Asbestos? Found in school ...help!!!

[jackie123]

well I would have thought they should have removed all of it, but if this is asbestos why is it there? the pipe I am pretty sure was asbestos. How do you really know where it could be there would be pieces scattered everywhere from where the kids have moved it. Plus some of it would be buried under the ground amongst the rubble.

[mikm]

Jackie, keep in mind that not all cement based building products had asbestos in them. I would imagine that a government organisation such as the education system would have a paper trail a mile long regarding the correct identification and removal of asbestos from your site by licensed removalists. If said removalists have already been and gone, I would be very surprised if they left any AC lying around - they would be absolutely crucified by the legal machine that only a government can bring to bear. They have probably decided that they were only paid remove asbestos, so that's all they were prepared to take.
Until you hear otherwise from the lab that tested your particular samples, be cautious, take precautions (some good suggestions above) but don’t panic. Beware of helpful advice from old Bazza down at the pub who says colour X and texture Y means that it is or is not AC. AC products come in many forms and only with proper testing can you be sure.
Cheers,
Mick

[jackie123]

G'day Mick, well I starting to panic!!!! I had the samples tested and they came back positive nearly all of them but they are all in different forms but definately contain asbestos in various consistencies and various types. One type is nearly if not all asbestos!!! Oh my!!! I am stressing. I have so many things going through my head.

[mikm]

Sorry to hear that, Jackie. I suspect that now would be the time to get some specific health advice about the relative levels of risk you and your students are facing. It appears no longer appropriate for non-experts such as myself to comment (speculate) further except to say that I wish you the best of luck for a positive outcome.

[jackie123]

Mick, which health officials would be best to speak to?

[The Bleeder]

Jackie,

Panic is propably the worst thing to do at the moment.

Don't know which part of Oz you're in but this is what I would do now.

Document the area of concern (i.e. the kids play here, photos etc..) and with the test results send it to your state education department. Also copy the Heath department with all this info.

Now this it the big one. Since someone did an asbestos removal and left some behind (bad removal practice) send a copy to the EPA as well.

There should now be enough fuss to get something done. The EPA might be the first to step in.

[mikm]

Mick, which health officials would be best to speak to?

Dunno mate. As I said, I'm not an expert here, but I would suggest your GP may be a good place to start and they can refer you on if necessary. Get the education union involved. They will no doubt have a clearly defined plan of acton about this.

[jackie123]

I hope so guy's, hope they do something asap. I truly cannot understand why this particular issue is not being dealt with urgency or of utmost concern. I just dont get it! it's bizzare. Does anyone know what would the procedure be to get an independent risk assessment done?

[Carry Pine]

Jackie 123,

I'm in a school so I have experienced this sort of thing first hand. I have a few questions for you before you get too worried about the asbestos.

* I must have missed the principal's reaction to you reporting the asbestos. They have a butt to protect and would probably get very involved with the situation.
* You probably have an OH&S committee and/or delegate who is probably trained and knows what to do.
* If it is asbestos you have a duty of care to protect students which does not involve panicking. You may need to tell someone further up the food chain if principal in not interested.

Graham

[petersemple]

Yep. It sounds like at present you are the only person who is aware there is actually asbestos present. Until you have informed somebody in authority I doubt anything will happen. I hope you are doing that today - quietly, calmly, and with a view to seeing an immediate response

Peter

[jackie123]

Hi Peter, actually the authorities have known for sometime re the suspected asbestos but no test results were forthcomining. This is why I had my own tests conducted to confirm my thoughts of the material. Which is now confirmed by an accredited lab

[jackie123]

Hello Graham, I am honestly so concerned. I raised my thoughts of the product immediately and have been worried sick ever since. I really dont know what else I can do as I dont want to panic anyone but I believe there needs to be immediate action taken and substaintial questions answered. Actually just thinking you might be able guide me on the correct process that a school & workcover should follow. Is there a state action plan as such which both parties should follow?. Can also an independent audit/risk assessment be conducted to determine the cause & associated risk for past, present & future?. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated as I am lost with all this.

[Sturdee]

Hello Graham, I am honestly so concerned. I raised my thoughts of the product immediately and have been worried sick ever since. I really dont know what else I can do as I dont want to panic anyone but I believe there needs to be immediate action taken and substaintial questions answered.

As you said that it was government property I presume the school is a government school. I also assume that you are a concerned parent and not an employee of the school.

If so I suggest that you immediately inform the Principal in writing advising him of the problem and a copy of the test result and also advise him that you will hold him personally liable for any illnesses that may occur in the future to you and your children as a result of his failure to ensure the correct removal of the asbestos material.

At the same time deliver a copy of your letter to the Regional Director of the Education Department and /or the head office of the department.

Finally send copies of this to the TV current affairs shows and/or talk back radio stations like (in Vic) 693-3AW.

However if you are an employee of the school it may be better to first talk to your union officials.

Hope this helps and good luck in your endeavours trying to make it safe for everyone.

[Cruzi]

Asbestos is not a health risk in normal use, it is actually quite a good fire retardant and insulation material.

As many have mentioned, the only real trouble with it is when it is worked with machines or being demolished which creates airborne dust.
Unless there is airborne dust there is not a problem, remember, the media never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Removal is quite dangerous, often more dangerous than sealing it in place, it creates dust and particles which settle all around.

Comments like "it only takes one particle to kill you" are about as valid as it only takes one shark to eat you or it only takes one lightning strike to kill you.

Don't panic, if there is no dust, it is quite safe.

[Carry Pine]

Jackie123,

You are remaining very anonymous at the moment and there is probably a reason for that.
I don't know whether you are in a govt school or the private system and in what state.
If you just happen to be in the NSW state system I can help you with specific info- much of which is stated above.
You are correct to be concerned and the least to be done in the situation is a risk assessment carried out by an accredited person.
If you want to remain anonymous to the Forum, you may send me a PM for further info or specific advice.
Graham