Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

What action is suitable for addressing asbestos hazards according to AHERA?

1. Regular training sessions for staff

2. Incorporating asbestos into science lessons

3. Engaging in Operations and Maintenance

4. Lowering exposure limits

The correct answer is: Engaging in Operations and Maintenance

Engaging in Operations and Maintenance is a suitable action for addressing asbestos hazards according to AHERA because it involves the management of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a way that ensures safety and compliance with the law. Operations and Maintenance programs are designed to keep ACMs in good condition, minimize exposure risks to students and staff, and effectively respond to potential asbestos-related incidents. This includes regularly inspecting and monitoring known asbestos materials, maintaining their integrity, and performing necessary repairs to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air. Regular training sessions for staff, while important for awareness and compliance, primarily serve to educate about asbestos hazards rather than directly managing them. Incorporating asbestos into science lessons does not address the hazards posed by asbestos and may even misinform students about the risks involved. Lowering exposure limits is not a viable action within the framework of AHERA, as the act sets specific standards for managing already existing materials rather than adjusting exposure parameters. Thus, the focus of AHERA is to ensure ongoing management and preventive measures rather than altering the fundamental limits of exposure.