Why Professional Asbestos Surveys Matter: Lessons from a School Exposure Incident

A recent court case has highlighted just how critical it is to take asbestos seriously, especially in public buildings like schools.

In May 2023, a site supervisor working on kitchen refurbishments at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Bristol cut through asbestos insulation, releasing dangerous fibres into a space actively used by pupils and staff for two full days.

The supervisor, Adrian Barraclough, was found to have ignored clear instructions and failed to follow basic asbestos safety protocols, despite having received proper training. As a result, he was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £6,520 for breaching Section 7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

This incident could, and should, have been avoided.

About Asbestos

Asbestos remains one of the UK’s most serious occupational hazards, with around 5,000 deaths each year from asbestos-related illnesses. These diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, can take decades to develop, but exposure risks can occur in an instant, particularly during building works where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be disturbed.

What makes this story especially concerning is that it happened in a school, where the health and wellbeing of children and teachers should be a top priority. It’s a stark reminder that even one individual failing to follow protocol can put many lives at risk.

Arrange Your Asbestos Survey

At 0800 Asbestos, we provide comprehensive asbestos surveys to identify the presence and condition of any ACMs before work begins. Whether you’re planning a refurbishment, or demolition, or simply need reassurance that your property is safe, our qualified surveyors will ensure all potential risks are assessed and documented.

In situations like this, a professional asbestos management survey, or even a more detailed refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey, could have made all the difference. Knowing exactly where asbestos is located allows for safe planning, controlled removal, or complete avoidance where necessary.

This school incident should serve as a wake-up call for property managers, contractors, and site supervisors alike: cutting corners with asbestos is not only illegal, it’s dangerous.

If you’re unsure whether your building has been properly assessed, don’t leave it to chance. 

Get in touch with our team today to arrange your asbestos survey, and protect your people, your project, and your legal responsibility.