Asbestos in nursey

[user1490806229]

I'm just looking for some opinions as to whether I'm worrying to much about something, worrying is my specialty.

Recently I became aware of a petition to remove asbestos in schools and to make parents aware of what asbestos is in their child's school. Unfortunately it's estimated 75 per cent of schools, unless built after 2000 contain some form of asbestos the national union of teachers also has some kind of campaign about asbestos going on apparently due to an increase of teachers contracting mesothelioma. The nursery my daughter attends is in a very old Victorian building, concerned about what asbestos might be lurking there I did a freedom of information request to my council and that has come back saying there is blue asbestos in the electrical switch guard and possibly white and brown asbestos in the loft space. I now feel uneasy about my daughter going there, my son (2) is also supposed to be starting there very soon. I know asbestos is not supposed to be a health risk unless it's disturbed or in bad condition but I have read lots about various councils being fined after asbestos has been improperly dealt with in schools because staff that work here aren't even aware they are dealing with asbestos or how dangerous it is. I'm deliberating whether to speak to the nursery about it.

[CrohnicallyPregnant]

The main danger in asbestos is if staff are not aware of it (and so accidentally disturb it, particularly when doing displays etc).

This nursery is aware of the asbestos (or should be, seeing as the council are).

I used to work in a building with asbestos and we had warning labels on surfaces, and always checked before putting anything on the wall. It was probably in a risk assessment somewhere too.

So I think YWNBU to ask what measures are in place to reduce the risk, but I wouldn't move your children just because of that, after all the next nursery might have asbestos and be unaware of it.

[CrohnicallyPregnant]

And presumably, your children will not be going near the electrics or in the loft? And the staff won't be using those spaces routinely either, so it's even less of a risk than the building I worked in that had asbestos in some walls.

[MrsTwix]

If it's not in the main space then the risk is even lower. I don't think you should worry about it. It is only dangerous if it is unknown and then disturbed. The fact that they know exactly where it is and it's not in the children's areas means they have put all the proper controls in place.

[user1490806229]

Thanks for your replies. I'd like to broach the subject with the nursery as although the council know I can't be sure the nursery (which has just been taken over by someone else) are aware. Not sure how to do it without sounding nuts or like a pushy parent.

[DementedO1]

They will know, legally thet must have an asbestos register to hand for contractors working in the building (not for worried mums btw). They will have taken this seriously even if it's just been wiring you recently.

[EnglishGirlApproximately]

They will know without a doubt. I've worked in many buildings with asbestos and you have to have a register and regular inspections, stickers noting where it is etc. The reality is that most shops and restaurants you use will have asbestos unless they're new buildings. The risk is minimal to users of the buildings, it's only an issue for contractors working on affected spaces.

[Emphasise]

What demented said. If they know what they've told you, then they have at some point commissioned a report to keep the asbestos register. It's only dangerous if damaged (eg drilled) which is why there's a register that all contractors should sign before they start work.

You could ask to see the register to make sure that's happening. If you're going to be paranoid about h&s though, I think there are more important things the check. Fire prevention, infection control, legionella, evacuation procedures...

[Pseudonym99]

They are aware of it, therefore it should be perfectly safe. If they were unaware of it, that would be a different matter.

[user1490806229]

I know I'm probably getting too worked up, it's the way I'm made but there's lots of articles like this one from the BBC that have freaked me out:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-38167560