As a result of recent federal legislation (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act –AHERA), each primary and secondary school in the nation is required to complete a stringent new inspection for asbestos and to develop a plan of management for all asbestos containing building materials. Tri-County Area School District has a goal to be in full compliance with this law and is following the spirit, as well as, the letter of the law. As a matter of policy, the Tri-County Area School District shall continue to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our community’s youth and employees.
In keeping with this legislation, all buildings (including portables and support buildings) owned or leased by the school district were inspected by EPA accredited inspectors and samples were analyzed by an independent laboratory. Based on the inspection, the district prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for handling the asbestos located within its buildings safely and responsibly.
Furthermore, the Tri-County Area School District has completed its AHERA 3-Year Reinspection requirement each three years.
This inspection was completed in January 2016 by Badger Environmental Services.
The six-month periodic surveillance inspections were done on schedule.
Federal law requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) every six months of each area containing asbestos. Also, the law requires for all buildings to be re-inspected three years after a management plan is in effect.
Short-term workers (outside contractors – i.e., telephone repair workers, electricians, and exterminators) must be provided information regarding the location of asbestos in which they may come into contact. All short-term workers shall contact the lead maintenance person before commencing work to be given this information.