Teachers and pupils exposed to a risk with deadly consequences
The recent shocking discovery that around 90 per cent of schools in the city of Manchester contain the dangerous building material asbestos has raised concerns for the safety of teachers and pupils in schools, nurseries and colleges across the country (Mirror.co.uk, 2009). Schools Minister Jim Knight has estimated that around 70 per cent of all school buildings house some asbestos-containing materials (Hansard, 2008).
With asbestos the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in Britain, (HSE, 2009) particularly among construction workers and maintenance staff, it’s not surprising that the government is facing increasing pressure from groups like the Daily Mirror and teachers’ unions for proper discussion and review of the problem. But its not just construction workers at risk from asbestos – anyone working in an asbestos-containing building could be at risk from the serious, often fatal illnesses associated with inhaling asbestos fibres.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous building material which was used widely between the 1950’s and the early 1980’s in Britain for fireproofing and insulation purposes, as well as in floor and ceiling tiles and wall panels. During that time, the Consortium on Local Authorities Special Programme (CLASP) was established with the aim of advancing simple, quick and efficient building methods for new permanent ‘system’ buildings.
System buildings of this type are very common in the public sector, and most of these buildings are schools. This leads authorities to estimate that over 500,000 public premises – schools included – still contain traces of harmful asbestos today.
Why does asbestos pose a threat in schools?
Though the HSE states that asbestos poses little threat to teachers and pupils in their normal activities, it has been noted that staff such as caretakers and maintenance workers face a greater risk owing to the type of tasks they are required to perform, such as fixing and drilling into walls.
However, if a teacher uses pins or tacks to attach pupils’ work to an asbestos-containing wall or ceiling tile, something that would be commonplace in a primary school classroom, they risk potentially harmful exposure to asbestos fibres. This has led Local Authorities to advise strictly against the kind of activity teachers across the country have been carrying out for years. Vandalism, where asbestos panels are damaged, also presents an asbestos risk.
It’s been estimated that around 400 teachers have been exposed to the risks of asbestos, according to the general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers. But the most striking reality is that the illnesses associated with asbestos exposure can take from 15 to 60 years to fully develop (ATL, 2008). As yet, full details of the threat of asbestos, the extent of its presence in UK schools and the medical implications of exposure – both long and short term – are unknown.
Health implications
Exposure to asbestos can result in the development of several serious, and sometimes fatal, illnesses. Asbestosis of the lungs is an incurable disease causing shortness of breath whose symptoms may not appear for up to 20 years after exposure, and can significantly shorten life expectancy. It also carries the risk of developing into lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer which affects the body’s organ membranes.
Sadly, the prognosis for lung cancer carries only a 10% rate of complete recovery, with many people becoming terminally ill. Even more shocking is the fact that approximately 85% of mesothelioma victims die within three years of diagnosis. The NHS estimates that mesothelioma claims 1,800 lives each year.
Health and Safety legislation affects your school or college
The person responsible for the health, safety and welfare of employees and pupils in schools, nurseries and colleges is the employer – this could be your Local Authority, school governing body or proprietor depending on the type of school (more details can be found at www.teachernet.gov.uk).
Asbestos guidance for schools is provided by the HSE. This includes the duty of the employer to provide training and raise awareness for employees likely to be exposed to asbestos, especially caretakers and grounds staff, and implementing policies for emergencies and to avoid the disturbance of asbestos.