Schools in science class asbestos scare
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been made aware that two UK laboratory companies have supplied schools with gauze mats which contain asbestos. The metal gauze mats are designed for use over Bunsen burners.
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious and fatal health issues.
The HSE say they have ensured that both of the supply companies have stopped providing the gauze mats and are overseeing arrangements to contact affected customers and provide precautionary advice on how the mats should be disposed of safely.
A spokesperson for HSE, said: “We are also investigating how these particular gauze mats came into circulation.
“Breaches of the restrictions on the supply of asbestos are taken very seriously by HSE.”
Teaching union NASUWT has contacted Wales Government Cabinet Secretary, Kirsty Williams, to draw her attention to the issue.
Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary, said: “While it is to be welcomed that the HSE Executive has highlighted this major hazard to the health of children and young people and all those who work on school sites, it is unacceptable that the two suppliers involved have not been named.
“The NASUWT believes that the suppliers must be named immediately not only to enable schools to identify if they have used the suppliers and therefore may have this potentially deadly material on site.”
A spokesman for Powys County Council said: “We are aware of this issue. We have sent guidance produced by the HSE and CLEAPSS (Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services) which explains what action a school should carry out which includes stop using all gauzes and prevent their further use within the science department.”
PICTURE: The sort of gauze that is a cause for concern
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|