Asbestos & Mould

If a panel did fall, the first course of action would be to seal off the area. Prior to anyone re-entering the space, the asbestos register would be checked by a competent person to establish if any ACMs (asbestos containing materials) were located in the vicinity.  It should be noted that the majority of the ACMs within the school are unlikely to be disturbed due to their position /location whereby their casing or an adjacent fittings/fixture provide a level of protection (such as fire break  panels located behind fitted floor units). If any ACMs were located in affected areas and suspected of having sustained damage we would immediately inform our asbestos consultants Environtec who would be asked to attend site to assess the situation.  All classrooms on the first floor currently have their doors closed and locked, therefore any debris created from a failure within a classroom would be largely contained within that room.  On the advice of our consultants, a licensed asbestos contractor would be asked to attend site to completely seal off any areas of concern.  Reassurance air tests would be run in locations adjacent to the affected room to provide certification that these neighbouring areas were safe for continued use.  

After receiving a report from Richardson and Starling, colleagues at Environmental Health were invited to consider the findings. Acknowledging that the limited affected area is out of use, their assessment in consultation with public health colleagues is that there is no evidence of a significant colonisation of mould within the fabric of the Forres Academy building and the sole recommendation is to clean this area and thereafter maintain in a dry condition, which will be acceded to. Notwithstanding, we will be responsive to any medical professional requesting further investigations at the school based on their assessment of symptoms presented.