Prairie du Chien School District
Annual Asbestos Notification
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 annually all parents, guardians and staff members, as well as organizations representing them, of activities and events with the asbestos containing building materials.
Asbestos has been used in many building materials due to its outstanding insulating and strengthening properties. When it 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 Prairie du Chien 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.
Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. has been contracted to accomplish the surveillance and inspections. Where asbestos containing materials are noted, appropriate maintenance, monitoring, repair or removal are conducted to ensure no health hazard develops. Further implementation of the Operations and Maintenance Program will continue under the supervision of the districts designated person – Luke Lucas.
Prairie du Chien School District has conducted extensive asbestos abatement in an effort to remove all known asbestos containing building material prior to renovations:
- HIGH SCHOOL – As part of recent renovation plans, all known asbestos material has been removed. Asbestos remains in inaccessible areas and un-renovated locations.
- BA KENNEDY - All known asbestos materials were properly removed prior to renovation. Asbestos soffits are present
- BLUFF VIEW ELEMENTARY - No known asbestos
Prairie du Chien School District completed the required Three Year Asbestos Re-Inspection January 2015.
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.
Prairie du Chien School District also requires that all new building materials introduced into the School District 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 Prairie du Chien School District maintains a list of location(s) and type(s) of asbestos containing materials found in each school building along with a description and time-table for their proper management. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in each school office. Copies are available at 25 cents per page.
Questions related to the plan should be directed to Environmental Management, Inc., or the school district Facilities
Coordinator – Luke Lucas (608) 326-3700 or 326-3363.
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