By GRACE DOBELL
Asbestos has been found in concrete sheeting at Altona Primary School after heavy rainfall two weeks ago.
Department of Education spokesperson Liam Carter said the asbestos was uncovered after some of the topsoil was removed from the oval in the rain.
The area was sectioned off and the department brought in asbestos removal experts to remove the patches of grass that had higher concentrations of asbestos.
Children at the school have been told to stay away from the sectioned off area until the department has finished the works.
Deputy Secretary of the Victorian Education Union Carolyn Clancy said asbestos checks needed to improve to protect the safety of students.
“The reality is we have a great deal of asbestos in our schools because it was used extensively over a long period of time,” Ms Clancy said.
“Unfortunately, while we’ve still got asbestos in schools, and without the removal of all asbestos, this is going to keep happening,” she said.
“The department has reduced the amount that is put towards removing asbestos,” Ms Clancy said.
According to reports, funding for asbestos removal has been scaled back from $14.3 million in 2007/10 to $1.8 million in 2011/12. In the past two years asbestos has been removed from schools as part of larger building projects.
“The fact is, it is deteriorating in schools and the department does not have a plan to prioritise the removal of asbestos in schools,” she said.
A department spokesperson said 20 training sessions are being undertaken this year to teach staff from 400 Victorian schools how to conduct regular checks according to their Asbestos Management Plans.
Approximately two-thirds of Victoria’s 1531 public schools contain asbestos, documents reveal.
While there are regular audits for asbestos, Ms Clancy says there needs to be a register of all schools with asbestos.
“The department should have a central register and prioritise the removal program of asbestos. They should be doing walk-throughs quarterly to check for asbestos,” she said.
Breathing in asbestos fibres can be a risk to health and cause lung cancer if the particles are airborne, but there is a low risk if the particles are dormant.
The department is paying to remove the affected soil and resurface the area while the students are not at school.
