A SCHEME to eliminate the chance of asbestos releases in County Durham schools could be approved today.

Durham County Council's cabinet is being recommended to back the preparation of asbestos management plans in 261 non-church schools.

The material was commonly used in older public buildings - particularly for lagging pipes - before the fatal risk posed by exposure to its fibres was officially recognised.

The material is considered safe until it is broken up and fibres escape into the air when they can be breathed in.

About 100 schools have been surveyed for asbestos but in the others it is possible that asbestos could accidently escape during repairs or building work.

Management plans identify areas containing asbestos and include instructions on how to deal with it if work is being carried out or if there is a fire.

The development of such plans will soon be a legal requirement but the law is unclear as to whether councils or schools should foot the bill.

Legal director Andrew North said in a report: "Any breach of health and safety requirements is regarded by the Health and Safety Executive as being primarily the responsibility of the county council.''

Responsibility in church, or voluntary-aided, schools lies with their trustees.

Mr North said schools received money for health and safety work but "there is little evidence or confidence that schools comply with the statutory and other health and safety requirements in relation to this issue''.

He said the council's asbestos team should draw up plans to ensure the council is "adequately protected against liability''. The programme could cost about £50,000 this year.

The council was fined £12,000 after workers were exposed to asbestos while renovating Wolsingham School and Community College during the 1999 summer holiday because they were not warned of fibres left after specialists removed asbestos.