Torfaen Council has shown its support for the Right to Know: Asbestos in Schools Wales campaign by posting on its website a list of 32 school buildings containing asbestos, and disclosing the details of an asbestos management plan. The list shows that of 39 school buildings in the Council area 32 contain asbestos.
The Right to Know: Asbestos in Schools Wales campaign, is calling for a central accessible database that registers asbestos in schools throughout Wales. Currently, parents do not have the Right to Know if asbestos is present in their child’s school, and the purpose of the database is to provide easily accessible information as to the presence and management of asbestos in schools, for parents and those working in schools.
 
John Cunningham, the Council’s executive member with responsibility for property maintenance said: “We are committed to ensuring the safety of everybody studying and teaching in Torfaen’s schools. Publishing this information underlines our confidence that where there is asbestos present, it is being managed in accordance with legislation and guidance.
We believe by making this information readily available it provides reassurance to parents and those working and learning in our schools.”
 
Asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) are safe if they are kept intact and in good condition, and the Health and Safety Executive advises against removing ACM’s in good condition as this will involve disturbing asbestos. Therefore, the Council says that where ACM’sthat are in good condition are identified the safest way to deal with it is to manage it in situ. Details of the Council’s asbestos management plans can be found on their website.
 
For further information about the Right to Know: Asbestos in Schools Wales campaign please click on the following links:
 

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/http://www.righttoknowasbestos.org/