Asbestos In Schools

Asbestos in Schools – Why It's Still a Critical Concern

Although asbestos was officially banned in the UK in 1999, it remains present in thousands of school buildings across the country. Many schools built or renovated between the 1950s and 1990s still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), especially in system-built structures. These materials—once used for fireproofing, insulation, and structural reinforcement—now pose a serious health risk to both students and staff when damaged or disturbed.

Recent inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that 71% of asbestos-containing items in schools were damaged, increasing the likelihood of dangerous fibre release. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause long-term respiratory diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—all of which have no cure.

Despite clear regulations, many schools still lack up-to-date management plans, accurate records, or trained personnel to monitor and respond to asbestos risks properly. The result? A hidden hazard within walls, ceilings, and insulation materials—too often ignored, yet potentially deadly.

At Blue A Limited, we believe that every child and school employee deserves a safe learning environment, free from legacy construction dangers. That’s why we work with schools across the UK to identify, manage, and safely remove asbestos with complete legal compliance and minimal disruption.

Common Places Where Asbestos Is Found in School Buildings

Asbestos was once considered a “miracle material” in construction—and schools were no exception. From classrooms to boiler rooms, many areas in school buildings may still contain asbestos, particularly if they were constructed or refurbished before 1999.

Here are some of the most common places asbestos is found in schools:

• Ceiling Tiles and Panels – Often made from asbestos insulation board (AIB), especially in older classrooms and corridors.
• Wall and Partition Panels – Asbestos cement sheets were frequently used to line walls and create room dividers.
• Pipe Insulation and Lagging – Found in plant rooms, boiler rooms, and under-floor heating systems.
• Floor Tiles and Adhesives – Vinyl tiles and their backing materials often contain asbestos fibres.
• Roofing Sheets and Soffits – Corrugated asbestos cement roofs and soffit boards remain in many system-built structures.
• Fireproofing Materials – Asbestos was widely used to coat steel structural beams and fire doors.
• Electrical Switchboards and Panels – Certain components were fireproofed using asbestos-based materials.

The presence of these materials is not automatically dangerous—asbestos becomes a risk when disturbed or deteriorated. That’s why regular surveys, proper documentation, and a clear management plan are essential for school safety and legal compliance.

At Blue A Limited, we conduct thorough inspections using UKAS-accredited surveyors to identify and assess all asbestos-containing materials, no matter how hidden or obscure.

Our Process: From Inspection to Safe Removal

Managing asbestos in schools requires precision, speed, and a deep understanding of legal and health standards. At Blue A Limited, we’ve refined a proven process that keeps your school community safe while ensuring full compliance with all regulations.

Here’s how we handle it—from start to finish:

1. Initial Consultation & Compliance Review

We begin with a detailed consultation to review your current asbestos documentation, management plans, and compliance gaps. If your records are outdated or incomplete, we’ll advise on the necessary steps forward.

2. Asbestos Survey & Risk Assessment

Using UKAS-accredited surveyors, we conduct a thorough inspection of your buildings to identify all asbestos-containing materials. Each ACM is logged, risk-rated, and mapped in detailed reports and building schematics.

3. Management Planning or Removal Strategy

Depending on the condition of the materials, we propose either:

• In-place management for stable, low-risk ACMs (with periodic monitoring), or
• Safe, licensed removal for damaged or high-risk materials.

We tailor each strategy to fit your school’s schedule, safety needs, and budget.

4. Licensed Asbestos Removal

If removal is required, our HSE-licensed team carries out the process with strict controls:

• Sealing the affected area
• Using wet removal and dust suppression
• Full PPE and air quality monitoring
• Secure packaging and legal waste transfer

All works are done outside of school hours or during term breaks to avoid disruption.

5. Final Inspection & Certification

We perform a post-removal inspection and issue clearance certification. Updated documentation is supplied for your asbestos register and compliance records.

With Blue A Limited, you’re not just checking a box—you’re protecting lives and future-proofing your school. Our team stands by your side every step of the way, from first survey to final sign-off.