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Schools shut down for asbestos contamination

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:03

Two schools have been shut down by the Department of Labour for contravening the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The schools, near Kuruman in the Northern Cape, were closed by labour inspectors on 1 March 2011.

“The prohibitions were issued during inspections where the two schools were found to be contaminated with asbestos and having bare electrical connections that posed health risk to the learners and educators,” said the Chief Director: Provincial Operations, Monica Lepheane.

She said that there should be an assessment of all schools in the province as there could be no compromise when it comes to health and safety.

A joint meeting was held between the Departments of Labour and Education to discuss the issue and it was agreed that the two schools need to be fixed within the specified time of the contravention notice, said the department. BuaNews