Concord High School: Department to repair asbestos oval

The Department of Education is sending experts to an inner west school after shocking photos appear to show exposed asbestos on the oval.

The Department of Education has vowed to take action after being sent photos of what appears to be disturbed asbestos on a school oval.

The Department of Education said on Friday afternoon asbestos at Concord High School had been “managed appropriately” and that there were “no additional works” scheduled.

However, after being sent images of the oval by the Inner West Courier the Department responded to say repairs would be undertaken.

It is not clear if pupils have been banned from the oval in the meantime with fears the wet weather could lead to increased exposure.

The state of the oval.

It is unclear how long the protective netting has been exposed for.

A concerned community member provided the images to the Inner West Courier last week over fears nothing was being done to prevent children from exposure.

Speaking anonymously, they also provided images of ceilings collapsing in the school where there is also asbestos in the roof to show how easily students could be exposed.

“We found it by accident … but they won’t have it removed,” they said on Friday.

“There’s 1300 kids, it’s an overcrowded school that only has capacity for 900 and there’s a lot of kids on the oval every day churning it up.”

After initially flagging the issues with the Department on Friday, a spokeswoman said the “health, safety, and wellbeing of Concord High School students and the local community is the Department’s highest priority”.

In the statement issued at 3.24pm, she added: “The department is aware that previously, small fragments of bonded asbestos have been identified in areas at Concord HS and on the main oval. Bonded asbestos does not present a hazard to health.

“The department has a rigorous system of maintenance and monitoring at all schools across the State.

“The vast majority of materials containing asbestos are safe. Studies show that if the material is left undisturbed and is in sound condition it poses no risk to health.

“Any asbestos-containing materials found at Concord HS has been managed appropriately to minimise the risk to students, staff, contractors, parents and any visitors to that site.

“There are no additional works currently scheduled to be carried out at Concord HS.”

After being challenged on the response and sent the photographs the Department responded again at 5:32pm to say workers would now attend the school.

“We are aware of some erosion exposing the geofabric and will arrange for repairs to be undertaken,” the statement read.

An asbestos poster at the school.

The Department’s own register details how the turf needed to be kept in good condition at all times to prevent health risks and that the netting should not be exposed.

The Department said the “bonded asbestos” was not a health hazard unless weathered or damaged, however the images show just how easily it has been churned up by students at Concord High School.

The asbestos is considered less dangerous because it is mixed with other materials like cement but guidelines show it is hazardous if disturbed.

The Department has been contacted again today to detail whether children will remain away from the oval until repairs are carried out.

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