Keeping the School Population Safe
Diligence and keen observation are key components in keeping a school and those in it safe from asbestos exposure. In schools containing large amounts of asbestos, exposure can happen in a blink of an eye. But if staff members follow certain procedural guidelines and remain on the lookout for asbestos concerns, the safety of all inside the building can be guaranteed.
Remember, most asbestos can be managed where it is, and when the material is indeed managed properly and maintained in good condition, it poses little risk to students, faculty, and staff.
Training School Staff
According to the guidelines of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, schools are to have in place records of where asbestos can be found in and around their building and there should be an "asbestos manager" in each school who is aware of those locations and can be immediately alerted to any changes in condition that may cause exposure.
While the asbestos manager will be professionally trained in recognizing potential exposure situations, how can schools instruct other employees to keep an eye out for asbestos problems? Furthermore, how does one train employees to limit activities that may increase the potential of exposure?
Information is key. With asbestos being such a hot issue in today's schools, district administration or the administration of each local school should schedule time to educate their employees on the dos and don'ts of working in an asbestos-laden building.
Custodial Staff - The janitors and other custodial staff at a school are among those employees most likely to be exposed AND most likely to cause situations which might result in exposure. Because they are involved in maintaining school property on a daily basis, they are the individuals who most frequently encounter asbestos in places like floors or ceilings or in boiler rooms.
Some basic rules can help avoid volatile situations that can cause major repercussions. For example, janitors should never begin any maintenance procedure unless they are aware of whether or not asbestos is located in the area in which they are working. ALL procedures should first be cleared with the asbestos manager and, where appropriate, warning labels should be placed on items that contain asbestos.
Custodial staff should avoid "ripping" materials such as insulation or floor and ceiling tiles. The very act of ripping will cause any asbestos fibers present to be distributed throughout the area. Furthermore, sanding, sawing, and other procedures that disturb asbestos should be avoided.
Teachers and other staff members - Though teachers are less likely to disturb asbestos than the janitorial staff, they should also exercise precautions. If a school is known to have asbestos in its walls, ceilings, and/or floors, teachers need to be trained as to what will disturb the toxic material. Teacher in-service days are a great time to spend an hour or two training faculty about the dangers of asbestos and how they can avoid exposing themselves and their students to this toxic material.
For example, constantly tacking papers and artwork to walls and ceilings can cause the release of asbestos dust. Also, physical education teaches should remind students not to throw balls at asbestos-containing ceilings, thus risking a constant release of fibers during gym classes and sports events. Moving desks and other large items across asbestos floor tiles can also cause damage to those tiles and result in the release of fibers.
While there's no need to alarm students about asbestos exposure, teachers should certainly discourage behavior that may result in an asbestos-related concern.
Air Quality Testing
Schools with asbestos should carry out periodic air quality testing in adherence to EPA suggested guidelines for maintaining clean air. Air quality testing should be conducted by an outside company that specializes in such testing, not by janitors or school administrators. Any concerns should be immediately addressed with the school district and/or school administration.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
