Experts: Wales needs asbestos audit
May 11, 2009
A national audit of asbestos in Welsh schools is needed to protect the country's children, it has been claimed.
Speaking to the Western Mail, Dr Philip Dixon, director of teaching union ATL Cymru, said the issue of asbestos in schools is "potentially a life-threatening matter" and claimed the Welsh Assembly needs to take immediate action to determine the scale of the problem.
He added that action cannot be taken until the true extent of the problem is known, but predicted that the issue will be larger in Wales than it is in England.
Asbestos expert Emma Corfield, managing director of Abergavenny-based Core Surveys, also told the newspaper that a national audit of schools is needed so management plans can be updated.
She explained: "I would like to see the audit begin this year. Children who are being exposed in schools could die in their 40s. Schools are a ticking timebomb."
Last month, the Health and Safety Executive revealed it will join forces with industry partners in South Yorkshire and the Humber to hold asbestos training events for small construction businesses.
Find out more about Asbestos
Speaking to the Western Mail, Dr Philip Dixon, director of teaching union ATL Cymru, said the issue of asbestos in schools is "potentially a life-threatening matter" and claimed the Welsh Assembly needs to take immediate action to determine the scale of the problem.
He added that action cannot be taken until the true extent of the problem is known, but predicted that the issue will be larger in Wales than it is in England.
Asbestos expert Emma Corfield, managing director of Abergavenny-based Core Surveys, also told the newspaper that a national audit of schools is needed so management plans can be updated.
She explained: "I would like to see the audit begin this year. Children who are being exposed in schools could die in their 40s. Schools are a ticking timebomb."
Last month, the Health and Safety Executive revealed it will join forces with industry partners in South Yorkshire and the Humber to hold asbestos training events for small construction businesses.
Find out more about Asbestos
More Asbestos news:
Five people potentially exposed to asbestos at shopping centre - August 25, 2010Asbestos disturbed at primary school - August 25, 2010
Female worker loses fingers in packaging machine - July 20, 2010
Worker breaks back after being crushed by wall - May 24, 2010
Fear of asbestos exposure led to temporary closure - April 27, 2010
