First stage of safe flooring program complete

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford has stepped up efforts to ensure the maintenance program on school floors containing asbestos is progressed ahead of the start of the 2008 school year.

Mr Welford said today that the first stage of the program should be completed in time for when students head back to school next week.

“As part of routine checks, principals at the end of last year were asked to identify any vinyl flooring that might require attention,” Mr Welford said.

“This was followed up over the holidays, with QBuild attending some 640 schools to seal any splits, cracks or holes in vinyl or lino flooring materials.

“In line with the maintenance program I instigated last year, where schools identify damage to flooring that may contain asbestos, immediate steps are taken to seal or replace flooring to ensure all classrooms are safe for students and staff.

“I would like to thank principals for helping accelerate this program and QBuild for promptly attending to them to ensure the continued safety of our staff and students.

“Where necessary, we will now put a range of longer term solutions in place, such as providing new floor covering or removing the floor entirely.

“It’s important that parents, students and staff are assured our schools are safe places to work and learn.”

Mr Welford said he moved to progress the floor maintenance program following the success of the State Government's Asbestos Roof Replacement Program where a total of 919 roofs were safely replaced.

“The Roof Replacement program was completed 7½ years ahead of schedule and $8 million under budget,” he said.

Mr Welford said student safety would remain the highest priority so the maintenance work would continue to be undertaken on weekends or at times when staff and students were not present.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985