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  Health & Safety: AHERA
Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act requires public and private non-profit primary and secondary schools to inspect their buildings for asbestos-containing building materials.
Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act

In 1986, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (commonly referred to as AHERA) was signed into law. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published regulations that require schools subject to AHERA to:

  • Perform an original inspection and periodic re-inspections every 3 years for asbestos containing material
  • Develop, maintain, and update an asbestos management plan and keep a copy at the school
  • Provide yearly notification to parent, teacher, and employee organizations regarding the availability of the school's asbestos management plan and any asbestos abatement actions taken or planned in the school
  • Designate a contact person to ensure the responsibilities of the local education agency are properly implemented
  • Perform periodic surveillance of known or suspected asbestos containing building material
  • Provide custodial staff with asbestos awareness training

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for additional information on:

General Information: Asbestos

Asbestos in Schools

Hazard Summary-Created in April 1992; Revised in January 2000


How to Manage Asbestos in School Buildings:
The AHERA Designated Person’s Self Study Guide (January 1996)
Download the PDF (2MB)

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