The Essendon North Primary School found itself for the wrong reasons on the news with the dreaded material asbestos found in their premises during a renovation project. Concerned parents visited the school and had their wards out of the school with immediate effect.
However, Daniel Andrews who is the premier has assured the parents, that the school premises is safe and they need not worry as of now. The sample was taken of the material found in a primary classroom in the heart of Melbourne confirmed it was indeed asbestos.
However, the school authorities have cleaned and disinfected the room, from which the samples were obtained, and they are closed as a precaution. In the year 2016, the state of Victoria conducted audits for traces of asbestos in more than 1400 schools.
As of now, the case has been handed over to the education department who are conducting an investigation. Occupational hygienists visited the Essendon North Primary School and took few samples of the material present in the particular primary classroom, Tests in the lab confirmed that is asbestos. However, they have said that the necessary cleaning has been done in the room. The air-monitoring test has shown the presence of the asbestos below the normal detection limit.
According to a representative for the Educational Department, “We have cleaned the concerned primary classroom with the help of an independent occupational hygienist. The results have come out as negative. However, as a precautionary measure, the room will be closed until an all-clear has been given.
“The Educational department understands the importance of the safety of the students and the community at large, hence an investigation is underway.” Few parents, however, were not entirely convinced and have appealed to the government for more action to ensure that asbestos is removed from all the schools present in the state.
