Asbestos in Schools: The Hidden Danger Exposed
Discover the alarming presence of asbestos in schools across England, the risks it poses to teachers, support staff, and students, and the urgent need for action to address this hazardous issue. Learn about the Asbestos in Schools campaign and its efforts to safeguard school environments from asbestos exposure.
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Presentation Transcript
Asbestos in Schools: The need for action Sarah Lyons Principal Officer Pay, Conditions and Bargaining National Union of Teachers
Why is asbestos in schools such a concern? 86% of schools in England contain asbestos It s more easily disturbed than in other buildings 305 teachers have died from mesothelioma since 1980 Teacher deaths are increasing (3 in 1980, 16 in 2011, 22 in 2012, 17 in 2013) Support Staff? How many pupils are dying as adults because of school exposure?
Why are children more at risk? In 2013 the Government s Committee on Carcinogenicity ruled that children exposed to asbestos were more at risk of developing mesothelioma because of their greater life expectancy Professor Julian Peto has estimated between 200 and 300 adults per year die because of childhood exposure at school
WW2 and WW1 gas masks Majority contain asbestos often blue (most dangerous) WW1 helmets also contain asbestos Vintage gas masks should never be bought into schools or handled by staff or pupils even if described as safe HSE issued warning after JUAC pressure Safe replicas are available to purchase
Warm air cabinet heaters Common in schools built during 1950s 1980s Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) was regularly used in their construction Air sampling has confirmed that fibres can be released during usage and maintenance JUAC strongly recommends that schools remove all AIB from the heaters
Asbestos in schools campaign Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) NUT, ATL, NASUWT, ASCL, NAHT, GMB, Unite, Unison, UCATT, Right to Know (Wales) Asbestos in Schools Group Currently chaired by Rachel Reeves MP Founded in 2007 by Michael Lees MBE Wider membership than JUAC Both groups campaign to make schools safe from the dangers of asbestos. In the short term - effective management. Long term - all asbestos removed from schools, most dangerous first.
What have we achieved so far? Establishment and continuation of DfE Asbestos in Schools Steering Group DfE Review of Asbestos Policy for Schools Revised DfE Guidance for Schools DfE accountability questionnaire to head teachers Advice on Gas Masks in Schools Advice on warm air cabinet heaters in schools Risk Protection Arrangement
DfE accountability survey for heads Launched end of Jan 2016 ran for 2 months DfE did not give teacher unions advance notice of survey despite previously saying they would Did not make survey compulsory 25% of schools responded 2% had serious issues 19% required further action 30% had opportunities to improve Plan to resurvey to check for improvements
Findings of March 2015 NUT Asbestos Survey 44% of respondents had not been told whether their school contained asbestos Of those who did know, 40% had not been told its location More than 80% said parents had not been given any information about asbestos present Only 15% of those who knew their school contained asbestos had seen the asbestos management plan Two-thirds were unaware of the dangers posed by vintage gas masks
Examples of Poor Management A wall was removed by builders. It was discovered when they tried to dispose of the rubble. It meant the building was closed for a long time while specialist cleaned and disposed of everything affected. The first I knew about it was when a caretaker came into my room with a pot and paintbrush and when I said oh I didn t know my room was being decorated he answered it s not, I m sealing the asbestos panels. The door of my laboratory has an exposed asbestos lining. I stood at that door at the start and end of every lesson for ten years, greeting students before someone pointed out to me that the asbestos surface has been broken. Within a week the door was replaced and now all similar doors within the school have also been replaced. I can t help but be concerned about this.
Sue Stevens Please sign this important petition and share as widely as possible: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-our-children- and-teachers-from-asbestos-exposure-in-schools?state=sign
The Future Continue to hold the DfE to account Focus on the impact of the full academisation of the English school system Continue to raise awareness and ensure that school staff are told where the asbestos is in their school
JUAC Further Information www.juac.org.uk https://twitter.com/TheJUAC www.teachers.org.uk
