Council's school asbestos warning

Failure to comply with the HSE's order is a criminal offence

Denbighshire Council could face prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if it fails to meet asbestos safety standards at a school.

The council suspended a staff member after the HSE raised concerns about standards at Prestatyn High School.

The HSE has ordered that the work must be completed by the end of September.

The local authority said action was being taken and the work would not affect pupils and staff returning to school at the beginning of September.

It is understood the work relates to asbestos pipe cladding.

Denbighshire takes its responsibility and duty of care as an employer extremely seriously Denbighshire Council

The HSE has not ordered the school to remove the asbestos, but requires the council to comply with safety standards.

Employers are not required to remove asbestos from their premises in cases where it is sealed and not broken, and poses no risk.

A spokesman said an improvement notice for the removal of asbestos from the school was issued on 27 June.

He added: "There is a compliance date for the work to be completed by the end of September.

"If the council fails to do so it is a criminal offence, and it could face prosecution."

A council spokeswoman said: "An action plan is already being implemented and we shall be meeting the HSE to ensure compliance with their requirements.

"Denbighshire takes its responsibility and duty of care as an employer extremely seriously.

"We do not comment on individual personnel matters, but we can confirm that a member of staff has been suspended pending the results of an internal investigation."

Earlier this year, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), called on the UK government to carry out a survey of all schools to check whether asbestos is present.

The substance, which can cause serious diseases of the heart and lungs, was widely used between 1945 and 1975 when thousands of schools were built.

Schools are legally required to check for asbestos and manage any risk.