Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) is a federal law enacted and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect students and staff from asbestos exposure in educational facilities. The law applies to both public and private non-profit schools, establishing strict requirements for asbestos management and monitoring.

Schools must meet four essential compliance requirements:

Identification of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)

• • Complete facility inspections
  • Professional assessment and documentation
  • Laboratory analysis and verification

Management Plan Development

• • Comprehensive strategies for handling ACMs
  • Clear procedures for maintenance and monitoring
  • Documentation of all asbestos-related activities

Regular Inspection Program

• • Periodic surveillance of known ACMs
  • Condition assessments and documentation
  • Prioritized response to deteriorating materials

Communication Protocol

• • Notification to school staff and Administration
  • Parent and guardian awareness
  • Documentation of all management activities

The Value of AHERA Compliance

Implementing proper AHERA compliance prevents exposure to harmful asbestos fibers that can cause serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. From a business perspective, AHERA compliance serves as effective risk management by reducing potential liability and health-related claims that could arise from asbestos exposure. Schools also gain regulatory assurance, knowing they meet all federal requirements and avoid potential penalties or enforcement actions. Perhaps most importantly, AHERA compliance builds community trust by demonstrating a clear commitment to student and staff safety, ensuring peace of mind for parents, teachers, and administrators alike.

Intertek-PSI’s AHERA Solutions

As a leader in industrial hygiene and environmental consulting, Intertek-PSI can provide comprehensive in-house asbestos and regulatory compliance solutions that include:

• Asbestos Surveying
• Asbestos Air Monitoring
• Accredited Laboratory Analysis
• Management Planning
• Inspection & Monitoring
• Staff Training & Support
• Remediation Design & Oversight
• Documentation Support

Additional Environmental Services

Beyond AHERA compliance, Intertek-PSI provides a complete suite of testing and inspection services to ensure your facility maintains optimal environmental conditions for learning and working including:

• Indoor Air Quality Testing
• Mold Inspection & Testing
• Lead Paint Surveys
• Drinking Water Testing
• Hazardous Materials Surveys
• Ventilation Evaluation

Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your school community through effective AHERA compliance and a full range of environmental testing and inspection solutions.