The Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools (K-12)
to complete an initial inspection for asbestos and a reinspection of known and assumed asbestos at least
once every three years in each building which is owned, leased, or otherwise used …
Does Ahera apply to colleges?
authority as a “local education agency” rather than a “local educational agency” as done in 15 U.S.C. § 2642(7). MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, http://rehs.rutgers.edu/pdf_files/ru_asbmgmt.pdf (reporting Rutgers University’s determination that
AHERA “does not apply to colleges”
).
What is Ahera certification?
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) required that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) develop an
accreditation program for laboratories conducting analysis of air and bulk material samples for asbestos
.
When did Ahera become law?
Fortunately, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of
1986
(AHERA) exists to protect students and school employees from exposure on campus. AHERA was implemented under the Toxic Substance Control Act in 1986. It was established to put protocols and procedures in place to deal with asbestos in school buildings.
When did schools ban asbestos?
23, 1986. Available at www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/signing-asbestos-hazard-emergency-response-act. 3 In
1990
, when Congress reauthorized the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act, the legislation said EPA estimated that more than 44,000 school buildings could expose 15 million children and 1.5 million employees to asbestos.
What does Ahera stand for?
How Schools Comply with the
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
(AHERA)
When should you test for asbestos?
The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing
suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling)
or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material.
Where is asbestos found in the environment?
Asbestos is also present in the environment naturally, primarily
in underground rock
. In most areas asbestos fibers are not released into the air because the rock is too deep to be disturbed easily.
When was asbestos first used in construction?
Heat insulation containing asbestos was used for the first time in
1866
. In 1870 asbestos was mixed with cement for boiler covering. By 1874, asbestos insulation products reached commercial production and were sold on a mass scale. Bans on asbestos-containing insulation didn’t appear until the 1970s.
How do you test for asbestos?
The only way to test for asbestos is in a scientific laboratory, using specialised techniques like
Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) and Dispersion Staining (DS)
.
Where is the asbestos in floor tiles?
Asbestos floor tiles were once a popular choice for flooring, and you will often find old asbestos floor tiles
hidden under carpets
. Textiles can be found in fuse boxes behind the actual fuse. Old fire blankets and heat resistant gloves can also be made out of asbestos textiles.
What are the characteristics of asbestosis?
- Shortness of breath.
- A persistent, dry cough.
- Loss of appetite with weight loss.
- Fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than normal (clubbing)
- Chest tightness or pain.
Who is at increased risk of exposure to asbestos in schools?
shows that more than two-thirds of 5,309 local education agencies in 15 responding states have schools that contain asbestos. When these asbestos products are damaged or wear down over time, they put
students, teachers and other school employees
at risk of asbestos exposure.
Does my old house have asbestos?
Any building built before the 1970s could contain asbestos
, especially old houses and offices from the first half of the last century. It’s best to avoid exposure completely, if possible. If you suspect that you may have asbestos in your home or office, it’s best to leave it alone if the area is in good condition.
How do I know if my ceiling tiles have asbestos?
Square floor tiles installed between 1920 and 1980 are most likely to contain asbestos. Ceiling tiles with asbestos were often square or rectangular. They can be identified by
the trademark pinhole markings and powdery appearance
.
How do I know if I have asbestos in my lungs?
The most common signs of asbestos exposure include
shortness of breath, cough and chest pain
. Pleural plaques are a sign that a person had enough exposure to be at risk of other diseases. They may develop prior to mesothelioma or lung cancer.
