There have been recent reports in the local media about teachers who were exposed to asbestos whilst at work and have now developed an asbestos related condition such as pleural plaques, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma.

Only last week, there was asbestos discovered at St Joseph’s Primary School on the Greystone Road in County Antrim which required the relocation of pupils to alternative accommodation for the remainder of the school term.

In general, schools built prior to 2000 may have asbestos-containing materials.  Current Government policy is that as long as the asbestos is in good condition and is unlikely to be disturbed, it is better to manage it rather than to disturb it.  However, it is important that all schools are assessed for risk of asbestos and managed in an appropriate way.

Today’s Life Bite was provided by Emma Wightman who is a Litigation Solicitor at Francis Hanna & Co.

Francis Hanna & Co has always been one of the leading firms dealing with specialist asbestos related disease claims.

For further information, please feel free to contact Emma on ewightman@fhanna.co.uk