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Raising Awareness about Asbestos in Schools

The existence of asbestos-containing material (ACM) does not only give troubles to the
workers in their workplace or tenants in their houses, but also students in their schools.
Schools are now also affected by the presence of ACMs as the effect of the legacy of
the past. There are numbers of schools in Australia detected to be installed with
products containing hazardous fibres.
According to The Advertiser on April 2, 2017, numerous educational institutions are
having level two contaminations of fibrous materials that can cause cancer.

Reference:http://asbestoswatchportmacquarie.com.au/asbestos-
testing-port-macquarie/
The concealed risks of asbestos: are staff and (More at School Governance)
Among the incidents related to fibrous products in schools, including:
A school in NSW in September 2015 after a fire in the school, the findings revealed
that the materials containing harmful fibres might have existed in the movable older-
style classroom.
A Melbourne school playground a child found fragments containing AC sheeting
after playing.
A Perth school in July 2016 children did a demolition of fibrous fragments for
making fairy dust.
Northern Territory schools 24 students from the schools bought rock samples in
science education kits that contain fibrous materials.
a Queensland teacher the teacher was diagnosed with cancer as the effect of
working with equipment made from materials containing dangerous fibres.
a Hobart primary school in mid-September, low level of fibrous materials were
identified in materials used for constructing the schools.
What is Level Two of Contamination?
Asbestos contamination is divided into three levels:
Level one is ACM that is in good condition though it has the possibility of getting broken or
fragmented, and the material is fastened to a matrix, for example, vinyl tiles or ACM fencing.
Also, the fibrous material that cannot get through a 7 x 7 mm sieve. ACM poses a low risk for
humans health.
Level two is FA that fibrous material is in deteriorated condition such as crumbled or
broken by a pressure of a hand. FA includes a badly weathered ACM and the material is in
the form of loose fibre like insulation products. FA and ACM can easily be detected through
visual inspection.
Level three is AF. It compasses free asbestos fibres, a small bundle of fibres as well as
ACM fragments that get through a 7 x 7 mm sieve. It can causes a serious respiration hazard
if it gets airborne.
Risk of Contamination
Fibrous materials generate risk to human health through fibres inhalation. Once fibres stay in
the lungs, they can cause aggressive ailments. The ailments might include:
Asbestosis
Lung cancer
Rare cancer mesothelioma
School Register
The government requires the school regulator to make sure that the place is safe and
free from any hazardous material for school, children and employee. Therefore, every
school is required to have an ACM register. The register is a report containing important
information about the presence and location of suspected or detected fibrous materials
in school areas. The report was based on the inspection and asbestos testing conducted
by a professional assessor.
The register should be continuously revised. It must be updated annually. If there is
recent information relating to the finding of products containing hazardous fibres, the
information should be integrated to the existing register.
The school register provides recommendations to people working on the sites with the
chance of encountering any materials containing dangerous fibres. Having information
on how to detect products containing hazardous fibres can also assists teachers in
maintaining a safe environment for students and employees in schools.
For more details on the presence of products containing dangerous fibres in NWS
schools, you can find the information here.
Inspection and Testing
In order to get the register, the schools must perform inspection and asbestos testing for
materials containing harmful fibres. There is a high possibility that school buildings built
before the 1980s contain some types of ACMs. In the past, ACM was widely used for
house, industrial and commercial buildings because of its quality. It is resilience to
electricity, water, fire and other chemicals. Thus, the material was extensively used in
construction all over Australia.
Fibrous material can be found almost in every corner. In schools, you can find fibrous
products in:
Worn soundproofing material
Broken wallboard or plaster
Brittle floor tiles, ceiling panels, or roofing
Chipped paint
Older heating and AC equipment
Inspection cannot be done merely by looking at the object because the fibre is so small
that cannot be detected with naked eyes. An expert needs to check it under the
microscope. In accordance with the law, schools have to consult a competent person to
do sampling and asbestos testing procedures. The testing is best done in a NATA
accredited lab to identify the existence of the fibrous products.
A well-trained person is required in handling the sampling since the work is highly
related with deadly materials that might cause a serious health risk. Wrong treatment
can cause some damages and cause the fibres to become airborne. That is why DIY is
not strongly recommended.
Competent Removalists
In order to have an inclusive register, you will need to hire a qualified assessor. Our
members are ready to assist you with your testing project. Through Asbestos Watch
Port Macquarie, you will be connected with trusted contractors that have obtained
certification for performing jobs related to friable or non-friable products. Moreover,
they have followed some training and own an A-Class license.

Asbestos Removal
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos Roof Removal
Asbestos Management Plan
If you need to complete a control plan for your removal planning, feel free to contact our
trusted contractors. They will be available to provide the service. As for disposal, it will be
done in compliance with the requirements from the local authority. A clean and safe
disposal is what our member contractors can assure you.
Services VS Prices
What our trusted contractors can promise you is that for every service that you
requested, you will be charged with a value price. No extra cost because you can
calculate the total amount that you need to spend by requesting three quotes from our
endorsed contractors for free. So, if you use their services, you can do some estimation
in advance before the beginning of your project.
If your main priority is the safety of your students and employees, the only thing to do is
to contact our approved contractors. For the future of the students, get reliable asbestos
testing Port Macquarie services through us now.

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