Boulder Middle School Evacuated After Asbestos Find
April 8, 2009
DENVER - Southern Hills Middle School in Boulder was evacuated Wednesday after a maintenance worker found asbestos in a rooftop ventilation and heating unit.
A maintenance worker working on a heating problem accidentally exposed the schools ventilation system to asbestos Wednesday morning. The ventilation system was shut down and the school evacuated at 11:40 a.m., said Briggs Gamblin of the Boulder Valley School District.
Nearly 500 students were moved to the Fairview High School auditorium and let out at 3 p.m., Gambin said.
Reverse 911 calls were sent out to Southern Hills parents, alerting them of the situation and letting them know they can pick up their children at Fairview, Gamblin said.
Southern Hills principal Terry Gillach sent out a statement saying, "I know that this information creates concern and anxiety for you and for the staff and students at SHMS. I am very sorry about that and promise you that I will let you have updated information as it is confirmed to me. I was very proud of each of the students and staff at SHMS today for their calm and effective response to a difficult situation this morning. I also want to thank the Fairview High School community for all of their outstanding support and assistance today."
Officials will collect air samples inside the school and determine if classes must be canceled Thursday. Gambin said the district hopes to notify parents Wednesday night.
- Taken from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber, once widely used in building materials for its thermal insulating properties and fire resistance. Although the removal of asbestos from school buildings is an option for schools, many schools and local education agencies have chosen to manage some sbestos-containing building material in place.
Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing materials generally do not pose a health risk. These materials may become hazardous and pose increased risk if they are damaged, are disturbed in some manner, or deteriorate over time and release asbestos fibers into building air.
A number of building materials still in use today contain asbestos. Asbestos remains in use as an acoustic insulator, and in thermal insulation, fire proofing, roofing, flooring and other materials.
What is EPA doing to help keep school children safe? (Environmental Protection Agency)
EPA's asbestos program for schools, mandated by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), and its regulations for schools and other buildings is founded on the principle of "in-place" management of asbestos-containing material (ACM). This approach is designed to prevent asbestos exposure by teaching people to recognize asbestos-containing materials and actively monitor and, where necessary, manage them in lace. Removal of ACM is not usually necessary unless the material is severely damaged or will be disturbed by a building demolition or renovation project.
The AHERA rules require local education agencies to take actions to:
Perform an original inspection and re-inspection every three years of asbestos-containing material;
Develop, maintain, and update an asbestos management plan and keep a copy at the school.
Provide yearly notification to parent, teacher, and employee organizations regarding the availability of the school's asbestos management plan and any asbestos abatement actions taken or planned in the school.
Designate a contact person to ensure the responsibilities of the local education agency are properly implemented.
Perform periodic surveillance of known or suspected asbestos-containing building material.
Ensure that properly-accredited professionals perform inspections and response actions and prepare management plans.
Provide custodial staff with asbestos-awareness training.
