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<p>The department takes the issue of asbestos in schools seriously, and is committed
to supporting schools, local councils and academy trusts to fulfil their duty to manage
asbestos safely. If managed carefully, the presence of asbestos in schools does not
pose a risk to staff or pupils. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advise that
as long as asbestos-containing materials are undamaged, encapsulated and not in locations
where they are vulnerable to damage, they should be managed in situ.</p><p> </p><p>In
February 2017 the department published a report of a survey of asbestos management
in schools. Approximately 25% of schools in England responded to the survey. Of the
83% of schools with asbestos present: 98% had an asbestos management survey; 97% had
an asbestos register; and 97% reported that they had processes and procedures in place
to prevent disturbance of asbestos in the education estate. We plan in future to seek
written assurance from all duty holders that their schools are compliant with existing
legislation and guidance on the management of asbestos in schools.</p><p> </p><p>In
February 2017 the department also published updated guidance, which provides information
on action duty holders should take in order to prevent pupils and staff being exposed
to asbestos. The guidance makes clear that the removal of asbestos should take place
only if asbestos containing materials are in poor condition and advises on the risks
of unsafe removal. It advises on actions that duty holders must take where work is
carried out on the premises which might disturb asbestos containing materials (including
asbestos removal).</p><p> </p><p>The Government has committed more than £10 billion
over 2016-2021 to rebuild, expand and maintain the school estate. Over time it is
expected that this programme of work will eradicate asbestos in the education estate.
The department directly funds the removal of asbestos through schemes such as the
Priority Schools Building Programme and provides capital funding for asbestos management
and removal where appropriate for schools that have identified that asbestos is in
poor condition or poses a high risk of deterioration.</p><p> </p><p>Data on the number
of deaths of (1) teachers, (2) students, and (3) others, who may have contracted mesothelioma
or other asbestos-related diseases while in school buildings is not collected by the
department. The HSE publish information, copy attached, on their website on asbestos-related
deaths, available at: <a href="http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/asbestos.htm"
target="_blank">http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/asbestos.htm</a>.</p>
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