Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 151 - 165 of 198 results

• Many local education agencies (LEAs) intend to select certain person(s) who are permanent employees of the district to become accredited asbestos professionals under the Asbestos-containing Materials in Schools Rule. Does EPA see this as a problem?

  Generally, no. The conflict-of-interest provision in the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule, which merely requires LEAs to “consider” conflict of interest issues, primarily pertains to outside contractors who serve in two or more capacities (see rule preamble discussion at 52 FR 41836). LEAs retain the option of using their own…

  • Last published: May 30, 2024

• Ammonia (concentration 20% or greater) and Ammonia (anhydrous) Alternative Release Scenarios

  Pursuant to the Risk Management Program regulations, the owner or operator shall identify and analyze at least one alternative release scenario for each regulated toxic substance held in a Program 2 or Program 3 process above its threshold (40 CFR §68.28). If a facility has both ammonia and ammonia (anhydrous)…

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• My school district will be performing asbestos abatement in a kindergarten classroom that was built before 1978. Do the asbestos abatement workers also need to comply with the RRP rule? 

  Yes, if the asbestos abatement disrupts over six square feet of painted surface per room in an interior, or over 20 square feet of painted surface on an exterior, or involves window replacement or demolition of painted surfaces. If so, the asbestos abatement will need to be performed by a…

  • Last published: January 29, 2025

• I found out the cement water pipes leading to my house (business) contain asbestos. What should I do?

  If the pipes are damaged they should be properly repaired or replaced by your water utility. Learn more about asbestos in drinking water . Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos Protect Your Family from…

  • Last published: January 29, 2025

• If the architect or project engineer responsible for the construction of the building provides a statement indicating there is no asbestos-containing material in the school, does the local education agency (LEA) have to submit an asbestos management plan?

  40 CFR part 763.99(a) of the asbestos in schools rule provides that an LEA “shall not be required to perform an inspection under §763.85(a) in any sampling area . . . or homogeneous area of a school building where: . . . (7) An architect or project engineer responsible for…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024

• Are the school system's maintenance or storage facilities (e.g., bus garage or warehouse) covered by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

  In general, the answer is yes. Section 202 of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) defines “school building” to include “... any maintenance, storage, or utility facility, including any hallway, essential to the operation of any facility described” in the statute’s definition of “school building.” Some of the facilities…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024

• Are state-run schools (e.g. prison schools, schools for students with disabilities, etc.) covered by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

  The definition of “school” under AHERA covers any elementary or secondary school as defined by state law. Thus, reference to state law would determine whether a state-run school is covered as an elementary or secondary school and therefore covered by AHERA. However, state for-profit private schools are exempted under AHERA…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024

• Does a local education agency (LEA) with all asbestos-free schools need a designated person pursuant to 40 CFR part 763.84(g)?

  Yes. One of the requirements of the LEA is to continue the annual notification to parents and others of the availability of the management plan indefinitely. The designated person can handle any questions and concerns that arise regarding asbestos. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024

• Does the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) apply to schools on military bases?

  Yes. AHERA applies to all public and private non-profit elementary and secondary schools, which includes schools on military bases. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos Asbestos Contaminated…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024

• Are private for-profit schools included under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

  No. Private for-profit schools are not covered under AHERA. This is a statutory exemption. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos Asbestos Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation

  • Last published: March 21, 2024

• Does cutting hatchways into ceilings where small amounts of asbestos is disturbed for purposes of mounting fire alarm components in a school fall within the scope of small-scale, short-duration activities under the Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan?

  Yes, if the activity is required in the performance of an emergency or routine maintenance activity not intended solely as an asbestos abatement. Additionally, such work must be done and contained in a single prefabricated mini-enclosure (Appendix C to 40 CFR part 763, subpart E). Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos…

  • Last published: March 21, 2024

• Who is responsible, the school or the landlord, for complying with AHERA?

  A public school district leases space from a non-school group (e.g., corporation, YMCA, etc.) to use as a school building. The local education agency (LEA) is responsible for complying with the rule. Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) section 202(7), the following are LEAs: “the public authority legally…

  • Last published: March 21, 2024

• 40 CFR part 763.92(a)(1) and (2) of the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule refer to 2-hour training and 14-hour training. Where can the workers receive this training?

  EPA anticipates that local education agencies (LEAs) will use a variety of resources to train custodial staff. Private consultants, LEA staff, local colleges and labor groups are potential sources of instructors for O&M training. 40 CFR part 763.94(c) of the asbestos in schools rule requires LEAs to keep specific information…

  • Last published: March 21, 2024

• Does a home seller have to disclose to a potential buyer that a home contains asbestos? What about vermiculite?

  Federal law does not require the seller to disclose to a buyer that their home contains asbestos or vermiculite. State or local requirements may require disclosure. Contact your state about such requirements. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of…

  • Last published: March 21, 2024

• What are the health risks if I have asbestos in my home, building, apartment, or school?

  Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to present a health risk. The risks from asbestos occur when it is damaged or disturbed where asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. Managing asbestos in place and maintaining it in good repair is often the best…

  • Last published: March 28, 2024