On Friday 15th February ITN News reported on the discovery of asbestos in System built schools.

Of the 26,000 schools in the UK approximately half are System built.

The schools were typically built between 1945 and 1980.

These schools used large amounts of asbestos in their construction particularly to protect the metal columns.

If the asbestos is not sealed and is in a bad condition asbestos dust can be released into the air creating a risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos related injuries.

Tests have been carried out that show when a door is slammed high levels of asbestos dust can be released.

ITN has revealed that Local Authorities and the HSE have not carried out asbestos checks in many schools. It is essential that asbestos checks are carried out now. Any delay will expose schoolchildren and teachers to an unnecessary risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses.

At this week’s Parliamentary meeting, Michael Lees, Campaigner said:

‘Successive Governments have put their heads in the sand…. since they have been afraid to panic parents’

He urged the Government to restart the Health and Safety Executive’s Asbestos in school campaign from 2004 and for a Parliamentary Select Committee to be convened to take evidence and assess the risk to health.

Michael’s website where the ITN documentary can be viewed is at www.asbestosexposureschools.co.uk

Paul Glanville
John Pickering and Partners LLP
20 Clare Road
Halifax
HX1 2HX

E-mail: pg@johnpickering.co.uk
Tele: 01422 345535