Unions warn over asbestos

A warning has been given by the Joint Unions Asbestos Committee (JUAC) of the potential for asbestos fibre release from warm air cabinet heaters.

Last year, an investigation in a school in Wales found asbestos debris and unsealed and damaged asbestos insulating board panels in warm air cabinet heaters.

Tests undertaken by the Health and Safety Laboratory, the agency that conducts scientific research and investigations, together with an independent firm, found that asbestos fibres were being emitted from the heaters into the classrooms.

The JUAC said it is important that schools check whether they have these heaters and, if they have, whether there is the potential for asbestos fibre release.

The committee stressed that checks to determine whether the heaters are in an unsafe condition must only be carried out by professional asbestos consultants.

John McClean, national health and safety officer for the GMB general union, said: “The information regarding the heaters should be in the school’s own asbestos management plan. If there is no reference to these heaters in the plan then the school governors must get all the heaters examined by a qualified asbestos surveyor. Each local council usually has approved local contractors for this work.

“If the school doesn’t have an asbestos management plan then the head teacher, chair of governors or the local authority must get busy and put on one in place as a matter of urgency.”