Asbestos in Educational Facilities: Managing Risks in Schools and Universities

The Challenge of Asbestos in Educational Buildings

Educational facilities across the UK face a significant challenge when it comes to asbestos management. According to the Department for Education, approximately 80% of schools in England contain some form of asbestos. Many universities and colleges, particularly those with buildings constructed before 2000, are also likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

This guide aims to help educational facility managers understand their responsibilities and implement effective asbestos management strategies.

Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found in Educational Buildings

Asbestos was widely used in school and university construction until the late 1990s. Common locations include:

• Ceiling tiles and coatings - especially in halls, corridors and classrooms
• Insulation - around pipes, boilers, and heating systems
• Wall panels - particularly around heating systems
• Floor tiles - vinyl tiles and adhesives
• Roofing materials - including cement roofing sheets
• Window panels and sills
• Fire protection - including fire doors and panels
• Science laboratories - including lab benches, fume cupboards, and heat-resistant mats

Legal Requirements for Educational Institutions

Educational institutions must comply with several specific requirements:

1. Duty to Manage

The duty holder (typically the local authority, school governors, or university management) must:

• Identify the location and condition of asbestos
• Assess the risk of anyone being exposed
• Create and maintain an asbestos register
• Prepare an asbestos management plan
• Implement and review the plan regularly

2. Asbestos Surveys

Educational institutions should have:

• A management survey to identify asbestos during normal occupancy
• A refurbishment and demolition survey before any construction work

3. Risk Assessment

Assessments should consider:

• The type and condition of asbestos
• Activities that might disturb asbestos
• The number of people potentially exposed
• The frequency and duration of potential exposure

Developing an Asbestos Management Plan

An effective asbestos management plan for educational facilities should include:

Special Considerations for Educational Environments

Working Around Term Times

Educational facilities have unique scheduling challenges:

• Schedule major asbestos work during holiday periods
• Carefully plan and isolate areas when work must be done during term time
• Consider alternative accommodations for affected classrooms

Communication with Stakeholders

Effective communication is essential:

• Inform staff about asbestos locations and procedures
• Reassure parents about management practices
• Provide appropriate information to students
• Establish clear communication channels for reporting concerns

Student Safety Considerations

Particular attention must be paid to student safety:

• Assess areas prone to student damage (wall corners, ceiling access)
• Consider the height and accessibility of ACMs
• Implement enhanced monitoring in high-traffic areas
• Ensure science laboratories have specific protocols

Training and Awareness

Educational institutions should implement tiered training:

1. Facility Managers - Comprehensive training on legal duties and management
2. Maintenance Staff - Asbestos awareness plus procedures for safe working
3. Teaching and Administrative Staff - Basic awareness training
4. Contractors - Verification of appropriate training before work begins

Incident Response Planning

Every educational facility should have a clear incident response plan for potential asbestos disturbance:

1. Immediate evacuation of the affected area
2. Isolation and securing of the space
3. Reporting to responsible person/team
4. Assessment by qualified professionals
5. Air testing if necessary
6. Clean-up by licensed contractors
7. Clearance certification before reoccupation
8. Incident review and procedure updates

Case Study: Managing Asbestos During School Renovation

A secondary school in Surrey needed to renovate its science block during the summer holidays. Here's how the asbestos management process worked:

1. A refurbishment survey identified asbestos in lab bench tops and behind wall panels
2. A detailed removal plan was developed with strict timeline requirements
3. Licensed contractors removed all asbestos materials in controlled conditions
4. Air testing confirmed the area was safe before renovation work began
5. The renovation was completed on schedule for the new term
6. The school's asbestos register was updated to reflect the changes

Future Planning: Asbestos Removal Strategy

While managing asbestos in place is often appropriate, educational institutions should develop long-term strategies for asbestos removal when feasible:

• Prioritize removal based on risk assessments
• Incorporate asbestos removal into planned renovations
• Develop a phased approach aligned with capital improvement plans
• Budget for asbestos surveys and potential removal costs
• Consider fundraising specifically for asbestos removal projects

Conclusion

Managing asbestos in educational facilities requires a proactive, systematic approach. By understanding where asbestos is located, implementing proper controls, and planning carefully for any work that might disturb asbestos, educational institutions can ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors while meeting their legal obligations.

Amiantogone has extensive experience working with educational institutions to develop and implement effective asbestos management strategies. Our team understands the unique challenges of working in these environments and can provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.