Asbestos in Schools: The Importance of Asbestos Surveys in Northern Ireland

A recent revelation from the Department of Education (DE) has shed light on the widespread presence of asbestos in Northern Ireland’s schools. Of the approximately 1,100 schools in the region, 975 have been identified as containing asbestos. While asbestos itself is not necessarily dangerous, it becomes a significant health risk when disturbed, as the inhalation of its fibres can lead to serious diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

At Asbestos Solutions NI, we understand the importance of managing asbestos in buildings, particularly in schools and public buildings. With offices in Belfast and Coleraine, we offer professional asbestos surveys that help property owners, schools, and businesses across Northern Ireland assess, manage, and mitigate the risks posed by asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Why Asbestos in Schools Is a Concern

Asbestos was widely used in the construction of buildings throughout the second half of the 20th century due to its excellent fire-retardant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that when the fibres are disturbed and inhaled, they can cause severe health issues. This is a particular concern in schools, where ongoing maintenance and renovations can unintentionally disturb ACMs, exposing pupils, teachers, and staff to potential health risks.

Despite this, asbestos does not pose a risk as long as it remains undisturbed. The key issue arises during renovation work, routine repairs, or when the materials begin to deteriorate over time. As the Department of Education’s recent figures show, the majority of schools in Northern Ireland still contain asbestos, and the potential for disturbance during renovations is a real concern.

What Are the Risks of Asbestos Exposure?

There are three main types of asbestos:

1. Chrysotile (White Asbestos) – The most common form, found in many buildings.
2. Amosite (Brown Asbestos) – Considered more hazardous than chrysotile.
3. Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos) – The most dangerous form of asbestos.

While chrysotile is the most common form found in schools, both amosite and crocidolite are more hazardous and are found in a significant number of buildings. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during maintenance or construction activities, the fibres can become airborne, posing a health risk to anyone who breathes them in.

This is why it’s crucial to have a professional asbestos survey conducted in any building that may contain asbestos, especially those that are undergoing renovations or are frequently used by the public, like schools.

Why an Asbestos Survey is Essential for Schools and Public Buildings

1. Identify Hidden Risks Before Work Begins
   An asbestos survey helps identify where asbestos-containing materials are located within a building and assesses their condition. With the knowledge of where ACMs are present, schools and property owners can take steps to manage the risks. This is especially important before starting any maintenance or refurbishment work, as disturbing asbestos can release harmful fibres into the air.
2. Ensure Health and Safety Compliance
   Asbestos surveys are vital for ensuring compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations require that anyone working in a building that contains asbestos is made aware of its presence and given appropriate information on how to manage it safely. A comprehensive survey can help you avoid any legal pitfalls by ensuring your building is compliant with current health and safety laws.
3. Protect the Health of Students and Staff
   The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are not immediate, but the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, can take decades to develop. Ensuring that asbestos is properly managed reduces the risk of exposure and helps safeguard the health of everyone who spends time in your building.
4. Provide a Clear Action Plan for Asbestos Management
   An asbestos survey does more than just identify asbestos-containing materials. It provides a clear action plan for managing the risks. Depending on the findings, the report may recommend different actions such as encapsulation, repair, or, in cases where the asbestos is severely damaged or at risk of disturbance, removal. By having a professional survey, you can make informed decisions about how to best manage the presence of asbestos in your building.

How Asbestos Solutions NI Can Help

At Asbestos Solutions NI, we offer asbestos surveys to help property owners, businesses, and schools across Northern Ireland manage the risks posed by asbestos. Whether you’re concerned about a school, a healthcare facility, or any public building, our team can help you understand where asbestos is located, assess its condition, and provide guidance on the best course of action.

Here’s how we can help:

1. Comprehensive Asbestos Surveys: We offer two primary types of asbestos surveys—Management Surveys and Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys. Both types provide a thorough assessment of your property, identifying all ACMs and providing actionable advice on how to safely manage or remove them.
2. Experienced and Qualified Surveyors: Our team of qualified surveyors are fully accredited and have years of experience in asbestos management. We follow all the latest regulations and best practices to ensure your property is fully compliant and safe.
3. Clear, Actionable Reports: After the survey, we provide you with a detailed report that outlines where asbestos is located, its condition, and recommendations for management or removal. This clear and concise report helps you take the necessary steps to protect the people in your building.
4. Local Expertise: With offices in both Belfast and Coleraine, we have a deep understanding of the local building landscape in Northern Ireland. We are familiar with the types of buildings commonly found in the area and the potential asbestos risks associated with them.
5. Fast and Efficient Service: We understand that time is often of the essence, especially when dealing with buildings that are regularly used by the public. Our team offers fast, reliable service to ensure that your asbestos survey is completed quickly and efficiently, without disrupting your daily operations.

Get in Touch with Asbestos Solutions NI Today

If you are responsible for a school, public building, or any property built before 2000, it’s important to ensure that an asbestos survey is part of your building’s safety and maintenance plans.

Contact Asbestos Solutions NI today to arrange an asbestos survey. With our expertise and local knowledge, we will help you identify and manage the risks associated with asbestos, ensuring the safety of your building and everyone who uses it.

Call us at 07702 332 333 or email us for more information. Alternatively, visit our website at www.asbestossolutionsni.com to book your survey today.

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Asbestos Solutions NI—Protecting your property, safeguarding health, and ensuring compliance across Northern Ireland.