In many older buildings, asbestos is still present. This in itself is not a reason to panic, but it is important to handle it according to the rules. Especially in environments where many people gather—such as schools and workplaces—it is crucial that the risks are well understood and properly managed. But who is responsible for this? And what can you do if you are personally concerned?

  • Every employer or school board must know whether asbestos is present in the building. For this reason, it is legally required to have an asbestos inventory prepared. This is a report that describes where asbestos-containing materials may be present and what condition they are in. The inventory is prepared by a certified expert or laboratory and must be available to everyone who works in or around the building or spends extended periods there— including teachers, employees, and parents.

    Learn more about how asbestos presence can be detected.

  • If asbestos is actually found, what happens next depends on the condition of the material. If it is still intact and well-contained, it can often remain in place safely, provided it is regularly monitored. But as soon as the material is damaged, becomes loose, or easily releases dust, control measures must be taken. This can range from encapsulating or isolating the material to complete removal by a certified company.

    The safety of students, teachers, and employees is always the top priority. The person responsible for the building must ensure that no one is unnecessarily exposed to risk.

  • For any planned renovation, repair, or maintenance work, it is mandatory to carry out a risk assessment beforehand. This analysis determines whether the work can be carried out safely and whether additional measures are needed. Sometimes areas must be cordoned off, or protective equipment must be used. In other cases, only a certified asbestos removal company is allowed to perform the work.

    For schools, it is especially important that such work is carefully scheduled— for example, outside of class hours or during vacation periods—so that students never come into contact with hazardous materials.

  • Employees, teachers, and parents are all allowed to ask questions or report concerns. If you think a certain material contains asbestos, or if you notice damage to an old wall panel, pipe, or ceiling tile, report it as soon as possible to the school management, prevention advisor, or internal contact person for the building.

    You do not need to know for yourself whether it is actually asbestos—that must be investigated. The most important thing is that you do not touch the material or try to remove it. Even minor damage can be enough to release harmful fibers.

    Until the situation is clarified, the area should ideally be cordoned off, and an expert will come to the site to assess the situation.