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Region 10: The Pacific Northwest
Serving the people of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 270 Native Tribes

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Asbestos in Schools

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
AHERA mandated that EPA develop regulations to respond to asbestos in schools. To implement this mandate, EPA enacted the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule. This rule requires all private and public nonprofit elementary and secondary schools to:
  • Perform an original inspection and re-inspection every three years of 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;
  • Ensure that properly accredited professionals perform inspections and response actions and prepare management plans; and
  • Provide custodial staff with asbestos awareness training.
Managing Asbestos in Schools (PDF) - a comprehensive guide (102pp, 653K, About PDF)
Model Asbestos Management Plan (PDF) - includes forms and instructions (39pp, 298K, About PDF)

Interpretation and Clarification of AHERA
AHERA Designated Person


Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Hotline
For technical questions related to the programs authorized by TSCA.

E-mail: tsca-hotline@epa.gov 
Hours of Service: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EST) M - F 
Telephone: 202-554-1404 
TDD: 202-554-0551
Fax: 202-554-5603 (Fax available 24 hours a day)
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA)
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA), passed in 1990, requires accreditation of personnel working on asbestos activities in schools, public and commercial buildings. The Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (40 CFR Part 763, Appendix C) (59 FR 5236-5260, February 3, 1994) [PDF] requires the use of accredited inspectors, workers, supervisors, project designers, and management planners (schools only) when conducting asbestos activities at schools, public and commercial buildings.

EPA strongly recommends that asbestos-related activities conducted at public and commercial buildings follow the protocol for management and removal of asbestos-containing materials described in the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule (40 CFR part 763)(52 FR 41826-41898) [PDF document]




Unit: Solid Waste and TSCA
Point of contact: Carmen Caldwell
E-Mail: caldwell.carmen@epa.gov
Phone Number: (206) 553-4762
Last Updated: 09/24/2008

 

 
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