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Schools: Asbestos

Answer

The Department for Education does not collect information on the presence and condition of asbestos in schools. The Control of Asbestos Regulations requires duty holders—local authorities or schools themselves—to collect this information. Nor does the Department collect information on incidences of schools being closed due to the discovery of asbestos or the removal of asbestos from schools. These are matters for the duty holders and the local management of schools.

On-line guidance on managing the risks from asbestos containing materials was published on the departmental website on 24 October. This is aimed at headteachers, school governors, other members of the school management team and those who oversee the maintenance and repair of school buildings:

www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/schoolscapital/buildingsanddesign/managementofpremises/b00215518/asbestosmanagementschools

The Department has not commissioned any research into asbestos related diseases of people working in schools. A research report was commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) relating to a case control study that covered teachers as well as other professions and this was published in 2009. HSE also publish analyses of mesothelioma mortality by occupational groups including teachers. The approach to the management of asbestos as enacted by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 is informed by the results of such research.

A central national register of school buildings containing asbestos is unnecessary as it would duplicate records which those responsible for managing asbestos are required to keep. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, schools must maintain and regularly update an asbestos register with the location and condition of asbestos containing materials in the school.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

133268; 555 cc843-4W

Session

2012-13

Subjects

Asbestos Schools

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk