It was during the 1960’s
That Asbestos became known to have toxicity.
Scientists pointed out that the inhalation of
toxic asbestos fibers can cause serious
illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis
and mesothelioma.
In 1986,
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency
Response Act (AHERA), a
provision of the Toxic Substances
Control Act, became law.
For years….
AHERA required local education
schools were constructed with
agencies to inspect their schools asbestos materials…. and only
for asbestos-containing building recently have the harmful
material, prepare management effects become known about
the product.
plans, prevent or reduce asbestos
…
hazards, notify the public and
staff, provide training and various
other requirements.
…
So how do schools comply with AHERA?
Mainly by understanding the rules because there have
been no changes since 1986…. AHERA rules are
published in the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter
40, Part 763, Subpart E -
Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools.
Requirements Include: school inspections, annual notices,
management plans for schools and Training….
Do schools have training requirements
under AHERA?
AHERA training rules are published in the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 40,
Part 763.92 - Training and periodic surveillance.
(a) Training. (1) The local education agency shall ensure, prior to the
implementation of the O&M provisions of the management plan, that
all members of its maintenance and custodial staff (custodians,
electricians, heating/air conditioning engineers, plumbers, etc.) who
may work in a building that contains ACBM receive awareness training
of at least 2 hours, whether or not they are required to work with
ACBM.
New custodial and maintenance employees shall be trained within 60
days after commencement of employment. Training shall include, but
not be limited to: (i) Information regarding asbestos and its various
uses and forms.
60 Day Training Rule
The 60 day rule is an Ahera requirement that requires school
districts to train new custodians and maintenance employees.
What we’re hearing at Ahera.org is certainly a concern with
many asbestos program managers.. It seems many of the
school districts that have spoken to Ahera.Org have
mentioned that they are not training new employees within
the proper period of employment; that is within the 60 day
hired period.
Some simply did not understand or even know the ruling. Of course any EPA
audit on school district training might trigger a concern (or even a violation) if the
Ahera records in the management plan are not current.
AHERA.Org Asbestos Training Program
Remember training is a regulatory
requirement… the program design can
certainly help school districts meet the
60 day (new hire) Ahera rule.
.
1. School Districts can train their employees
as required;
2. School Districts can save money on the
training that is now being paid to outside
training providers; and
3. No longer to worry about audits; as the
requirement are met through the two hour
training program
If you are interested please e-mail
info@ahera.org as soon as
possible.
Ahera.org will add your school
district on the program list.