Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) Practice Exam

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act (AHERA) specifically applies to which of the following?

1. Commercial buildings open to the general public

2. All government-owned or occupied buildings

3. Public and private elementary and secondary schools

4. All industrial buildings where asbestos workers could be exposed

The correct answer is: Public and private elementary and secondary schools

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act (AHERA) specifically targets public and private elementary and secondary schools to ensure they manage and mitigate asbestos hazards effectively. The primary focus of AHERA is to ensure that schools are monitoring, managing, and reducing asbestos exposure risks, particularly because children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of asbestos. AHERA mandates that schools conduct inspections for asbestos-containing materials, develop and implement management plans, and communicate with parents and staff about the presence of asbestos. This regulatory framework highlights the heightened concern for student health and safety, which is why schools are the primary focus of the legislation. While commercial buildings, government-owned structures, and industrial facilities may have their own regulations regarding asbestos management, AHERA’s specific provisions are designed uniquely for educational institutions, making it crucial for those responsible for health and safety in schools to be familiar with these requirements.