Several parts of the Fort have been closed for the past two weeks after a member of staff found material suspected to contain asbestos in an electrical cupboard near an air-handling unit.
Following the discovery, the unit was shut down to prevent the possible spread of the material, and the nearby changing rooms and toilets were also closed.
Air quality in nearby areas of the Fort was tested immediately and the results showed that the fibre count was below the clearance indicator level of 0.01 fibres per millilitre.
Further air samples were also sent to the UK and the initial findings have been returned. The results also showed there were no asbestos fibres identified in the sample.
However, the changing areas will remain closed while the debris found in the cupboard is removed and so that the air-handling system can be reinstated. It is unclear how long the work will take to complete.
As well as the discovery within the electrical cupboard, an inspection by Fort Regent staff and technical experts also raised concerns that bubbling paint in the area could degenerate and that asbestos beneath the paint might be exposed. The work will also see the material present within the coating of the room removed. A States spokesperson added that consultants had carried out ‘wide-scale surveying and analysis’ of the Fort last week and the results were expected to be released later this week.
