EDUCATION chiefs have confirmed that a deteriorating school building still in use by pupils does contain asbestos.
But Stockton Council has said the substance is “contained” in the three-storey block at Ian Ramsey Church of England School.
And the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) added teachers and pupils were not likely to be at risk as long as it was managed safely.
Education bosses have assured parents it is safe for pupils to continue being taught in the building until the autumn, when repair work is due to start.
And the council has said the asbestos will be “managed safely” while the repair work is carried out.
As previously reported in the Evening Gazette, bosses at Ian Ramsey decided to move pupils out of its south block and into temporary classrooms because of problems with the building’s structure.
The decision came after structural engineers were called in after evidence of movement was found in certain parts of the building.
“Temporary repairs were carried out as a precautionary measure on the understanding that more substantial repairs or replacement would be undertaken in due course,” said a council spokesperson.
The HSE said asbestos that is “in good condition and not likely to be damaged or disturbed” can remain in place until the building “reaches the end of its design life”.
A spokesman said: “Asbestos in poor condition, or which is likely to be damaged or disturbed, should be repaired, sealed, enclosed or removed. Providing that asbestos is managed safely, teachers and pupils are not likely to be at risk in the course of normal activities.”
Plans to move the pupils into the temporary classrooms in the autumn have now been revealed.
A tendering process for the repair work is now under way, so the cost of the process - and of temporary classrooms - has yet to be determined.
But it will be shared between the council and the Church of England diocese of Durham.
source: gazettelive.co.uk
Asbestos Claims
