What about Asbestos?

• Asbestos is a crystalline mineral and is the smallest naturally occurring fiber.

• EPA stated that “no level of asbestos exposure is safe.”

• Asbestos-related diseases can take up to 20-50 years to manifest.

Individuals who are secondarily exposed to asbestos have a risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. Exposure can come from dust on clothing.

In 1980, the EPA estimated that more than 8,500 schools in the nation had friable asbestos and that approximately 3,000,000 students and more than 250,000 teachers, maintenance workers, and other adults were potentially exposed.

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) was created to protect children, teachers, and other adults working in public K-12 schools. There are three primary areas where schools may not be in compliance.

All K-12 schools have asbestos Management Plans for all school buildings that the District leases or owns which will detail all asbestos in school facilities to ensure student and employee safety. It should be referred to when considering facility maintenance or renovation to avoid disturbing asbestos building materials.

It is a public document available to maintenance staff, teachers, students, parents or the general public. Current copies must be available at the School and at the District Office.

Source - 40 CFR 763.93

3 Year Asbestos

Re-inspections

At a minimum every three years the management plan must be updated, in a timely manner, by a properly accredited Management Planner.

Sampling must be conducted in accordance with Federal and State regulations regarding suspect material survey sample quantities.

The State of Montana’s requirements for sampling is more stringent than the Federal requirements.

The Designated Person is the district’s or the local education agencies chosen representative for compliance with Federal and State asbestos regulations.

They ensure all activities conducted on behalf of the district, regarding asbestos, are conducted by properly trained and accredited people.

As the Designated Person they guide the implementation of the district’s maintenance of records, six-month internal inspections, and required annual communications.

They also inform all contractors and maintenance personnel of the location of asbestos materials.