Management Information Sheet

We were recently visited by the Health and Safety Executive to look at how we manage asbestos. Inspectors spent four days looking at our systems and procedures as well as visiting a number of school sites to see the policies in action.

The HSE inspectors felt the schools had a good grasp of what is expected of them and were generally taking all necessary steps to manage asbestos satisfactorily. They were complimentary about the schools' general attitude and the quality of information available in the County Council's corporate strategy and the site specific information provided by NPS Property Consultants Ltd (NPS).

There were, however, a number of areas identified as needing further attention:

	Not all premises managers have received asbestos management training. Courses are free and are running in October 2010 and February 2011 with further dates to follow.
	The need for trained back up staff to cover for premises managers in larger premises. The inspectors commented that larger schools should have three or four people trained and able to carry out inspection duties.
	Information on site surveys needs to filter through to the appropriate staff. It is important that these employees know where asbestos containing materials (ACM) are and what to do in the event of damage. Inspectors cited the fact that the last two uncontrolled releases were discovered by NPS staff during annual inspections rather than school staff, despite the damage occurring in public locations - see MI 192/09.
	Inspectors also noted that some schools were not recording their own monitoring inspections of ACM condition and that Asbestos Management Plans and Asbestos Document Files need to have all of the required information for the appropriate management of asbestos.

Actions for all Headteachers/Premises Managers

All managers should review how asbestos is being managed in their premises and take action, as above, where appropriate.