Cleveland State High issues asbestos alert after debris found on construction site

A southside high school has closed off a former carpark and volleyball court after construction workers uncovered what is believed to be a small piece of asbestos, buried for decades. WATCH THE VIDEO

A southside school has cordoned off a section of a former carpark and volleyball court after a piece of suspected asbestos was found during excavation works for a new tuckshop.

Cleveland District State High School principal Leonard McKeown wrote to parents informing them of the find late last week.

“Some debris, which is assumed asbestos, has been unearthed on the construction site at the school,” he said.

“The construction site has been, and will remain, restricted to student and public access by construction fencing.

“I take the issue of student and staff safety very seriously. I believe the partnership we share as a school community means that it is important to keep everyone informed in order to minimise concern.”

The school said the debris, believed to be about the size of a 20c piece and buried under about a metre of dirt, would be removed safely and testing would be undertaken.

Cleveland District State High School, where a small piece of suspected asbestos was found.

It is believed the piece of building material had been buried for more than 30 years.

The construction area will remain off limits until clearance is provided.

The construction company has been working closely with departmental officers.

Queensland Education said the piece of asbestos was found on Wednesday last week and dealt with immediately.

A spokeswoman said it was about the size of a car key and was found underground during construction works for the new tuckshop.

“It’s not uncommon for asbestos to be found in Queensland schools built before the 1990s,” she said.

“The material was disposed of in line with asbestos protocols, the incident reported to relevant regional authorities and the school community was informed on that day.

“The construction site has been fenced off and restricted for student and public access since works started in Term 2, and access will remain restricted until the project’s completion, which is scheduled for Term 2, 2023.”

Under Queensland work health and safety regulations, where the presence of asbestos is confirmed or assumed in workplaces, there is a requirement to keep and maintain an asbestos register, including in all educational facilities.

In addition to keeping an asbestos register, schools also ensure relevant staff have an awareness of asbestos or have received training for asbestos management responsibilities.