HSE carried out over 400 inspections of primary and secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales to assess how they are managing risks from asbestos.
The inspections showed that most schools were complying with their legal duties and had effective systems in place to manage and monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
A small number of schools (7%) had significant enough failings in their systems, meaning enforcement action was required to address them. Most of these failings are related to improvements being needed in their management plans or surveys.
To comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 schools should:
keep an up-to-date survey clearly showing the location of asbestos and highlighting any areas not surveyed
identify any action required by the survey, check to make sure it is completed and update records
have a clear asbestos management plan specific to the site, and regularly review it
regularly monitor the condition of ACMs
have effective procedures for dealing with any unplanned disturbance of ACMs and providing accurate information to emergency services attending the site
ensure staff have clear roles and responsibilities for managing asbestos and ensure deputies or contingency plans are in place to cover for absences
ensure contractors provide risk assessments, method statements, and evidence of asbestos awareness training
To read the Management of Asbestos in school buildings 2022/23 report: https://www.hse.gov.uk/services/education/asbestos-management-report.htm?utm_source=inspectionsgovdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=guidance-push-hse&utm_term=&utm_content=education-17-jul-23
Further information in relation to managing asbestos:
Asbestos in schools - HSE
Introduction to asbestos - HSE
Managing asbestos in your school or college - Department for Education
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