Federal Requirements for Asbestos Removal in Schools

Before its health dangers were discovered, asbestos was frequently employed in the construction of schools in Colorado and the US. The federal government has put in place stringent regulations for the removal of asbestos in schools in order to safeguard the health and wellbeing of children, instructors, and staff. The federal rules and regulations that control asbestos removal in educational facilities will be discussed in this article.

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

The primary federal law that addresses asbestos in schools is the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Enacted in 1986, AHERA established a comprehensive framework to ensure the safe management and removal of asbestos-containing materials in educational settings.

• Asbestos Management Plans: Under AHERA, schools are required to develop and implement asbestos management plans. These plans detail procedures for inspecting, managing, and monitoring asbestos-containing materials within school buildings. They also outline response actions and strategies for addressing asbestos hazards.
• Initial Inspections: AHERA mandates that all schools conduct thorough inspections to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials. Certified inspectors must inspect each school building, including classrooms, administrative areas, and other facilities. These inspections help develop accurate inventories of asbestos-containing materials and prioritize removal actions.
• Notification: Schools must notify parents, teachers, and employee organizations about the availability of the asbestos management plan and any asbestos-related activities taking place within the school. This includes informing them about inspections, response actions, and periodic surveillance activities.
• Response Actions: If asbestos-containing materials are identified during inspections, AHERA requires schools to take appropriate response actions. These actions may include encapsulation (sealing the asbestos-containing material), enclosure (isolating the material), or removal.
• Accredited Asbestos Professionals: All asbestos-related activities, including inspections, management planning, and removal, must be conducted by accredited asbestos professionals like Cyclone Kleen Up. These professionals have undergone specialized training and certification to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Ongoing Surveillance: AHERA mandates that schools conduct periodic surveillance of asbestos-containing materials to assess their condition and prevent any potential hazards. Regular inspections and monitoring help ensure the continued safety of students, teachers, and staff.
• Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Programs: In addition to removal and response actions, AHERA requires schools to implement Operations and Maintenance (O&M) programs. These programs establish protocols for routine maintenance activities that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, such as repairs, renovations, and custodial activities. Proper training and guidelines are provided to personnel involved in these activities to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.

Regulations Safeguard Your Health

The federal requirements for asbestos removal in schools, as outlined by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of students, teachers, and staff. By enforcing comprehensive inspections, management plans, and response actions, these regulations ensure that schools take the necessary steps to identify, manage, and remove asbestos-containing materials.

Accredited asbestos professionals play a vital role in implementing these requirements and maintaining ongoing surveillance and maintenance programs to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure. Through diligent compliance with these federal regulations, schools can provide a safe and healthy environment for education and learning.

For all your school property asbestos removal needs, trust the expertise and professionalism of Cyclone Kleen Up. Whether your school building is located in Fowler, Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, Florence, Pueblo, or anywhere in our CO service area, we have the solutions to clean up and protect it. Contact us today at 719-299-3887 or reach out to us online to find out more and schedule a consultation with a Cyclone Kleen Up representative.