What is Accessible by AHERA?

• A. Material is not subject to disturbance
• B. Material is hidden from view by barriers
• C. Material is subject to disturbance by building occupants or custodial or maintenance personnel in the course of their normal activities
• D. Material behind a sealed barrier

Answer: (C)

Accessible in AHERA means the asbestos-containing material could be disturbed by people during normal building activity—by students, staff, custodians, or maintenance workers. This potential for disturbance is what triggers management actions under AHERA, since fibers can be released if such materials are damaged or disturbed in the course of regular use. Materials that are hidden from view by barriers or behind a sealed barrier, or that cannot be disturbed by routine activities, are not considered accessible in the same sense and are managed differently. So the description that highlights disturbance by occupants or maintenance personnel during normal activities best matches AHERA’s definition.