What is the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) was passed by Congress in 1986.
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AHERA requires public school districts and non-profit private schools to inspect their schools for asbestos containing building material and prepare management plans which recommend the best way to reduce the hazard from any asbestos-containing materials that may be present.
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Options include repairing damaged asbestos-containing material (such as spraying it with sealants, enclosing it) or removing it.
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The plans must be developed by accredited management planners and submitted to the State.
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The school authority must notify parent, teacher and employee organizations of the plans, and then the plans must be implemented.
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The school district must also perform periodic surveillance of asbestos-containing material every 6 months in its schools.
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AHERA also requires accreditation of abatement project designers, abatement workers, supervisors, and building inspectors.
How do I find out if my child’s school has asbestos in it?
The Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule, pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires schools to make their asbestos management plans available to the public, including parents, within 5 working days of the request. The asbestos management plan should discuss the location and type of asbestos-containing materials and any preventive measures or response actions taken in your child’s school. You can also contact the school's AHERA Designated Person directly for more information, or if you have specific questions about asbestos in your child's school. The AHERA Designated Person’s name and contact information appears in the management plan.