A report into asbestos at the now closed Cwmcarn High School found the substance “poses potential serious risk to health” and should be demolished.
The school, which has 900 pupils, was closed suddenly on October 12 after contractors discovered the material. After a partial re-opening, the majority of students are now being taught at Coleg Gwent’s former campus in Ebbw Vale.
Santia Asbestos Management Limited, in its report, said asbestos in the roof void may have been blown around the building by the heating system.
Ceiling tiles being disturbed by draughts, repairs to the electrical circuit and even pupils scraping chairs and tables in classrooms may have caused damage to asbestos boards.
The report, which was published by Caerphilly County Borough Council late on Monday, said: “We are of the opinion that it is not feasible to continue operating the school in the current condition based on the risks imposed on occupants.”
It also states a refurbishment of the building, with the removal of all the asbestos, is not practical and the building should be demolished.
Councillors are due to discuss the report in a meeting tonight.
Council leader Harry Andrews said: “The council wants to be honest, open and transparent in the way we deal with Cwmcarn High School, so we felt it was important that all interested parties had access to the full report.
“The decision to temporarily close the school was not taken lightly, but the health and safety of pupils and staff is paramount. We are confident that we took the right decision faced with the information that was presented to us on the afternoon of Friday October 12 and we acted swiftly and decisively to protect the school community.”
The council has commissioned a full asbestos survey of the site which should take a month to complete. The Health and Safety Executive’s investigations are also continuing.
Special health advice sessions are also being offered to parents this week so that any health concerns can be discussed with professionals from Public Health and the council.
ASBESTOS INVESTIGATION REPORT – Cwmcarn High School
The Real question is of course, " HOW LONG has the asbestos issue posed a problem in this school?" Ay least one `parent` of two children at the school who was an attendee there herself has said she was aware of this `dust` both on furniture in the school and `dust` always `being in the air`.
That being the case why have the authorities, who regularly inspect school and other public buildings, not investigated it before now?