Management Information Sheet

As the centenary of the start of the First World War approaches, you might be thinking about putting on a display of war memorabilia. You may already have World War artefacts in your school.

If displaying gas masks, you need to ensure they don't present a risk. Those produced during the Second World War in particular may have contained asbestos and due to their age and extent of handling, this asbestos may be in poor condition. First World War gas masks do not appear to be subject to the same concerns but it may be difficult for most people to identify whether a mask is from the First or Second World War.

Therefore, if you have a gas mask you should always presume it contains asbestos, unless you can confirm that it doesn't, and you always need to take steps to ensure it is safe for use. The Schools PeopleNet document G602 - Managing Objects Containing Asbestos contains information that will be relevant, including the safe handling, storage and disposal of known or potential asbestos containing objects. The document can be downloaded from the Asbetos section of Schools PeopleNet.

Schools are advised to seek assurances from any supplier of this type of artefact that it does not contain asbestos, for example, an asbestos analyst's report relating specifically to the mask being procured could be used as evidence that no asbestos has been detected or identified.

Additionally, some gas masks may have residual contamination from chemicals, for example if they had been subjected to live gas tests or drills. So consideration should also be given to this possibility and checks made with any supplier when procuring or receiving masks for display.

Due to the issues of potential contamination, unless you can be certain the mask does not contain asbestos and does not have chemical contamination, it should not be worn or handled.