The Office of Health & Safety (H&S) within the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) is a team of dedicated specialists focused on maintaining environmental health and safety standards across approximately 1,800 school buildings, spanning 130 million square feet throughout the five boroughs. H&S ensures regulatory compliance and risk mitigation in all NYC public schools through proactive monitoring, assessment, and remediation.
The division is comprised of several key functional units:
· Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Compliance
· Lead & Hazardous Materials Management
· Indoor Air Quality & Mold Assessment
· Environmental Investigations, Emergency Response, Remediation and Abatement
Services provided by the EHS Division include, but are not limited to:
· AHERA compliance, including inspections, re-inspections, and oversight of asbestos management plans
· Hazardous materials assessments and remediation for lead-based paint, lead in water, cooling towers and mold
· Indoor air quality monitoring and remediation
· Coordination of hazardous material removal and abatement projects
· Environmental investigations related to dust conditions and other air quality concerns
· Compliance support for federal, state, and local environmental regulations
H&S works in close collaboration with multiple NYC DOE departments, including Facilities, School Foods, Space Planning, and SCA to ensure all projects meet health and safety standards.
To facilitate consistency in documentation and submission requirements, EHS provides standardized reporting templates and guidelines for contractors submitting environmental compliance documentation.
News/Updates
Standard Operating Procedures
Special Projects
Resources
Teams and Contact Information
FAQs
General Information
1. What is the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Management Plan?
The AHERA Management Plan is a legally required document that outlines how a school manages asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) under the AHERA.
2. Who does AHERA apply to?
AHERA applies to all public and private non-profit K-12 schools in the United States, requiring them to inspect and manage asbestos hazards.
3. Why was AHERA created?
AHERA was enacted in 1986 to protect students, teachers, and staff from asbestos exposure by ensuring proper identification and management of asbestos in schools.
4. What are asbestos-containing materials asbestos-containing building materials (ACBMs)?
ACBMs are materials that contain more than 1% asbestos, commonly found in Acoustical or sound proofing material, Fireproofing on structural members, Plasters, pipe and boiler insulation, Flooring and ceiling tiles, etc. in older buildings.
AHERA Compliance & Responsibilities
6. How often must schools inspect for asbestos?
Schools must conduct initial inspections, re-inspections every three years, and periodic surveillance (visual Inspections) checks every six months.
7. What is the role of the EPA in AHERA compliance?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees compliance, provides guidance, and enforces penalties for non-compliance.
8. Can states and cities have stricter asbestos regulations than AHERA?
Yes, states and Cities can impose stricter regulations, but they cannot be less protective than federal AHERA standards.
Asbestos Inspections & Assessments
11. Who is qualified to perform asbestos inspections?
Inspections must be conducted by NYSDOL certified asbestos inspectors and NYCDEP investigators, and AHERA management planners trained to identify ACBMs.
12. What does an asbestos inspection involve?
Inspectors identify all homogeneous areas of material that are suspected to contain asbestos and gather information on the uses and functions of the spaces within the homogeneous areas. Collect samples of material suspected to be ACBM and send them to the lab for analysis and document the results in an inspection report. Management planner provide response actions.
13. Is it mandatory to remove asbestos from schools?
No, asbestos removal is required only if it is damaged or poses a risk. Damaged asbestos is removed by NYSDOL and NYCDEP asbestos handlers and supervisors under abatement procedures. Otherwise, it can be safely managed in place
Notification & Record Keeping
16. Who must be notified about the AHERA Management Plan?
Notifications must be sent to parents, teachers, and maintenance staff, contractors and employee organizations annually about the plan’s availability.
17. What records must be maintained under AHERA?
LEA must maintain inspection reports, response actions, operations and maintenance activities, training records, and notifications
18. Can parents request to see the AHERA Management Plan?
Yes, the Local Education Agency's (LEA) administrative office and the administrative office of each school building must provide a copy of the plan upon request for inspection without cost or restriction within 5 working days after the request for an inspection
19. How long must a Local Education Agency's (LEA) administrative office keep AHERA records?
Indefinitely, as long as the building is in use.
Training & Staff Responsibilities
21. Do school employees need asbestos training?
Yes, custodial and maintenance staff must receive 2-hour asbestos awareness training.
22. How often should school staff be trained on asbestos awareness?
Training should be provided at least once when hired and annually thereafter
Asbestos Removal & Abatement
26. When is asbestos removal required?
Removal is required if ACBMs are damaged, disturbed, or pose a risk to health.
27. Who can remove asbestos in schools?
Only licensed asbestos abatement contractors can perform removals.
28. How are asbestos-containing materials safely managed?
By using encapsulation (sealing), enclosure (covering), or removal methods (abatement).
29. How can schools minimize asbestos exposure risks?
By conducting regular inspections, limiting disturbances, and following proper containment procedures.
30. What should schools do in case of an asbestos emergency?
The area must be immediately sealed off, and a certified asbestos professional must assess the situation.
31. Can schools renovate buildings with asbestos?
Yes, but they must follow abatement procedures before disturbing ACMs.
Health Concerns
31. What are the health risks of asbestos exposure?
Exposure to asbestos may result in lung diseases, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Asbestos-related diseases are dosed related and have a latency period of 15 to 30 years (Long-term exposure increases health risks).
Miscellaneous
32. Are playgrounds subject to AHERA?
No, AHERA applies only to school buildings.
33. Where can schools get more information on AHERA compliance?
From the EPA website, state agencies, or licensed asbestos consultants.
Common Misconceptions
34. Is all asbestos dangerous?
Only damaged or friable asbestos poses an immediate health risk.
35. Is asbestos banned in the U.S.?
Some uses are banned, but asbestos is still legal in certain materials.
36. Does AHERA require immediate asbestos removal?
No, removal is only necessary if the asbestos is damaged or poses a hazard.
37. Can students or teachers be exposed to asbestos in schools?
If asbestos is properly managed, the risk of exposure is very low.