AHERA Inspections

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) is a federal law that mandates all schools in the United States to inspect for asbestos-containing materials and develop a management plan to control and monitor the presence of asbestos. The AHERA program requires that qualified personnel (such as Guzi-West) perform re-inspections every 3 years and that periodic re-inspections be conducted every 6 months by School/District personnel.

AHERA inspections in California schools typically begin with a visual inspection of the school building to identify any visible signs of asbestos-containing materials. This initial inspection is typically followed by a comprehensive inspection, where bulk samples of materials suspected to contain asbestos are collected and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.

If asbestos-containing materials are found, or assumed, during the inspection, the school district must develop and implement an asbestos management plan. The management plan outlines procedures for monitoring and controlling the asbestos-containing materials, including regular inspections and repairs, and ensuring that any renovations or demolitions are conducted in a safe and proper manner.

The school district is also required to appoint an Asbestos Program Manager (APM) who is responsible for overseeing the management plan, training staff on proper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, and maintaining accurate records of inspections, repairs, and disposal of materials.

In addition, AHERA requires schools to notify parents, teachers, and employees of the presence of asbestos-containing materials in the school building. The notification must include information on the location of the asbestos-containing materials, any health risks associated with exposure, and steps the school district is taking to manage the asbestos.

In California, the DSA and DTSC are responsible for enforcing AHERA regulations in schools. They conduct periodic inspections to ensure that schools are complying with the regulations, and can issue fines or penalties for non-compliance.

Overall, AHERA inspections in California schools are crucial for ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and staff. At Guzi-West, we have a team of experienced and certified professionals who specialize in AHERA surveys. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to conduct our inspections, and we provide detailed reports and recommendations for any necessary remediation or management of asbestos-containing materials.

Contact us today to learn more about our AHERA survey services.