Why and Where Was Asbestos Used in Schools?

Asbestos was widely used in school buildings, as in many other structures, due to its affordability, versatility, and remarkable resistance to high temperatures, such as those caused by fires. Its acoustic insulation and chemical durability also contributed to its appeal. Originally, Asbestos was incorporated in schools to prevent fire spread and enhance student safety in the event of a fire.

Globally, Asbestos has been utilised in over 3,200 products, with its most common applications in schools including ceiling tiles, partition walls, floor tiles, and areas needing fireproofing, like fire escape routes. It was also used in sprayed insulation, various floor coverings, pipe insulations, and gaskets. In the United Arab Emirates and other gulf countries, Asbestos cement sheeting was often used for roofs, car park shading, and underground piping for water supply, storm drainage, and sewer systems.

Although the UAE banned Asbestos in 2006, there is evidence that some schools continued using Asbestos materials after this prohibition.

Why is Asbestos in Schools Such a Problem?

Asbestos poses a significant risk in schools due to the vulnerability of the school population—primarily children and young people, along with teachers and staff who manage and maintain the facility. Early-life exposure to Asbestos can increase susceptibility to serious health conditions, including Asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma, and Asbestosis.

The risk is further heightened by the likelihood of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) being damaged or disturbed in a school environment. With large numbers of children (sometimes 1000’s of children in a single school alone) engaging in activities that can impact building structures, such as rough play or sports, and frequent repair or refurbishment projects, the potential for Asbestos exposure becomes greater in these settings.

Prolonged exposure, the vulnerability of young respiratory and immune systems, frequent maintenance and renovation needs, limited awareness and training among staff, constrained budgets and resources, high levels of activity and potential for disturbance, and high occupancy density are all reasons why it is essential to prioritise the identification, management, and eventual removal of Asbestos from schools.

With 15 years of experience of surveying schools for Asbestos in the Middle East the most common locations we have identified Asbestos have been;

Parking and sports areas – Asbestos cement roof sheeting and broken debris.
Classrooms, corridors and external portacabins – Fireproof boards, ceiling tiles and partition walls.
Sports halls, classrooms, and toilets – vinyl floor tiles and coverings.
Plant rooms and utilities – Insulations and gaskets to fire pumps and emergency generators.

In every case, we have worked closely with schools to carefully manage or remove Asbestos materials, aiming to eliminate the hazard posed to children and other occupants. However, with over 1,250 schools in the UAE alone, there remains significant work to be done.

Asbestos cement roof sheeting in a playground in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Asbestos cement shading at a school in Al Ain, UAE.

What Guidelines and Regulations Provide Protection?

A Federal ban on Asbestos has been in effect since 2006. However, as reported in various newspapers and observed in our own experience, Asbestos continues to appear in new buildings. In January 2020, the Ministry of Education issued the "Environment, Occupational Health, and Safety Management System General Framework" for the education sector, requiring schools to "identify, assess, and manage all environmental aspects, occupational health, and safety hazards." Additionally, the Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have specific guidelines for managing Asbestos: the Dubai Municipality Technical Guidelines and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center Codes of Practice.

In the UAE, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) play essential roles in overseeing and regulating educational facilities and specifically covering safety and health.

In line with legislation in the UK, the United States, and Australia, best practice would require that schools, along with all non-domestic properties, conduct a mandatory Asbestos risk assessment—typically through an Asbestos survey. When necessary, Asbestos removal or the implementation of an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) should be undertaken to ensure each school is safe for its occupants.

Asbestos board shuttering in a classroom ceiling void, Dubai, UAE.

Who Should Manage Asbestos Risks in Schools?

Managing Asbestos risks in schools involves a coordinated approach led by designated personnel, supported by relevant authorities and specialists. Here’s who typically should manage these risks:

School Administrators: Principals, facility managers, or designated health and safety officers are usually responsible for ensuring that Asbestos management policies are followed. They should coordinate inspections, maintenance, and necessary actions according to regulations.

Asbestos Coordinators: Schools often appoint an Asbestos coordinator, trained in Asbestos awareness and management, to oversee the ongoing assessment and monitoring of Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the school premises.

School Board or Governing Body: The school board or governing body has an oversight role, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated for Asbestos management and that school policies align with local laws and best practices. They also hold ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of students and staff.

Licensed Asbestos Professionals: Qualified Asbestos consultants or removal contractors are essential for performing surveys, risk assessments, removal, or remediation activities. They bring expertise in identifying and safely managing or removing Asbestos materials.

Ministry or Local Authority: In many countries, ministries of education or local health and safety authorities issue guidelines and regulations for Asbestos management in schools. These bodies may also provide support and oversight to ensure schools comply with regulatory standards.

Staff and Maintenance Workers: School staff and maintenance personnel should receive Asbestos awareness training to recognise potential hazards and avoid disturbing ACMs during routine activities.

Health and Safety Committees: Schools with health and safety committees can support Asbestos management by conducting regular reviews, raising awareness, and monitoring compliance with the Asbestos Management Plan (AMP).

Braided Asbestos insulation within the school plant and utilities area, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Parent and Community Awareness

Asbestos in schools is a significant health concern, especially for young children who are more vulnerable to its long-term effects. Parents and the broader community play a crucial role in supporting safe Asbestos management within schools by staying informed and engaged with school policies. Awareness among parents helps ensure that they can ask relevant questions about Asbestos management practices, understand any potential risks, and advocate for regular inspections or safe abatement procedures. The school administration should communicate openly with parents about the presence of Asbestos-containing materials, any maintenance or removal efforts, and compliance with safety standards. Additionally, parents and community members can support Asbestos safety by participating in school board meetings, health and safety committees, or advocating for necessary funding. A well-informed community reinforces accountability, helping schools maintain a safe environment for children and staff alike.

Asbestos bitumen between stone tiles on a school roof, Dubai, UAE

Time to Take Action

Protecting students, teachers, and staff from Asbestos exposure is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to health and safety that every school must prioritise. If you're a school administrator, now is the time to act. Ensure that your facility has a current Asbestos risk assessment and management plan in place. Work with qualified Asbestos professionals to address any identified risks and to provide a safe learning environment. Parents and community members, your voices matter too. Ask your school about its Asbestos management practices and advocate for transparency and safety in your child’s learning environment. Together, we can make sure our schools are safe for everyone who walks through their door.

Asbestos cement roof sheeting on top of a musical store at a school in Doha, Qatar.

If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:

Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)

Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320

Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com