Guidance for Superintendents
Top 5 AHERA violations for schools
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) has specific requirements for schools management of asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
General AHERA requirements for Superintendents
AHERA requires that schools maintain ACM in good condition. This includes identifying asbestos-containing materials, development of a management plan, reinspections, performing response actions, and recordkeeping requirements.
Sample annual written notification
AHERA requires that the Local Education Agency (LEA) provide annual written notification to parents, teachers and staff regarding the availability of the Asbestos Management Plan.
Sample notice to contractors conducting work in your school
AHERA requires that short-term workers and contractors are notified of the location of ACM prior to performing their work so that the ACM is not disturbed during the performance of their work.
Sample RFP specifications for AHERA reinspections
Download sample specifications that can be used in your RFP procurement of services to hire certified consultants.
Notice to charter schools
Charter Schools are required to comply with AHERA.
Notice to school districts with new construction
Schools cannot conclude that they do not contain asbestos-containing materials just because the building or addition was constructed after 1989. An “architect’s statement” which reviews building materials, or a complete asbestos inspection, is required.
Notice to schools conducting asbestos abatement
Schools are required to maintain documentation when conducting an asbestos response action including asbestos contractor license and workers certification information, clearance monitoring reports, and waste disposal manifests.
Checklist for Schools Conducting Asbestos Abatement
This AHERA Response Action Records Checklist identifies the records and documents you should collect for inclusion in your Management Plan.
Guidance for designated persons
General AHERA requirements for designated persons
AHERA requires that Designated Persons are trained to perform their duties. This self-study guide can be used in lieu of classroom training.
EPA self-study course for designated persons
AHERA requires specific training for Designated Persons, and for custodians and maintenance staff. The Department of Labor Standards offers these trainings to LEAs and school staff free of charge.
List of Asbestos training available from the Department of Labor Standards
AHERA requires specific asbestos-awareness training for custodians and maintenance staff, and designated persons. Some of this training is available for free from the Department of Labor Standards.
AHERA Response Action Checklist
Response Actions for AHERA Compliance
Sample RFP specifications for AHERA reinspections
Sample RFP Specs for AHERA Re-Inspection and Management Plan Updates
Sample periodic surveillance chart
Sample outside contractor notice
Sample Annual Written Notification
Recordkeeping Review Checklist Reinspections
Tips on organizing and maintaining the AHERA Management Plan
Response Actions for AHERA Compliance
Asbestos management in schools top 10 violations in Massachusetts
AHERA Management Plans - Requirements for new schools
Guidance for certified consultants
Top 5 violations for AHERA Inspectors
AHERA has specific requirements for evaluating the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials.
Top 5 violations for Management Planners
AHERA has specific requirements for the contents of a Management Plan.
Bulk sample analysis by PLM in Massachusetts
This fact sheet highlights key components of the recognized EPA methods for analyzing bulk samples by Polarized Light Microscopy.
Clearance air sample testing by PCM
This fact sheet highlights key components of the NIOSH 7400 Method for Phase Contrast Microscopy in order to collect and analyze samples with technical accuracy.
Guidance for inspectors for AHERA inspections/re-inspections
Guidance for Management Planners - Reinspection Checklist
AHERA Management Plans - Requirements for new schools
Tips on organizing and maintaining the AHERA Management Plan
PCM clearance air sampling guidance for Asbestos Project Monitors
PLM analysis for bulk asbestos sampling
Project Designs for asbestos abatement and compliance with AHERA
PCM Analysis checklist for Project Monitors
Sample periodic surveillance chart
Standardized reinspection template
TEM guidance for Asbestos Project Monitors
Resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA Frequently Asked Questions
This website provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding AHERA.
EPA’s AHERA Regulation 40 CFR 763 Subpart E
If you have any questions or concerns about the AHERA regulation or other asbestos issues related to your buildings, contact the Department of Labor Standards at safepublicworkplace@MassMail.State.MA.US.
Asbestos resources for Designated Person in schools
Fiber release episode guidance for the Designated Person
Recordkeeping Review Checklist Reinspections
FAQs Renovation NESHAP vs. AHERA
Sample Annual Written Notification
AHERA exemptions for New Schools FAQs-2021
Organizing the Management Plan 2021
Sample outside contractor noticeAHERA exemptions for New Schools FAQs-2021
Recordkeeping Review Checklist Reinspections