Asbestos investigation complete, Sir Allan MacNab reopens May 4

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Dear families,

As you are aware, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board became aware of a disturbance to asbestos-containing material at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School. Out of an abundance of caution, the school took immediate action and closed at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 to conduct an investigation.

Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. The investigation is now complete and it has been determined that the potential for exposure was limited.

A thin non-friable application of asbestos-containing compound/paint is located on the concrete block walls. On Saturday, April 30, a contractor used a power tool to fasten clips into the concrete block walls at each window in all classrooms, which may have disturbed the asbestos-containing material.

On May 3, residual dust from this work was located in some classrooms. As a precaution, senior staff closed the school to investigate further.

The environmental consultant met staff on-site to review the areas and to collect representative air samples throughout the school, prior to the rooms cleaned.

Following the investigation, the environmental consultant indicated that the potential for exposure to staff and students would be insignificant based on the nature of the disturbance and that no staff or students were present at the time of work.

As we reopen tomorrow, we want to ensure students and staff health and safety precautions are complete. Results of the air sampling shows acceptable levels to occupy. Cleaning measures are in place in all effected classrooms. In addition, visual clearance inspections are complete.

We are taking the necessary precautions to prevent future occurrences.

The human health effects from long-term exposure following disturbances are well documented. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety notes that people are more likely to experience asbestos-related disorders if they:

• are exposed to high concentrations of asbestos,
• are exposed for longer periods of time, and/or
• are exposed to asbestos more frequently.

If you have any health concerns, please contact your family doctor.

Today’s disruption and incident may be distressing for students. Social work assistance will be available for any student who may need additional support.

We thank staff for their leadership and students for their cooperation as we initiated early dismissal. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the parents/guardians for your understanding.

If you wish to discuss this matter, please reach out to me through our school office.

Sincerely,

Greg Clark
Principal

Previous updates related to this situation.