Voice calls for schools asbestos audit
Monday, 2 February 2009
12:00 AM
Voice the union for education professionals has welcomed the asbestos survey of local authorities announced by the DCSF but also called for a national audit of asbestos in all schools.
The need for a comprehensive national audit was highlighted by the BBC Inside Out South East programme Asbestos - the tip of the iceberg, which found that more than 90% of schools in the region still contain asbestos.
David Brierley, Voice's Solicitor, said: "Until there is a national assessment of the extent of the asbestos problem in schools, it will be impossible to allocate resources proportionate to the risks either at national or at local level.
"The DCSF/HSE questionnaire that has been sent to local authorities is a welcome first step and recognition that information on the presence of asbestos in schools is required, but clearly there has to be a comprehensive audit of all schools."
Notes
DCSF and HSE survey: Asbestos management in system built schools and system built children's settings
Previous Voice statements: www.voicetheunion.org.uk/asbestos
Contacts: pressoffice@voicetheunion.org.uk
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