Under the requirements of AHERA, what must schools do regarding asbestos?

Under the requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), schools are obligated to inspect, sample, and document all asbestos-containing building material (ACBM). This regulation was established to ensure that schools take proactive steps in managing and mitigating the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Conducting thorough inspections allows schools to identify the presence of asbestos and assess its condition, thus ensuring that any potential hazards are properly managed. Sampling is crucial to confirm the presence of asbestos and to analyze it for safety purposes. Documentation is essential to maintain a record of the findings and actions taken, ensuring compliance with the law and facilitating communication with regulatory bodies and the school community.

This approach is designed to provide a systematic framework for managing asbestos, focusing on prevention and safety rather than immediate removal of all asbestos, which may not be necessary or feasible in every case.