Parent Resources » Asbestos Management

Asbestos Management

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 located, sampled (or assumed) and rated according to condition and potential hazard.

The law further requires asbestos management plans to be in place by July 1989. The Howell Township Board of Education developed plans, as required, which have been continually updated. The plans have several ongoing requirements: publish a notification on management plan availability and the status of asbestos activities; educate and train its employees about asbestos and how to deal with it; notify short-term or temporary workers on the locations of the asbestos containing building materials; post warning labels in routine maintenance areas where asbestos was previously identified or assumed; follow set plans and procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of asbestos containing building materials; and survey the condition of these materials every six (6) months to assure that they remain in good condition.

It is the intention of the Howell Township Board of Education 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. You are welcome to review a copy of the asbestos management plan in the school district administrative office or administrative office of the school during regular business hours. Mr. Mike Coolidge of the Howell Township Board of Education is our designed asbestos program coordinator, and all inquiries regarding the asbestos plan and asbestosrelated issues should be directed to him at (732) 751-2499.

Regulatory Compliance

In compliance with Public Law 1998, c.364, please be informed that the Howell Township Board of Education is making annual notification regarding the use or storage of hazardous substances in a construction or non-routine maintenance activity.

As per the requirements of P.L. 1998, c. 364, the Howell Township Board of Education will make every attempt to ensure that hazardous substances are not utilized in a construction or non-routine maintenance activity in or on the Board of Education’s buildings or its grounds while children are expected to be present, unless it is deemed an emergency condition by the Howell Township Board of Education.

Hazardous substances may be stored at the facility during construction or non-routine maintenance activities at various times throughout the year. If the Board of Education initiates construction or a non-routine maintenance activity, as per P.L. 1998, c. 364 the following notification will be provided:

Notification of any construction or other activity involving the use of any hazardous substances will be posted on a bulletin board in the appropriate facility two days prior to the commencement of the activity. If the Howell Township Board of Education is involved in what is deemed an emergency situation, a notice will be posted as soon as possible on a bulletin board of the appropriate facility.

Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets for any of the hazardous substances being used or stored are available at the facility for your inspection.

Any questions regarding the requirements of P.L. 1998, c 364 may be directed to Mike Coolidge 732-751-2499 ext. 4080.