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The dangers of asbestos are well documented. It was banned in 1999 but was regularly used in construction for some schools built between 1940 and 1980. Any school built before 2000 could contain asbestos.
It is extremely important that any asbestos present in your school is properly addressed. If managed carefully, the presence of asbestos will not pose a risk to your staff and pupils. However, poor
management of asbestos in your school could endanger lives. Duty holders could also face prosecution, by failing to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Schools in England were asked at the beginning of 2018 to provide details of asbestos within their schools. The public accounts committee are concerned that after 2 deadline extensions, at least 23% of schools are still to provide this information. The DFE have issued one final deadline of the 15th Feb 2019 and have been encouraged, thereafter, in March to name and shame schools that have not cooperated.
More than 200 teachers have died across the country since 2001 from mesothelioma, a form of cancer associated with asbestos, according to the National Education Union, (NEU – formerly the National Union of Teachers).
The DfE has issued updated guidance on the management of asbestos in schools. This training covers your legal ‘duty to manage’ asbestos, the role of school staff (including maintenance), asbestos management plans and emergency procedures to deal with accidental exposure.
Who is it for?Â
Headteachers, Site Managers
Age phase Â
All
