Is Asbestos Removal from Schools Safe in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in construction materials, such as insulation, roofing, and flooring, due to its resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. However, scientists have discovered that asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, when they are inhaled or ingested. As a result, the UK government has banned the use of asbestos in any form since 1999 and set strict regulations for the management and removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in public buildings, including schools.

The question is, are schools in Hampshire, a county in the South East England region, safe from asbestos exposure? The answer is, it depends. While the majority of schools in Hampshire have taken measures to control and remove ACMs, some are still at risk or have been found to have breached the regulations. In this landing page, we, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, a licensed and accredited asbestos removal company in Hampshire, will discuss the following topics:

• What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?
• What are the regulations for asbestos management and removal in schools?
• What are the duties of schools, teachers, and staff regarding asbestos?
• What are the risks of exposure to asbestos in schools?
• What are the signs of ACMs in schools?
• What are the procedures for asbestos removal from schools?
• How can Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire help schools in Hampshire?

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring minerals that have been mined and used for various purposes for thousands of years. The three most common types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Asbestos fibers are thin and flexible, and can easily release into the air and be inhaled or ingested by humans and animals. Once in the body, they can penetrate the tissues and form scar-like fibers that can lead to inflammation, scarring, and tumor formation over time.

Asbestos exposure has been linked to numerous health disorders, including asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that causes coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain; mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart; lung cancer, which is similar to non-asbestos-related lung cancer but has a worse prognosis; and other cancers, such as laryngeal, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers. The latency period between exposure and onset of symptoms can range from 10 to 50 years or more, making it challenging for doctors to diagnose and treat asbestos-related diseases.

What are the regulations for asbestos management and removal in schools?

The UK government has set two main sets of regulations for asbestos management and removal in public buildings, including schools: the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) and the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 (APR). These regulations aim to:

• prevent exposure to asbestos fibers as far as reasonably practicable;
• identify the presence and location of ACMs in buildings;
• assess the condition and risks associated with ACMs;
• prepare and implement an asbestos management plan (AMP) for buildings that contain ACMs;
• provide information, training, and protective equipment for workers who may come into contact with ACMs;
• ensure that any removal, encapsulation, or maintenance of ACMs is carried out safely and by licensed contractors;
• record and report any incidents of exposure, damage, or disposal of ACMs;
• monitor the effectiveness of the AMP and update it regularly.

The regulations apply to all public buildings, including schools, regardless of their age, type or size. They also require schools to inform parents, staff, and students about the presence and risks of ACMs in their premises and to take appropriate measures to minimize or eliminate any exposure.

What are the duties of schools, teachers, and staff regarding asbestos?

Schools have a legal duty, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA), to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, students, and visitors. This includes managing and removing any ACMs in their buildings, as required by the CAR and APR. Specifically, schools must:

• appoint a duty holder, who is responsible for the management of asbestos in their premises and for ensuring compliance with the regulations;
• assess the risks associated with ACMs in their buildings and identify any high-risk areas or materials;
• prepare and implement an AMP, which outlines the location, condition, and management of ACMs in their buildings;
• train and inform their staff and students about the risks and safety procedures related to asbestos exposure;
• provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and control measures for anyone who may come into contact with ACMs, such as builders, cleaners, or teachers;
• monitor the air quality and fibers levels in their buildings, using accredited laboratories and methods;
• report any incidents of exposure or damage to ACMs to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the local authority;
• cooperate with any inspections or audits carried out by the HSE or the local authority.

Teachers and staff also have a duty to follow the AMP and the safety procedures set by the school regarding asbestos exposure. This includes:

• avoiding any work that may lead to the disturbance or damage of ACMs, such as drilling, sawing, or breaking;
• reporting any suspected or visible ACMs to the school management or the facilities team;
• using the PPE and control measures provided by the school when working in high-risk areas or materials;
• attending the asbestos awareness training provided by the school.

What are the risks of exposure to asbestos in schools?

The risks of exposure to asbestos in schools depend on several factors, including the type, condition, and location of the ACMs, the amount and frequency of disturbance or damage, and the duration and intensity of the exposure. Generally, the risks increase when:

• the ACMs are friable, meaning they can crumble or break easily, releasing more fibers into the air;
• the ACMs are damaged, corroded, or decayed, leading to fiber release or leakage;
• the ACMs are disturbed or worked on, creating dust or debris that can be inhaled or ingested;
• the ACMs are located in areas where people spend a lot of time, such as classrooms, corridors, toilets, or play areas;
• the ACMs are not properly labeled, sealed, or encapsulated, making it difficult to identify and control the risks;
• the AMP is not regularly reviewed or updated, leading to gaps or omissions in the management or removal of the ACMs.

Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause short-term and long-term health effects, and may affect anyone who comes into contact with the fibers, including students, staff, cleaners, and visitors. The effects may not be immediately noticeable, but can accumulate over time and lead to serious diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, which have no cure and can be fatal.

What are the signs of ACMs in schools?

ACMs can be present in any part of a school building, from the roof to the floor, and may not be visible or obvious to the naked eye. However, there are some signs that may indicate the presence of ACMs in schools, such as:

• buildings built or refurbished before 2000;
• buildings with flat roofs or textured ceilings, which are more likely to contain asbestos materials;
• buildings with pipe insulation, electrical fuse boxes, boiler rooms, or storage cupboards, which may contain asbestos materials;
• buildings with damaged or discolored areas, which may suggest ACMs being exposed or leaking;
• buildings with dust or debris, especially after renovation or maintenance work;
• buildings with signs or labels warning of asbestos presence.

If a school suspects the presence of ACMs in their premises, they should arrange for an accredited survey and analysis of the materials, and update their AMP accordingly. They should also inform their staff and students, and take appropriate measures to control the risks or remove the ACMs, if necessary.

What are the procedures for asbestos removal from schools?

Asbestos removal from schools is a complex and regulated process that requires expertise and compliance with the CAR and APR. The general steps of asbestos removal from schools include:

• identifying the type, location, and amount of ACMs in the school, using certified surveys and analysis;
• preparing a detailed plan of how the removal will be carried out, including the equipment, techniques, and protective measures that will be used;
• isolating the removal area from the rest of the school, using barriers, negative pressure units, and airlocks;
• wetting the materials and using non-powered hand tools to minimize dust and fiber release;
• carefully removing the materials and packaging them in sealed containers or bags, using specialized equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• transporting the containers or bags to a licensed hazardous waste disposal site, according to the Waste Management Regulations 2011 (WMR);
• cleaning and decontaminating the removal area, using HEPA filters and vacuums, and testing the air quality before and after the removal;
• checking the effectiveness of the removal and updating the AMP accordingly.

Asbestos removal from schools should only be carried out by licensed and accredited asbestos removal contractors, who have the expertise, equipment, and insurances to safely and legally remove and dispose of ACMs. Schools should also inform their staff and students about the removal process and ensure their safety during and after the removal.

How can Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire help schools in Hampshire?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a licensed and accredited asbestos removal company in Hampshire, with over 20 years of experience in the asbestos industry. We offer a range of asbestos management and removal services for schools in Hampshire, including:

• accredited asbestos surveys and analysis, using UKAS-accredited laboratories and methods;
• comprehensive asbestos management plans, tailored to the needs and risks of each school;
• asbestos removal and decontamination, complying with all the relevant regulations and standards;
• emergency response and repair, in case of accidental or unexpected release or damage of ACMs;
• consulting and training, providing expert advice and guidance to schools, teachers, and staff on how to manage and minimize the risks of asbestos exposure.

Our team of experienced and licensed asbestos removal operatives and technicians can provide fast, reliable, and affordable solutions to any asbestos issues in schools, without compromising on safety or quality.

To learn more about how we can help your school comply with the regulations and ensure the safety of your staff and students, please contact us at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information and customer testimonials.