Annual AHERA Notification & Management Plans

In Massachusetts public schools (and all U.S. schools), AHERA stands for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. It is a federal law enacted in 1986 that requires schools to inspect their buildings for asbestos-containing materials and take appropriate action to prevent exposure.

Under AHERA, all public and private K–12 schools (not colleges or universities) must:

1. Inspect for asbestos in building materials.

2. Prepare an Asbestos Management Plan that outlines where asbestos is located, how it's being monitored, and plans for removal or containment.

3. Re-inspect asbestos-containing materials every 3 years.

4. Conduct surveillance of asbestos conditions every 6 months.

5. Train school staff responsible for maintenance and asbestos response.

6. Notify parents, teachers, and employees annually about the asbestos management plan and any actions taken.

Why It Matters:

Asbestos can cause serious health issues (like lung cancer and mesothelioma) if fibers become airborne and are inhaled. AHERA aims to prevent exposure in schools, especially since children are particularly vulnerable.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces AHERA, but states can have their own enforcement programs too. In Massachusetts, the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) oversees asbestos compliance in public schools.