Asbestos management in Brent schools: National and local implications How can we protect our children from this silent killer?

SARAH JANE BOWMAN BRENT SCHOOL PUPIL Sarah was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2009 Her prognosis is currently ‘guarded’ She received a settlement from Brent Council in 2012

Report authors Hank Roberts : Health & Safety Adviser Jenny Cooper: Health & Safety Adviser Gill Reed: Health & Safety Adviser Sarah Bowman: former pupil and mesothelioma victim The Brent Report was launched by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee JUAC at the NUT Conference 2016 It was supported by the Trade Union Council TUC and the Asbestos in Schools AiS group

How dangerous is hidden asbestos?

Disturbed asbestos leaves columns via gaps

Disturbed hidden asbestos leaves ceiling void via holes and gaps

Sarah’s old classroom hut in 2008 Water seeps into wall voids via deteriorating window surrounds

Each time AIB is hit the unsealed reverse face releases asbestos fibres

Disturbed hidden asbestos passes through gaps between panels into classroom

Contractors left exposed asbestos so placing themselves and pupils at risk

How many pupils at school today will develop mesothelioma? Professor Peto estimates that pupils who were exposed to asbestos at school in the 1960s and 1970s will develop mesothelioma between 10 and 60 years later The evidence shows that: – Pupils are still being exposed to asbestos and that the deterioration of buildings is increasing the level of exposure. – The projected increase in life expectancy means more people will live long enough to develop mesothelioma after exposure So without government action more will die each year in the future from mesothelioma

Report Recommendations to Government and HSE Support the TUC and All-Party Parliament Group on Occupational Health & Safety recommended phased removal of asbestos from schools Require mandatory effective UKAS accredited surveys and risk assessments (HSG 227 pages 55-59)that identify all the unsafe asbestos in schools Develop risk assessments, environmental and Clearance levels that allow for pupil vulnerability Require schools to inform parents annually about the extent, location, type and condition of the asbestos in their child’s school plus keep asbestos records including exposure registers for up to 60 years

What can we do? All parents, governors, school staff and their unions need to tell the government that their inaction is a premature and painful death sentence for hundreds of former pupils and staff each year. Sign Lucie Stephen’s petition at: and-teachers-from-asbestos-exposure-in-schools?state=initial Write to your MP, school governors/trustees/local authority Refuse to accept inadequate surveys and risk assessments that describe unsafe asbestos as safe Demand adequate funding if needed to remove unsafe asbestos as soon as possible

Links to the Report: Asbestos Management in Brent Schools events/conference-2016/shameful-asbestos- schools events/conference-2016/shameful-asbestos- schools advice/health-and-safety/a/asbestos- management-brent-schools-full-report advice/health-and-safety/a/asbestos- management-brent-schools-full-report