Which legislation governs the safe management of asbestos in the workplace?

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) is specifically designed to address asbestos management in schools and to ensure safety in handling asbestos-related risks. Enacted in 1986, this legislation mandates that schools conduct inspections for asbestos-containing materials, develop management plans for these materials, and implement procedures to protect staff and students from exposure. AHERA plays a critical role in regulating how asbestos is managed and mitigated in the educational environment, ensuring that schools meet safety standards and respond appropriately to hazards.

While legislation like the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) establishes broader workplace safety guidelines, AHERA's focus on asbestos makes it the most relevant choice for this specific question about the management of asbestos in the workplace. Other acts, including the Environmental Protection Agency Act (EPA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), address environmental concerns and chemical regulations more generally, thus they are not as directly applicable to the safe management of asbestos in specific workplace settings.