Asbestos programs of the Department of Health & Family Services (DHFS) Occupational Health Section -- Asbestos and Lead (Pb) Unit

USEPA School Asbestos Program (AHERA)

Under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the Department of Health and Family Services - School Asbestos Program acts as the enforcement arm of EPA in Wisconsin under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). The School Asbestos Program staff conduct on-site AHERA compliance inspections including the review of schools' asbestos management plans and walk-through inspections of school facilities. Program staff also perform asbestos certification enforcement activities at schools with asbestos abatement projects, provide asbestos-related technical assistance, and conduct workshops for school personnel.

The program also coordinates outreach and enforcement efforts with other state and federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Family Services Asbestos and Lead (Pb) Training and Certification Program, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce - Safety & Buildings Division.

For more information, contact Dave Schmitt, DHFS School Asbestos Program.

Asbestos Training and Certification Program

The Asbestos Training and Certification Program began late in 1989. The program was created to ensure that asbestos abatement and management activities do not adversely affect the health or safety of any person, including building occupants and those performing the asbestos activities.

Chapter HFS159, Wisconsin Administrative Code, provides the rules governing the program. The rules apply to any person performing asbestos abatement or asbestos management activities in or on a school building or other publicly owned or privately owned building, with exceptions for homeowners and other residential buildings of fewer than 10 units. It also applies to any person or organization that conducts asbestos abatement or asbestos management training for inspectors, management planners, project designers, supervisors, workers, roofing supervisors and roofing workers. Any entities desiring to offer training leading to certification in these disciplines must complete an application and review process and pay a fee to the Department of Health & Family Services to become accredited to offer the course. Individuals who successfully complete accredited training courses may apply and pay a fee to DHFS for certification in these disciplines.

The Asbestos Training and Certification Program is responsible for:

• Accrediting training and refresher courses in seven asbestos disciplines.
• Approving instructors for accredited courses.
• Certifying and recertifying qualifying individuals in the seven asbestos disciplines.
• Enforcing appropriate state and federal regulations, including certification and accreditation requirements.
• Managing the asbestos project notification program for regulated asbestos abatement activities.
• Coordinating enforcement activities with appropriate federal, state and local agencies.
• Providing information and training regarding asbestos to public and private groups and individuals, including providing printed information, outreach education and training, and responding to telephone inquiries.

For more information contact Diane McGinnis, DHFS Asbestos Technical Assistance, or Amy.Walden@Wisconsin.gov, DNR Asbestos Coordinator.

Asbestos Program || Air Management