Union warns many Northampton schools still likely to contain asbestos

Health and safety warnings are being issued in Northampton next term as it is likely that all local authority schools built before the millennium will contain asbestos.
Lings Primary School, pic from Google Maps. NNL-161020-172107001Lings Primary School, pic from Google Maps. NNL-161020-172107001
Lings Primary School, pic from Google Maps. NNL-161020-172107001

The Northampton NASUWT teachers union is launching a new campaign this month in a bid to remind contractors that asbestos management plans and registers are required for all schools.

It is understood that local authority schools have had an asbestos audit over the summer and as a result, information will be available for staff over the coming weeks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dan Perriman, Secretary of NASUWT Northampton, said: “Asbestos is still harming people, including teachers, and if it is not managed correctly, it will continue to do so. Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment.”

The concern comes after the council’s external contractors Amey were this year fined £20,000 for poor management of asbestos materials during roof refurbishment at Lings Primary School, in Hayeswood Road.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found ACL failed to monitor and identify asbestos materials or ensure key personnel had suitable asbestos awareness training.

Download our app by clicking here to download from Google Play or clicking here to download from Apple’s App Store.