It comes after the Health and Safety Executive served enforcement notices on two UK laboratory supply companies which “have supplied schools and potentially other users with gauze mats which contain asbestos”.
The metal gauze mats are designed for use over Bunsen burners and schools are being asked to consider any gauze purchased after 1976 as suspect unless the supplier can provide the correct certification.
The HSE has not named the two companies involved, but has ordered them to stop sending the gauzes to schools immediately.
The CLEAPSS advisory service for schools says that science departments should look for the UKAS accreditation on any certification provided by suppliers.
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