Advice needed -possible asbestos in preschool

[IveNoIntentionOfMakingCupcakes]

My DD is due to start preschool next week in the hall of a local church. However, when we went for a coffee morning last week I noticed that a few of the ceiling tiles are badly broken and they look like they may be asbestos tiles. Having lost my dad to asbestos-related cancer, I am very anxious about asbestos exposure and I really don't feel happy about sending my daughter there until I know whether or not the tiles are asbestos. I asked the deacon but she didn't know and said that the tiles had been broken by kids throwing stuff up (eek). I have emailed the church minister but he has not replied. I rang BANES (local authority) but they said it's not their responsibility. Does anyone know if there is a body that would take responsibilty for safeguarding children against asbestos in preschools? Would ofsted have anything to do with this? I'm really worried so any thoughts would be gratefully received. Thanks

I would find out who the church secretary is and ask if they have had the building inspected for asbestos but unwound assume that the health and safety department at your local council should be the best place to go to or environmental health as it's a public space so is very much their responsibility imo

Thanks for your response. I'll see if I can find out who the church secretary is. I rang the council again this morning, as like you, I felt it should be their resposibility. However, they've have directed me to the Health and Safety Executive so I shall try them and see whether they can help me.

It may be HSE or LA depending who
Operates and owns the building. By law there must be an asbestos survey in place. The HSE and DofE both have sections on this on their web sites

www.hse.gov.uk/contact/authority.htm

Try the LA environmental health department

Hello, I read this yesterday and have been thinking about you. Rationally there is no way there is asbestos in the church hall. It has been so high on people's radar for so long it would have been identified. All he other people going to church or using the hall would not have left asbestos there especially if it was broken.

However, it's fully understandable that with your experience you are concerned.

My dad had leukaemia and now whenever I see a lot of bruises I worry it is a symptom.

Kxx

It is very unlikely but it would very much depend on the age of the building and ceiling. The key is finding out who owns the building and asking them