware that it is in their rooms. The Association of Teachers (ATL) and Lecturers says it is “deeply concerned” about the extent of asbestos in universities, with a spokesman explaining: “ATL has campaigned hard for a national audit to check for the presence and state of asbestos in all education establishments and for its safe removal. This discovery shows how necessary and urgent this is.
“We call on the government to take immediate action to ensure these bedrooms are checked, made safe and have the asbestos removed.”
In a statement, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) commented: “All universities must ensure they have effective arrangements in place to manage the risks so that staff and students are not exposed to asbestos fibres. As long as asbestos is managed in compliance with the legal requirements and according to the HSE’s published guidance, there is no significant risk in leaving it in place.”
The prevalence of asbestos issues recently in the news highlights the importance of having a robust asbestos management plan in place.
The S2 Partnership’s team of expert asbestos consultants has considerable experience of carrying out asbestos surveys, management plans and remedial works in residential accommodation, including student halls of residence, where particular challenges exist.
If you have any concerns about asbestos or need expert advice, please contact us.
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/aug/27/student-bedrooms-contain-asbestos