PARTS of Crawforddyke Primary School have been sealed off after an asbestos investigation.
A survey identified a potential asbestos risk underneath the school stage, which was swiftly ruled out of bounds for everyone.
A further blow to teachers and pupils was that equipment stored there could not be recovered.
Writing in the Decemb
er school newsletter, headteacher Marjorie Maule stated: "Air tests have been conducted and have confirmed that the school is safe for both pupils and staff.
"This is part of the asbestos management process which is implemented across the authority.
"This was a setback to us initially because we felt we had lost so many resources.
"The area under the stage was a wonderful storage space and we accessed it constantly as a storage facility for sports goods, nursery furniture and a host of other items."
Concerns about potential asbestos discovery are huge, as breathing in air containing asbestos fibres can lead to diseases, mainly cancers of the lungs and chest lining.
Many buildings still contain asbestos but much is hidden in ducts or under plaster and not found until accidentally exposed during other work.
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said that, in common with councils across the UK, a number of South Lanarkshire Council primary schools were known to have asbestos-containing materials present.
He added: "The council has in place a policy on the management of asbestos for all its properties, including schools.
"The council employ a consultant to undertake risk assessments, cyclic inspections, air testing and other measures to monitor Asbestos Containing Materials.
"The council has in place a programme requiring risk assessment to be carried out in all council buildings containing asbestos.
"Crawforddyke Primary School was assessed as part of this programme.
"This identified two rooms / areas, a tank room and a storage area under the stage.
"Air testing confirmed both areas to be safe.
"However, again as a further precautionary measure these areas have been taken out of use until an environmental clean can be undertaken.
"This will be programmed to take place when pupils and staff are not present within the building.
"This work will be carried out by a Health and Safety Executive licensed asbestos removal contractor.
"Options for providing alternative storage at the school are currently being investigated."
