December 8th, 2005

Contractors will be removing a number of tiles from a school this week, as they could contain the deadly substance, asbestos, which is a known carcinogenic. The school from which the tiles must be removed is Shady Side Elementary, and over a dozen tiles may need removing.

The need for the removal of the tiles comes after an electrical contractor accidentally cut into the tiles when fitting computer cables. The wings will be sealed off as contractors carry out the removal, and the air will be tested regularly as the work is carried out to ensure safety. The school will be completely cleaned after the work has been completed stated a school spokesperson.

An air test has already been performed and no asbestos was found. One official stated: “Any time you take out some asbestos, you’re making the building just a tad bit safer than it was with it in there.”

An investigation will be carried out into the incident that led to the need to remove the tiles. A spokesperson has stated that an enforcement could be taken out against the contractor in the event that procedures were not followed.