On October 22, 1986, President Reagan signed into law the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA, Public Law 99-519). The law, required EPA to develop regulations which provide a comprehensive framework for addressing asbestos problems in public and private elementary and secondary schools. On October 30, 1987, EPA published the Asbestos-Containipg Materials in Schools Rule (40 CFR Part 763 Subpart E). This New Rule requires all public and private elementary and secondary schools to inspect for friable and non-friable asbestos, develop asbestos management plans that address asbestos hazards in school buildings, and implement response actions in a timely fashion. References to the New Rule are provided throughout this Guide in brackets (e.g., (Section 763.85) and always refer to a section of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR)). To carry out the above activities, involving inspections, management plans, and response actions, schools must use accredited persons. On April 30, 1987, EPA published the Model Accreditation Plan (40 CFR Part 763 Appendix C to Subpart E) required by AHERA, which specifies training, examination, and other requirements for persons who inspect, develop management plans, and design or conduct response actions in schools. The Model Plan became effective on June 1, 1987.