2011-12 Red Lake Schools yearly notification for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

2011-12 SCHOOL YEAR NOTIFICATION

As a result of recent federal legislation (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act - AHERA), each primary and secondary school in the nation is required to complete a stringent inspection for asbestos and to develop a plan of management for all asbestos-containing building materials. The Red Lake Public Schools has a goal to be in full compliance with this law and is following the spirit, as well as, the letter of the law. As a matter of policy, the district shall continue to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our community’s youth and employees.

In keeping with this legislation, all buildings (including portables and support buildings) owned or leased by the Red Lake Public Schools were inspected by EPA accredited inspectors and samples were analyzed by an independent laboratory. Based on the inspection, the school prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for handling the asbestos located within its buildings safely and responsibly.

Furthermore, the School District has completed its 3-Year Re-inspection required by AHERA. Our district buildings, where asbestos-containing materials were found, are under repair, removal and Operations and Maintenance.

This past year Red Lake Public Schools conducted the following with respect to its asbestos containing building materials:

*Implemented our Operations and Maintenance Program

Federal law requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) every six months of each area containing asbestos. In addition, the law requires all buildings to be re-inspected three years after a management plan is in effect. The Northwest Service Cooperative will accomplish this under contract.

Short-term workers (outside contractors - i.e., telephone repair workers, electricians and exterminators) must be provided information regarding the location of asbestos in which they may come into contact. All short-term workers shall contact the lead maintenance person before commending work to be given this information.

The Red Lake Public Schools has a list of the location(s), type(s) of asbestos containing materials found in that school building and a description and time table for their proper management. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the school office. Copies are available at 25 cents per page. Questions related to the plan should be directed to the Northwest Service Cooperative, 218/681-0895, or by contacting Willie Larson at the Red Lake Public Schools (218)-679-3353 ext 1008.