Asbestos in schools

In 2013-14, around one in eight non-local authority schools that were inspected by the Health and Safety Executive over asbestos on their premises were subject to enforcement action, in the form of improvement notices.

The HSE published this result after its latest asbestos in schools inspection initiative, which took place April 2013 and January 2014, and which included inspecting independent, voluntary aided and foundation schools, free schools and academies.

The majority of 153 schools inspected (71%) required no further action or were given straightforward, simple advice. However, just shy of a third — 29% or 44 schools — received written advice from HSE, and 13% or 20 schools were issued with improvement notices.

The enforcement action by inspectors at the 20 schools targeted the following issues:

• no written asbestos management plan — eight schools;

• failure to undertake survey/assessment or an inadequate assessment of the presence of asbestos containing materials — eight schools;

• failure to effectively manage the risks or implement a suitable system to manage the risks from asbestos — two schools; and

• inadequate training and information for employees — two schools.

Geoff Cox, head of the HSE’s public services sector, said: “Schools should not be under any illusion — managing asbestos requires ongoing attention. Schools now have access to a wealth of guidance setting out clear and straightforward steps to achieve and maintain compliance.

“Where duty holders fall below acceptable standards, HSE has taken, and will continue to take, enforcement action.”

http://press.hse.gov.uk/2014/hse-announces-results-of-asbestos-management-in-schools-inspections-201314/?ebul=gd-cons/jun14&cr=37