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Asbestos: What Your School Needs to Know

This article was originally published prior to the founding of Eocene and the information included here represents events and news that occurred under our company subsidiaries. 

August 21, 2023

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that becomes a health hazard when inhaled or ingested into the body. The commercial value of asbestos as an insulating material and binding agent made it widespread in thousands of building materials historically, including thermal system insulation, flooring, roofing, caulk and adhesives. Asbestos use and production have declined since 1980. Newer buildings are unlikely to contain asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM), though some roofing compounds were found to contain asbestos as recently as 2010.

What is AHERA?

AHERA stands for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. It requires that school districts (public or private K-12, not-for-profit) follow regulations that cover inspections for asbestos-containing building materials, management and staff training.

What Schools Need to Know

  • Schools must inspect for ACBM in each building used as a school at least once every three years.
  • It is also required that each school maintain a written asbestos management plan to address potential asbestos hazards within the district.
  • Staff that are working on ACBM in schools must be trained and accredited in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) The Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan.

How We Can Help

Eocene’s team of professionals are available to assist clients throughout the process with extremely thorough reports and expert advice and analysis, including resources designed to inform and safely complete any asbestos project. We can prepare bidding documents, including an asbestos project design and contract documents for the abatement of identified ACBM. Eocene also offers asbestos air monitoring services involving the collection and analysis of multiple air samples throughout the duration of the project. We provide inspection services including AHERA three-year re-inspections, six-month periodic surveillances and asbestos bulk sample collections. Our team of professionals can write asbestos management plans and advise as to a future course of action for any ACBM discovered in any district building.

We have assisted with hundreds of asbestos projects in schools. As new facilities are built, older structures may be renovated, decommissioned, sold, or demolished. Safely engaging in any activity that could disturb ACBM requires skilled and experienced professionals that can ensure teachers, students, and other building occupants are not exposed to unwarranted health hazards.