Request for comment: Updated DOH K-12 Guide

The DOH/OSPI K-12 Health and Safety Guide is being updated to reflect current codes and best practices.

The Guide was developed in the 1990s with a statewide committee. It was first published in 2000 and then updated in 2003. The authority for the Guide comes from WAC 246-366-140: (1) The existence of unsafe conditions which present a potential hazard to occupants of the school are in violation of these regulations. The secretary in cooperation with the state superintendent of public instruction shall review potentially hazardous conditions in schools which are in violation of good safety practice, especially in laboratories, industrial arts and vocational instructional areas. They shall jointly prepare a guide for use by department personnel during routine school inspections in identifying violations of good safety practices. The guide should also include recommendations for safe facilities and safety practices.

Since the last update to the Guide in 2003:

References have become outdated.
Department of Labor & Industries reorganized and renumbered their WACs.
The building codes have been updated several times.
There are new regulations and best practices in school health and safety.

The draft guide can be found as PDFs on DOH's website.

Feedback can be submitted here.

Comments are due by June 15th.

Wildfire Smoke and schools

It’s that time of year again to make sure you’re ready for wildfire smoke!

Starting this year, Department of Health expects to see more hours and days in the Moderate (Yellow) Air Quality Index (AQI) category based on recent EPA changes to the AQI. This means facilities may need to plan for more frequent use of indoor spaces for children and youth with health conditions. Washington DOH has developed a 2-page document summarizing these changes and how they impact your area, available here.

Don't forget to check the Washington Smoke Blog for current air quality data, forecasts, and health information.

Other resources:

Smoke from Fires webpage discusses answers to frequently asked questions such as:
- What health problems can smoke cause?
- How can I find out about current air quality?
- What can I do to protect myself and my family from outdoor smoke?
Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Closing Schools. Provides guidance for canceling or moving outdoor children’s activities and closing schools when smoke may be a health threat.
The Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality (PDF) provides public health recommendations aimed to protect children and youth (18 years and younger) from fine particle air pollution (PM_2.5).
Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Smoke Events: Recommendations for Schools, Homes, and Other Buildings with Mechanical Ventilation
Wildfire Smoke - Partner Toolkit
Portable Air Cleaners webpage provides guidance on choosing a portable air cleaner that best suits your situation.
The School Environmental Health & Safety webpage for guidance on topics like healthy indoor air quality guidance for teachers and administrators

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