Safe & Compliant Asbestos Removal in Education – Our Recent University Project in Staffordshire

Introduction
During the summer months, when classrooms, lecture theatres, and student halls fall quieter, many educational institutions use this time to complete essential building maintenance. For AIB Solutions, summer is one of the busiest times of the year, as schools, colleges, and universities turn to us for specialist asbestos removal and remediation works.
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One recent project took us to a University in Staffordshire, where our team carried out the re-sealing of deteriorated asbestos-containing textured coating to ceilings in a large hall of residence. This type of work is critical not only for compliance but also for ensuring that students and staff return in September to a safe, asbestos-managed environment.
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In this blog, we’ll take you through the project in detail, discuss the risks of asbestos in educational settings, and explain why AIB is the trusted partner for universities, colleges, and schools across Staffordshire, Cheshire, and the wider UK.
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For more information on how we support the education sector, please visit our dedicated page here:👉 https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/education-public-asbestos-services

‍Why Asbestos is a Concern in Education Buildings
Many schools, colleges, and universities across the UK were built or refurbished between the 1950s and 1980s — a time when asbestos was widely used in construction. Materials such as:

‍Textured coatings (e.g., Artex ceilings)
‍Insulating boards and panels
Pipe lagging
Cement products
Floor tiles
…all frequently contained asbestos.
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While asbestos is safe when in good condition and left undisturbed, it can become dangerous if it deteriorates or is damaged. Fibres released into the air can be inhaled, leading to serious long-term health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
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That’s why managing asbestos in education is not optional – it’s a legal duty under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

‍The Project: Re-Sealing Asbestos-Containing Textured Coatings
At this local University, the challenge lay within a hall of residence ceiling, where textured coatings containing asbestos had started to deteriorate. These coatings, commonly used in the mid-20th century, can release fibres if not properly maintained.
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Our work involved:

‍Survey and Assessment – Before any works commenced, our licensed team carried out a full risk assessment and reviewed the asbestos management survey for the building.

‍Containment and Preparation – We established a controlled working area to ensure there was no risk of fibre release into occupied parts of the building.

‍Re-Sealing Application – AIB’s operatives carefully applied a high-performance encapsulant coating to reseal the deteriorating asbestos-containing textured surface.

‍Compliance and Testing – All works were completed in line with HSE guidance, and the area was independently inspected to ensure safety before being handed back to the University.
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This process meant the asbestos remained safely contained, without the need for disruptive and costly full removal. For the University, it provided a cost-effective and compliant solution during the summer downtime.

‍Why Education Settings Require Specialist Asbestos Contractors
Unlike other environments, education buildings present unique challenges:

‍High footfall – Thousands of students, staff, and visitors may use the facilities daily.

‍Mixed building ages – Universities often have both heritage buildings and modern builds, each with different asbestos risks.

‍Sensitive occupants – Students and young people need a particularly safe and healthy environment.

‍Tight deadlines – Most work must be completed during school holidays to avoid disruption to teaching.
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That’s why AIB’s dedicated education asbestos services are trusted across Staffordshire, Cheshire, and the UK. We provide schools and universities with:

Fully licensed asbestos removal and remediation

Asbestos management and re-inspection surveysLicensed waste disposal

Emergency response for damaged asbestos materials

Compliance advice and long-term asbestos management plans
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Learn more about our education-focused services here:👉 https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/education-public-asbestos-services

‍Case Studies: AIB’s Track Record in Education
Beyond this recent University project, AIB has successfully delivered asbestos removal for:

‍Primary Schools in Cheshire – Removal of asbestos insulating board ceiling panels to classrooms.
‍Secondary Schools in Staffordshire – Safe disposal of asbestos cement roofing sheets.
‍University Laboratories – Removal of asbestos fume cupboards and laboratory insulation.
‍Student Accommodation – Encapsulation of asbestos materials in residential halls.
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Each project required a tailored approach, strict adherence to HSE guidelines, and the experience of our licensed asbestos operatives.

‍The Importance of Summer Works
Many of our projects in the education sector are carried out during summer holidays. This provides:

‍Minimal disruption – No students or staff present.
‍Extended working windows – Projects can be completed without strict daily time restrictions.
‍Improved safety – Controlled environments are easier to manage when buildings are not occupied.
The University in Staffordshire was no different. By completing the project in the summer, we ensured that students returned in September to a fully safe and compliant residence hall.
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‍Local Expertise in Staffordshire & Cheshire
Our base in Newcastle-under-Lyme allows us to quickly serve:
‍Stoke-on-Trent
Keele University
Staffordshire University
Universities and colleges across Cheshire (including Crewe, Chester, and Warrington)
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Being local means we can respond quickly, offer competitive pricing, and work closely with estates and facilities teams who manage education buildings.

‍Compliance & Waste Disposal
AIB is licensed by the Environment Agency to carry and dispose of asbestos waste. For education clients, this provides peace of mind that:All asbestos is removed or sealed in line with HSE regulations.Waste is safely transported and disposed of at approved facilities.Full compliance paperwork is provided for audit and record-keeping.

‍Why Universities Trust AIB
Universities and colleges across the Midlands and North West trust AIB because we provide:
✅ Over 20 years’ experience in asbestos removal
✅ Fully licensed and insured teams
✅ Independent testing and clearance certification
✅ Professional project management and communication
✅ Local, responsive service for Staffordshire & Cheshire
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For more information, visit our homepage here:👉 https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/

‍Contact AIB for Education Asbestos Services
If you are responsible for managing asbestos in a school, college, or university, we can help. Whether it’s removal, encapsulation, waste disposal, or compliance support, AIB provides a complete service tailored to the education sector.
📞 Call us today on 01782 613773
‍📧 Email us at info@aib-solutions.co.uk
‍🌐 Visit: https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/