145 North Lincs buildings contain asbestos
NORTH Lincolnshire Council owns 145 buildings contaminated with asbestos – many of them schools.
The shock figures were released under the freedom of information act.
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NO RISK: Comedy fans queuing up at The Plowright Theatre to buy tickets to see comedian Lee Evans last year.
Council officers have been urged to act to ensure schools and other council buildings are safe.
NUT executive Ken Rustidge said: "It's very worrying indeed.
"It is something that should be prioritised to make those schools safe for teachers and children.
"I hope the council will do something and react to this."
A North Lincolnshire Council spokeswoman said: "In the past asbestos was a popular building material.
"Subsequently there are 145 buildings owned by the council that contain asbestos. We treat asbestos seriously and with caution.
"The material is managed through council officers regularly visiting sites to make sure it is maintained in a good condition.
"The council also has a corporate asbestos policy that, combined with regular checks aims to minimise any risk to people inside."
For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
5 Comments
by lil pete, scunny
Monday, March 23 2009, 2:09PM
“annb, i thik youd probably find the council no what type of asbestos is in these buildings, and there risk assesments will determine the need for work to be done. as i witnessed alot of asbestos removal being carried out at schools (in the holidays) throughout last year. this is just a scaremongering story from the SET, as usual which in the case of asbestos i feel is pretty irresponsible of the SET”
by Annb, Barrow-on-Humber
Monday, March 23 2009, 12:06PM
“What the council should really be investigating is whether this is blue or brown asbestos, or whether it is white asbestos which it is generally agreed is nothing like as harmful. Lots of people have made lots of money out of these asbestos "scares" by lumping all the types together. I hope the council will conduct thorough investigations before any action is taken because, as your other correspondents have said, asbestos isn't harmful unless it is disturbed.”
by lil pete, scunny
Monday, March 23 2009, 11:28AM
“i agree with mick on this one, having worked for the council they have been one of the better companys i have worked for when it came to dealing with asbestos issues. but then again we do no the lengths this paper will go to to discredit the council.”
by Doley, Westcliff
Monday, March 23 2009, 10:45AM
“Only when it's disturb and particals become airbourne does it pose a health risk, like a bottle of fine cider.”
by Mick, west aus
Monday, March 23 2009, 9:57AM
“This is real old news.
Council has known for years which buildings contain asbestos, and take every care to ensure the safety of people using them.
Asbestos is safe if not disturbed by cutting, drilling etc, and any contract for work on buildings affected contains strict guidlines for what can and cannot be done.
Head Teachers, and more importantly caretakers, are all aware if their buildings are affected.
Council has spent hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years identifying affected buildings, and making them safe through encapsluation or removal.
I am no fan of NLC, but in this case, they are on top of the situation.”