Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental Health and Safety

Program Areas

Asbestos: The management of asbestos-containing materials in schools is governed by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). The Akron Public Schools AHERA Compliance Program is concerned with the inspection, maintenance and repair of asbestos-containing materials in district buildings. The complete management plan is available for your review at the Board of Education, 70 N. Broadway. Each school will have the portion of the plan pertaining to that school in its administrative office. If you wish to review the complete plan or a plan for a specific school, we require only that we be given a five-day notice. Copies of the plan are available at the cost of printing.

Indoor Air Quality: Problems with indoor air quality may include mold and mildew, inadequate ventilation, chemical releases, and miscellaneous dusts. The Energy, Environmental Health and Safety Office is equipped to complete initial reviews of these problems. Working with the School Architect's Office and Maintenance Services, we can solve most IAQ problems. More serious problems are turned over to outside experts.

Hazardous Waste Management: Chemistry labs, vocational education programs, maintenance activities and other school programs can generate hazardous waste materials. These products are safely managed by being collected periodically during the school year and removed by certified contractors. All hazardous wastes are either recycled, reclaimed or disposed of in accordance with EPA regulations.

Occupational Safety: Safety in the work place is an important aspect of any operation. The APS Safety Program provides all employees with the resources and training to perform their duties in a safe manner. We are committed to provide a safe and healthful work place for our employees and students.