100 schools need asbestos removal after further finds: [1 All-round Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 04 Feb 2003: 6.
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Abstract
AT least 100 schools in NSW will need work to remove asbestos material or fibro fragments, the NSW Government announced yesterday.
NSW Education and Training Minister John Watkins said that in cases where asbestos was bound in a stable material such as fibro there was a very low likelihood that any fibres would be released.
Stephen Corbett, director of health protection at NSW Health, said an isolated accidental exposure to asbestos fibres of short duration was extremely unlikely to result in the development of an asbestos-related disease.
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AT least 100 schools in NSW will need work to remove asbestos material or fibro fragments, the NSW Government announced yesterday.
This follows the discovery of asbestos at three schools on Sydney’s northern beaches last week.
Three of the schools may need major removal or remediation of the school grounds. Ninety-seven schools require minor work such as the removal of fibro fragments.
Workcover inspectors were investigating the schools yesterday, but no results have been revealed. The schools have not been shut down.
The Government has rushed to assure parents and students there is no immediate health danger.
A taskforce was formed on Friday comprising staff from the health, education and public works departments as well as Workcover.
After a weekend of investigations, the taskforce endorsed a plan to remove or remediate fibro found in the schools.
NSW Education and Training Minister John Watkins said that in cases where asbestos was bound in a stable material such as fibro there was a very low likelihood that any fibres would be released.
“Although health experts have given an assurance that fibro fragments found in school playgrounds are not a danger to students or staff, I want to ensure school communities are not unduly concerned,” Mr Watkins said.
“The expert taskforce has advised me that in order to provide reassurance for parents, students and staff, anything the inspectors have identified as fibro should be speedily dealt with.”
Stephen Corbett, director of health protection at NSW Health, said an isolated accidental exposure to asbestos fibres of short duration was extremely unlikely to result in the development of an asbestos-related disease.
Schools that are expected to have fibro removed from their grounds this week include Newport Public School, Bankstown South Infants School, James Ruse Agricultural High School and Grafton High School.
Of the schools inspected, only 12 were declared totally free of asbestos, including Pittwater High School, Bulahdelah Central School and Murwillumbah South Infants.
An inquiry line — telephone 1800 631 835 — has been established to answer questions from parents.