MI Sheets Database

Management Information MI 192/09 Action
Date published LA Contact (Click to send email) Telephone
10/10/2009 Paul Commins or Martin Morley 01603 223470/ 01603 223989
To Headteachers, Heads of other Children's Services Premises and Governors
Title Asbestos Releases in Norfolk Schools
Associated hyperlinks
and documents		 http://schools.norfolk.gov.uk/myportal/index.cfm?s=1&m=256&p=174,page&id=1024
http://schools.norfolk.gov.uk/myportal/index.cfm?s=1&m=256&p=174,index
Norfolk Self Review 6. Leadership and Management
To be completed by 31/12/2009

Asbestos Releases in Norfolk Schools

Damaged asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were recently discovered in two Norfolk schools and had to be reported to the HSE as Dangerous Occurrences under RIDDOR.

In both cases asbestos was released as a result of materials being damaged by pupils - by kicking a ball against ceiling panels that contained asbestos; and by damage to a door panel containing ACMs.

In each case local defect reporting procedures failed to identify the damage and routine inspections of ACMs had not been carried out by the premises manager. As a result there was no way of knowing when the damage had occurred and how many people had been exposed.

Actions

These two incidents highlight the need for all premises to:

  		•  have in place effective defect reporting procedures
  		• carry out local inspections of ACMs
  		•  create a local Asbestos Management Plan

    Although NPS Property Consultants Ltd (NPS) carry out annual checks on ACMs, it is essential that premises managers carry out local checks so that damaged ACMs can be identified promptly and suitable remedial action taken.

    The Asbestos Management Plan for your premises, contained in the Management of Asbestos guidance, should include:

  		• Who is responsible for managing asbestos
  		• The Asbestos Register
  		• Plans for work on asbestos materials
  		• Ensuring that, where the need for work has been identified, works are undertaken to comply with this

  		•  The schedule for monitoring the condition of low and medium risk materials

  • Low risk - six monthly

  • Medium risk - quarterly

  		• Procedures to monitor and review the plan and the arrangements to act on it so that the plan remains relevant and up-to-date.