What does the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) require?

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) specifically requires that public and non-profit schools inspect their buildings for asbestos-containing materials and develop management plans to address any identified hazards. This legislation emphasizes the importance of evaluating the presence of asbestos in school environments to ensure the safety of students and staff. Instead of mandating immediate removal, AHERA promotes a management approach, allowing schools to assess the condition of asbestos and implement appropriate measures, whether that means removal, repair, or encapsulation, based on the risk assessment. This creates a structured process for handling asbestos in schools, focusing on prevention and safety rather than immediate action without assessment.