AHERA Yearly Notification

Dear Parents, Teachers, Building Occupants, and Employee Organizations:

In accordance with federal regulations, please be advised the Asbestos Management Plan is available for inspection at the Timberlane Regional School District facilities offices located at the High School. Please contact Jim Hughes, Director of Facilities, if you would like to make an appointment to review the Management Plan, during regular business hours, 382-6541 extension 3350.

In the past, asbestos was used extensively in building materials because of its insulating, sound absorbing, and fire retarding capabilities. Virtually any building constructed before the late 1970s contained some Asbestos. Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials generally do not pose a health risk Asbestos materials, however, can become hazardous when, due to damage or deterioration over time, they release fibers. If the fibers are inhaled, they can lead to health problems, such as cancer and asbestosis.

In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) which requires schools to be inspected to identify any asbestos containing building materials. Suspected asbestos containing building materials were found in the Timberlane School District buildings, sampled and rated according to condition and potential hazard. Every three years, the Timberlane School District has conducted re-inspections to determine whether the condition of the known or assumed asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) has changed.

The Timberlane Regional School District developed a plan, as required, which has been continually updated. The management Plan is a site specific document that the Timberlane School District’s must follow in managing the asbestos containing building material (ACBM). As a result of the past addition and alteration projects, many asbestos containing materials have been removed. The plan establishes procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of asbestos containing building materials; and survey the condition of these materials every six months to assure that they remain in good condition. At the last re-inspection conducted on August 30 2013, all materials listed in the Management Plan as asbestos containing (or assumed to be asbestos-containing) were inspected and found to be in good condition.

It is the intention of Timberlane School District to comply with all federal and state regulations controlling asbestos and to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure students and employees a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work.

James M. Hughes

Director of Facilities