Information for Designated Persons

A Designated Person is the asbestos management coordinator for a Local Education Agency (LEA). The LEA appoints a Designated Person to ensure AHERA compliance. The Designated Person implements the LEA’s asbestos management plan(s). Also, they coordinate the LEA’s asbestos-related activities.

AHERA states the Designated Person must be “adequately” trained. AHERA does not require any specific training course(s) or minimum training hours. A Designated Person for a large LEA may need more training than a Designated Person for a small LEA. To be "adequately” trained, the Designated Person must receive training in the following topics:
     a) Health effects of asbestos 
     b) Detection, identification, and assessment of asbestos-containing material
     c) Options for controlling asbestos-containing building material
     d) Asbestos management programs
     e) Relevant Federal and State regulations about asbestos

No. LEAs must designate "a person". An advisory committee can support the designated person.

Yes. AHERA does not prevent LEAs from sharing a Designated Person.

No, but the LEA must ensure the Designated Person complies with AHERA.

No. The Designated Person does not have to be on-site at the LEA.

Yes. There are still requirements under AHERA for schools that are asbestos-free. The Designated Person needs to carry out these responsibilities. For more information, please see the AHERA Exclusion Letter FAQs. 

Yes. AHERA regulates any school building leased or owned by the LEA. Please see question 9 for the definition of a school building under the AHERA rules. 

AHERA defines a school building as: 
          a) Any structure suitable for use as a classroom (e.g., laboratory, library, cafeteria)
          b) A gymnasium or any facility designed for athletic or recreational activity for physical education
          c) Any other facility used for:
              the instruction or housing of students
              the administration of educational or research programs
          d) Any maintenance, storage, or utility facility (including any hallway) essential to the operation of facilities described in a), b), or c) 
          e) Any portico or covered exterior hallway or walkway
           f) Any exterior portion of a mechanical system used to condition interior space 

Yes. An AMP can be in an electronic format. For more information on this topic, please see the Electronic AMP FAQs. 

Yes. Each school must keep an AMP in its administrative office. There must also be a copy of each school building’s AMP maintained at the LEA’s administrative office. Copies kept in administrative offices may be maintained in either electronic or paper format.