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Asbestos Notification

(2017-2018)

As a result of the federal law AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) all primary and secondary schools are required to develop and implement a plan for managing all building materials which contain asbestos. Included in the AHERA Act is the requirement to notify all parents, guardians and staff members, as well as organizations representing them, of activities and events with the asbestos containing building materials annually.

Asbestos has been used in many building materials due to its outstanding insulating and strengthening properties. When asbestos is undisturbed or intact, it poses little hazard to human health. It is only when damage has or may occur that the quality of the school’s management program becomes an issue.

In 1988, all buildings owned, leased, or “under the control of” the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District were inspected by EPA accredited inspectors, with building material samples analyzed by an independent laboratory. Based on the inspection, the School District prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for administering the asbestos located within its buildings, safely and responsibly.

Once every three years, certified inspectors must re-inspect remaining materials. In addition, the rule requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) in each area containing asbestos every six months.

Short-term workers (outside contractors e.g. telephone repair workers, electricians, etc.) 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 commencing work.

Within the last year, the School District has conducted planned asbestos removal at the following buildings:
Central High School
Nathan Hale High School
Dottke High School
Lane Intermediate
Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate
Franklin Elementary
Hoover Elementary
Horace Mann Elementary
Parkway Building
Wilson Elementary
9333 Building

In addition, Operations and Maintenance work has been carried out at all of buildings as needed. The School District also requires that all new building materials introduced into the buildings are free from asbestos. For all new buildings/additions, the architect responsible for the design certifies that to the best of their knowledge, no asbestos containing materials are used. If new buildings are acquired, they too will be inspected.

The School District has a list of the location(s) and type(s) of asbestos containing materials found in the building and a description and timetable for their proper management. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the School District office as well as individual school offices. Copies are available at the School District office at a cost of twenty-five (25) cents per page. Our goal is to be in full compliance with AHERA. It is our policy to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our students and our staff members. This shall be accomplished by strict enforcement of the policies regarding asbestos by the asbestos manager and the school officials.

LEA Asbestos Designated Person
West Allis-West Milwaukee School District