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Retired School Caretaker Dies from Mesothelioma
Another death linked to possible exposure to asbestos in a school has occurred. Victor Kirk, 66, a retired caretaker from Paignton in Devon, died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma on 6 April 2006. He had spent much of his working life as a school caretaker, with posts at various schools.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued new official guidance to schools on how to fulfil their legal duties with regard to any asbestos present on the premises. It was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain between the 1950s and the mid 1980s and it is estimated that more than 500,000 non-domestic premises, including schools, still contain some form of asbestos.
Asbestos-containing materials pose the greatest threat if they are disturbed or damaged in some way so that asbestos fibres are released into the air. School caretakers have been identified as an at risk group owing to the nature of their work but teachers may also be exposed to the harmful fibres when pinning children’s work to asbestos insulation board or ceiling tiles. The HSE guidance for schools can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/schools.pdf.
The National Union of Teachers has revealed that over 100 teachers have died from contact with asbestos in the past 20 years.
Anyone who owns, occupies or has responsibility for non-domestic premises should be aware of any asbestos in the building as they have a legal duty to manage the associated risks or to co-operate with the person who does. Further information can be found on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/asbindex.htm .
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued new official guidance to schools on how to fulfil their legal duties with regard to any asbestos present on the premises. It was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain between the 1950s and the mid 1980s and it is estimated that more than 500,000 non-domestic premises, including schools, still contain some form of asbestos.
Asbestos-containing materials pose the greatest threat if they are disturbed or damaged in some way so that asbestos fibres are released into the air. School caretakers have been identified as an at risk group owing to the nature of their work but teachers may also be exposed to the harmful fibres when pinning children’s work to asbestos insulation board or ceiling tiles. The HSE guidance for schools can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/schools.pdf.
The National Union of Teachers has revealed that over 100 teachers have died from contact with asbestos in the past 20 years.
Anyone who owns, occupies or has responsibility for non-domestic premises should be aware of any asbestos in the building as they have a legal duty to manage the associated risks or to co-operate with the person who does. Further information can be found on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/asbindex.htm .
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.