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Asbestos Management (AHERA)

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and its regulations require public school districts and non-profit schools, including charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions, to:

  • Inspect their schools for asbestos-containing building materials
  • Prepare management plans and take action to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards

These legal requirements are founded on the principle of “in-place” management of asbestos-containing materials. Removal is not usually necessary unless the material is severely damaged or will be disturbed during demolition or renovation.

Personnel working on asbestos-related activities in schools must be trained and accredited in accordance with the Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (PDF).

If asbestos removal is required during renovation, or if school buildings are being demolished, districts must also comply with the Asbestos National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).