Issue 2, April 2003

An asbestos hazard in the school environment is a highly emotive issue, which needs to be carefully managed and communicated to parents, students, staff and workers alike. There are four main phases we recommend to protect both school occupants and workers:

• Awareness
  In the best case scenario, maintenance and building workers and their employers need to have sufficient training and knowledge of where asbestos materials have typically been used and found in the past in schools and other similar buildings of similar age. School management must have a historical record of building works conducted in the past at their school to provide valuable information on possible risk locations or types.
  
  All this information assists in recognising the possibility of an asbestos hazard. When the available historical information is inadequate, the identification of the likely presence or absence of an asbestos hazard is best handled by appropriately trained persons undertaking a hazard audit. The hazard audit involves the identification, evaluation and recommended control of all the identified risks (not just asbestos).
  
  When the existence of a hazard is recognised, an atmosphere of open consultation between management, workers, parents and employees is the best starting point leading to a technically sound solution which also manages expectations and minimises undue concerns.

• Identification
  
  Considerable care, persistence and awareness is needed to locate all possible occurrences of asbestos. Sampling must be done by trained specialists. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis must be performed to identify the asbestos type and overall potential risk level.

• Evaluation
  Factors such as material condition/damage, friability, accessibility, air plenum, asbestos content, asbestos type, binding material and existing airborne fibre levels must be assessed in order to recommend proper corrective actions. Ensuring legislative requirements are met is another important element.
   
• Risk Control
  Options to consider:

• Deferred action, which is appropriate when there is negligible risk potential, but requires considerable management and custodial care.
• Enclosure requires an impervious barrier surrounding the asbestos material. Construction of the enclosure itself can generate raised fibre levels and thus you need to carefully monitor such works.
• Encapsulation or sealing are appropriate if the asbestos (i.e. insulation) is in good condition and can be thoroughly penetrated by the encapsulant. This option should not be employed as a long-term protection nor in areas where access is required.
• Removal is highly effective in protecting workers and occupants from elevated levels of asbestos fibres. However, this requires an expertly planned, independent and continuous monitoring program during the asbestos removal. This involves a highly detailed tender specification and inspection and discussion phase with the chosen removal contractor.

CETEC can provide to you and your facility risk management of asbestos and other hazardous materials. We have more than 20 years experience in providing independent risk assessment and management in schools and other complex public buildings. Our consultants are experienced, independent, professionally qualified and well-trained. 

For more information or a review of your facility call us NOW on +613 95449111.

Other related articles
Hazard Assessment for Property Owners
Hazardous materials audits
School soil assessment