Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

The New South Wales Department of Education and Training  has recently completed a survey of its schools, including colleges, to establish an asbestos register.   The register identifies the existence and location of any known or presumed asbestos-containing materials on the school sites. The register will serve as a reference tool for contractors and anyone concerned if they are working in areas that contain or may contain asbestos in order to minimize risk of exposure to the deadly substance. The register provides advice and also allows contractors to take necessary precautions.

 

The survey was ordered in March of 2008 after the death of a retired teacher.  Mrs. Eden died of mesothelioma, a fatal lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.  The recently completed survey revealed that more than 2,200 of the 2,375 NSW school sites contained asbestos. Three types of asbestos were found: 

*        chrysotile (white)

*        amosite (brown)

*        crocidolite (blue)

 The material was mostly found in ceilings, walls, floors, and toilet cubicle areas. 

 

Although asbestos was found in many sites, the survey results show that it does not pose a health risk in most of the schools because the asbestos is undisturbed and in good condition. Only two schools were shown to have asbestos containing materials that could be in friable condition thereby creating a health risk. Friable means the material has the potential to release asbestos fibers into the air. Any material that can be crumbled, crushed, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry is considered friable.