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As part of its mission to protect human health and the environment, EPA works with various

partners, including schools, to share information, resources and tools regarding

the importance of environmental health issues and Healthy Schools.

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Family/Community Involvement

Health Education

Health Promotion for Staff

Healthy School

Environment

Health Services

Physical Education

Counseling, Psychological, & Social Services

Nutrition Services

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Today, I’ll be speaking about Asbestos & Schools

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Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a

variety of materials such as insulation and as a fire-retardant.

When these materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers

become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can

cause significant health problems.

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Asbestos-containing products Asbestos cement corrugated sheet Asbestos cement flat sheets

Asbestos cement pipe Asbestos cement shingles, roof coatings, flooring felt

Pipeline wrap roofing, felt asbestos clothing Non-roof coatings, vinyl/asbestos floor tile

And many more….

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There are numerous uses of asbestos that are found throughout many school buildings. Here are a few

examples.

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EPA has Asbestos Regulations Federal Requirements for Asbestos Management

in Schools

National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

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The Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools

Regulation (40 CFR Part 763) In 1986, EPA required that schools be inspected for asbestos and requires each school to have a plan.

Note that state requirements may vary.

Contact your state agency for more information.

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The following are asbestos regulation highlights:

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Each school must have a designated Asbestos person.

There must be written notifications to the parents, etc. regarding the availability of the Asbestos

Management (AMP).

There are re-inspection requirements that must be followed.

Schools must implement periodic surveillance.

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There are requirements for custodial, maintenance and short- term workers regarding training and

information exchange.

There are recordkeeping requirements.

Enforcement actions are real.

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Designated Asbestos Person

The Local Education Agency (LEA) must designate a person (designated person) – (DP)

The LEA must verify that this individual has received proper training.

DP does not have to be a licensed asbestos consultant

EPA has developed a “Designated Person’s Self-Study

Guide”

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Designated Asbestos Person

EPA has developed a “Designated Person’s Self-Study Guide”

Available online: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/schools.html

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Designated Asbestos Person

The Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) for schools must include a true and correct statement signed by the DP

certifying that the general responsibilities of the LEA have been or will be met.

In the event that the DP leaves his or her position, the LEA must ensure that a new individual is identified and

appropriately trained to serve as the new DP.

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Designated Asbestos Person

The newly identified DP must sign the statement of certification.

The designated person must have a basic knowledge of:

• the health effects of asbestos • the detection, identification and assessment of asbestos- containing material • options for controlling asbestos-containing material• asbestos management programs• relevant federal and state regulations concerning asbestos

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Re-Inspection

The LEA must retain the services of a licensed asbestos inspectoror management planner to conduct a re-inspection.

The re-inspection must take place every three years subsequentto the implementation of a management plan.

Triennial re-inspections must include an inspection of each area of

every building that is leased, owned or otherwise used as a school

building.

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Written notifications regarding the availability of the Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)

At least once each school year, the LEA must provide written notification to parents, teachers and employee organizations regarding the availability of the Asbestos Management Plan and any response actions taken or planned.

o This notice must be dated and a copy placed in the AMP.

o The AMP must describe the steps taken to notify parents, teachers and employee organizations.

o Acceptable methods of notifications include placing a notice in the school handbook, mailing a letter to each household, or placing an ad in a local newspaper.

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Periodic Surveillance

After the AMP has been implemented, the LEA must conduct periodic surveillance in each building that it leases, owns, or otherwise uses as a school building at least once every six months.

• The purpose of the surveillance is to look at all of the known or suspect asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) and note any changes in the material.

• Periodic surveillance does not need to be conducted by a licensed consultant. It is often conducted by custodial or maintenance personnel.

Requirements for Custodial, Maintenance and Short-term Workers re: Training and

Information Exchange

All maintenance and custodial staff who may work in a building that contains asbestos-containing materials (ACBM) must receive at least two hours of asbestos awareness training whether or not they are required to work with ACBM.

Maintenance and custodial staff conducting any activities that will result in the disturbance to ACBM must receive an additional 14 hours of training.

 

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Requirements for Custodial, Maintenance and Short-Term Workers re: Training and Information

Exchange

The LEA must ensure that new custodial and maintenance employees are trained within 60 days after commencement of employment.

  The LEA must ensure that short-term workers who may come

in contact with asbestos (such as utility repair workers) are informed of the location of ACBM.

Record-keeping RequirementsThe LEA must maintain records required by the regulations to be included in the Asbestos Management Plan. This includes:

a copy of prior inspection and/or the re-inspection reports;

documentation related to the training provided to custodial and maintenance employees;

periodic surveillance forms;

dated statements regarding operations and maintenance activities;

a copy of the annual notice of the management plan availability;

a copy of all reports on response actions taken; and

a copy of the updated management plan in each school. 

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Federal Requirements for Asbestos Management in Schools EPA’s Compliance & Enforcement

While it is the goal of EPA to provide LEAs with compliance assistance in achieving regulatory compliance, LEAs that fail to comply with existing regulatory requirements may be subject to enforcement action.

Contact your Regional Asbestos Coordinator for more information.

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Federal Requirement Resources for Asbestos Management in Schools

You will find several Asbestos resources at:www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/asbestos_in_schools.html

Including

“The ABC’s of Asbestos in Schools” (PDF)

www.epa.gov/asbestos

www.epa.gov/region7/citizens/schools/resources_tools.htm

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EPA Asbestos Line:1-800-471-7127

EPA Region 71-800-223-0425

 EPA Asbestos in Schools Website:

www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos_in_schools.html

www.epa.gov/asbestos

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You can also request more information on the AHERA requirements from the

Toxic Substances Control Act Assistance Information Serviceat

1-202-554-1404

or from the Asbestos Ombudsman at 1-800-368-5888

or fromEPA’s National Program Chemicals Division

at 1-202-566-0500

Where can you learn more?Region 7

1-800-223-0425

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Thank you!