Reassuring results in from testing at Bayfield School

Media release
8 May 2014

Reassuring results in from testing at Bayfield School

“Testing conducted today at Bayfield School in Auckland has found no sign of any asbestos contamination outside the immediate work site area,” says Ministry of Education head of Education Infrastructure Service Kim Shannon.

“We are reassured by these results. We will be commissioning more tests to make absolutely sure there are no traces of asbestos outside the demolition site in areas children or staff have access to.”

“We have a parallel process underway in which we will be investigating how the demolition site was managed. Industry best-practice guidelines for safe asbestos removal were built into the tender for the demolition work, which specified the use of a certified asbestos remover. We understand the frustrations around this situation.”

“Worksafe New Zealand have developed a plan to remove remaining demolition materials from the school and we will be implementing that plan tomorrow.”

“We will continue to work closely with the Board of Trustees and the Principal to keep parents informed and provide further test results and updates as soon as they are available.”

“The Principal has engaged a holiday programme provider to offer a programme for children tomorrow. The Principal has also negotiated with a neighbouring school for Bayfield students to attend there if necessary next week. That school has a spare classroom, a hall and space in operating classrooms.”

“The Board of Trustees won’t clear the school to reopen until they are absolutely confident it is safe. The safety of children and staff is both the Boards and the Ministry of Education’s top priority. We anticipate that the school will be able to reopen early next week.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media