Asbestos: Information for Schools
Requirements for schools
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) is a federal law requiring schools to manage asbestos in school buildings. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations (PDF) direct schools on how to comply with AHERA requirements. Schools must:
- Choose a person to be their designated asbestos coordinator.
- Have a certified asbestos inspector or management planner reinspect every three years.
- Notify parents and school employees that the management plan is available, yearly.
- Do a visual inspection at each school building at least once every six months.
- Maintain records required by AHERA in the management plan.
- Ensure custodial staff receive two-hour asbestos awareness training.
More information on asbestos in school buildings is available from the EPA.
Designating a school asbestos coordinator (“designated person”)
To help schools comply with AHERA, the Department of Health Services (DHS) requires schools to notify DHS who their designated asbestos coordinator is every year before October 1. The designated asbestos coordinator is responsible for making sure the school follows AHERA and Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 159, Certification and Training Course Requirements for Asbestos Activities.
Get designated asbestos coordinator training
The designated coordinator needs training to manage asbestos in the schools. There are three options for training. Select your preferred option for more information.
The following companies offer training designed for designated school asbestos coordinators. They also offer accredited asbestos training required for certification.
Good Armstrong Training and Consulting Inc..
Phone: 414-645-7600
1345 N. Jefferson St., Unit 147
Milwaukee, WI 53202-2644
Lake States Environmental Ltd.
Phone: 715-434-4467
222 1/2 N. Main St. Ste. 1
Rice Lake, WI 54868-1771
Milwaukee Lead and Asbestos Information Center Inc. - Div. of Midwest Certified Training Inc..
Phone: 800-720-LEAD
5381 N. 118th Ct.
Milwaukee, WI 53225-3085
741 Lois Dr.
Sun Prairie, WI 53590-1177
Phone: 414-727-7900
1237 W. Bruce St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204-1218
EPA developed the four-part How to Manage Asbestos in School Buildings video training series to help schools understand their responsibilities under AHERA.
EPA developed How to Manage Asbestos in School Buildings: The AHERA Designated Person's Self Study Guide (PDF) to assist designated persons in understanding their responsibilities to help their schools follow federal asbestos regulations.
Notify DHS every year
Every year by October 1, schools must notify DHS who the designated asbestos coordinator is.