Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 91 - 105 of 129 results

• Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), is the installation of carpet over damaged A/V floor tile an enclosure?

  No. An enclosure is defined in 40 CFR part 763.83 of the asbestos in schools rule as “an airtight, impermeable, permanent barrier around asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) to present the release of asbestos fibers into the air.” Carpeting is not impermeable, permanent, or airtight. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn…

  • Last published: April 23, 2024

• Who is responsible for overseeing the management of asbestos in a school building?

  The school district/local education agency must nominate a “designated person” to perform and delegate, if necessary, the management of asbestos in a school building. This person is also a resource for the entire school community who can answer specific questions and address specific concerns about the presence or management of…

  • Last published: April 22, 2024

• Who is responsible for ensuring that a project has been reviewed by a project designer in order to ensure compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

  AHERA response actions are required to be designed, not reviewed, by accredited persons. The local education agency (LEA) and its “designated person” under 40 CFR part 763.84(g) have the responsibility to ensure that AHERA requirements are carried out. For asbestos work in public and commercial buildings, it is any contractor…

  • Last published: April 22, 2024

• Does the EPA have money available for homeowners to pay for asbestos testing or asbestos removal?

  The EPA does not have funding available to homeowners for asbestos testing or removal. 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: May 1, 2024

• 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: February 16, 2024

• Are persons who collect asbestos bulk samples on an infrequent or occasional basis subject to Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) inspector accreditation requirements?

  Yes. Persons who collect asbestos bulk samples for the purpose of using those samples to determine the presence or location of asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) or to determine the condition of ACBM must be accredited as inspectors. The frequency at which these samples are taken is not a factor…

  • Last published: April 24, 2024

• How do I get certified as an asbestos professional?

  To become a properly trained and accredited asbestos professional you will need to seek training from a training provider that offers courses approved by the EPA or a state to conduct asbestos training pursuant to the Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan. Most states also require a license to perform this work…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• I'm remodeling my home. Do I need to be concerned about asbestos in the building materials?

  It's not possible for you to tell whether a material in your home contains asbestos simply by looking at it. If you suspect a material within your home might contain asbestos (for example floor tile, ceiling tile or old pipe wrap) and the material is damaged (fraying or falling apart)…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• I have a question about a word or phrase on the List N website. I’m not sure how something on List N helps me fight COVID-19.

  List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. List N is a list of products that EPA expects will kill SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, when used according to…

  • Last published: April 10, 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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