In the not-too-distant past, asbestos seemed like a miraculous and harmless substance. It was relatively inexpensive and could be used in everything from tires to insulation. It is no surprise that asbestos found its way into schools, too.
As the people who handled asbestos got older, it became clear how dangerous it could be to handle and be around asbestos. Now, asbestos has limited uses but remains in older buildings, including schools.
Here’s what you should know about the asbestos that could be in your child’s school.
Removing asbestos can be an intense project, especially for large buildings like schools. However, in many cases, asbestos only poses a hazard if the particles are released into the air. To avoid expensive remodels, there are guidelines for how schools maintain areas that contain asbestos, including:
These federal rules fall under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), and they apply to both public and non-profit schools.
Although a management plan is not as effective as removing asbestos from the school, it is one way that schools can provide a safer environment until they can perform remodels. An Asbestos Management Plan should include items such as:
Keep in mind, these measures are not a guarantee of safety, merely a method for tracking and reducing exposure. A school with asbestos will have specific hazards that a school without asbestos does not have. Part of the school’s asbestos plan includes your right to inspect the plan and be aware of how the school handles asbestos management.
Contact us today to learn more.