How Often Should Asbestos Surveys Be Carried Out In Schools In Devon

Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that was widely used in the construction of buildings, including schools, until the year 2000 when it was banned in the UK due to its harmful health effects. Asbestos exposure can lead to respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Therefore, it is vital for schools in Devon to have regular asbestos surveys conducted to ensure that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified and managed appropriately. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading asbestos survey company in Devon that can help you with your school's asbestos survey needs.

Asbestos Found - What Now?

If asbestos is found in your school, you need to have a plan in place for how to manage it properly. This plan should include regular reviews of the condition of these materials, monitoring of any changes, and a plan for their safe removal.

A survey by Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help you to identify whether asbestos is present in your school, and if so, where it is located, its condition, and the risk of exposure it presents. Once we have identified any asbestos in your school, we can then help you to create a management plan for its safe management and removal.

Asbestos Survey Review

A regular review of your asbestos management plan is essential to ensure its effectiveness. Reviews should take place every 6-12 months, especially if there have been any significant changes to your school's buildings or to the ACMs themselves.

It is crucial to review the effectiveness of any control measures that have been put in place to manage asbestos-containing materials. And if necessary, we can provide training for staff to ensure they understand how to manage asbestos safely.

Schools Asbestos Management

Schools are required to have an asbestos management plan in place by law. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires schools employers to assess the risk of asbestos in their buildings and manage it accordingly.

Managing asbestos in a school requires a good understanding of the risks that are involved. It also requires a written plan outlining the procedures and protocols that need to be in place to manage the asbestos effectively.

How Many Exposure To Asbestos?

Many people are unaware of the harmful effects of asbestos exposure, which can take several years to develop. Asbestos exposure can cause cancer and other respiratory illnesses, and it is estimated that over 5,000 people die each year in the UK due to asbestos-related conditions.

Children, especially those that are young, are more susceptible to developing asbestos-related illnesses than adults. Therefore, it is essential that all schools in Devon carry out regular asbestos surveys and take appropriate action to manage any asbestos-containing materials found.

Asbestos Survey & Work to Property

Any work that is carried out to a property that may contain asbestos must be carefully planned and executed to minimize the risk of exposure. Asbestos can be found in many building materials, including insulation, roofing, and flooring.

Before any work is carried out, an asbestos survey must be conducted to identify any ACMs that may be present. Only approved contractors should then carry out work that involves asbestos.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help with asbestos surveys and provide safe asbestos removal services to schools in Devon.

Asbestos Register & Safety Work

All schools in Devon are required to keep an asbestos register that provides information about the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials in the building. This allows anyone who works in the school or visits the premises to be aware of the potential risks of exposure.

Any asbestos-containing materials that are likely to be disturbed during routine maintenance should be labelled and identified in the register. This ensures that they can be managed appropriately and safely according to the asbestos management plan in place.

Year 2000 Built - Need Help on Asbestos?

Buildings that were built before the year 2000 are likely to contain asbestos-containing materials. Despite the ban on the use of asbestos, many school buildings are still standing, and some may still have asbestos-containing materials present.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help you to have your school surveyed and provide the necessary advice and guidance on the safe management and removal of asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos Training

All staff who work in schools in Devon should be provided with asbestos awareness training. The training should cover the following topics:

• What asbestos is and where it is likely to be found
• The health risks associated with asbestos exposure
• How to recognise asbestos-containing materials
• What to do if asbestos is found or suspected
• Understanding asbestos management plans

Asbestos Management Surveys & Testing

Asbestos management surveys should be carried out in schools at least every twelve months. The survey should cover all areas of the building that are accessible, and any areas that have been refurbished or altered since the previous survey.

Any materials suspected of containing asbestos should be tested to confirm their status. If tests are positive, they should be managed in accordance with the asbestos management plan, which should include regular monitoring and reviews.

Whether to Have Asbestos Surveys or Not

All schools in Devon should have an asbestos survey carried out. Surveys identify the presence of any asbestos-containing materials and their condition.

It is essential to manage any ACMs identified in the survey to ensure that they do not pose a risk to the health of staff or pupils. It is also crucial that schools keep their asbestos management plans up to date and reviewed regularly. By doing so, schools can help to prevent the risk of asbestos exposure and ensure the safety of their staff and pupils.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that is still present in many older school buildings. Therefore, all schools in Devon must have regular asbestos surveys carried out, and a management plan in place to manage any ACMs that are identified.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a trusted provider of asbestos surveys and safe asbestos removal services. We can help your school to manage asbestos safely and ensure that your staff and pupils are protected from exposure to this harmful substance.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at 01962 458066 or email at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk.