BILL REQ. #:  H-2305.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/05/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to preschool and elementary school students assisting in school kitchens; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.235 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28A.235 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) By January 12, 2004, the superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the Washington state school directors' association, parents, representatives of food service employee groups, principals, and other interested parties, shall develop a model policy for protecting children in preschool through sixth grade who assist in elementary school kitchens. The policy must:
     (a) Include a permission slip to be signed and returned to the appropriate food service management;
     (b) Limit exposure to hazardous equipment using guidelines no less stringent than standards adopted for minors under state and federal law;
     (c) Include age-appropriate safety guidelines that are consistent with state and federal safety guidelines and standards for physical activities that include, but need not be limited to, lifting, pushing, or moving crates, carts, or other heavy equipment;
     (d) Require that any injury requiring medical attention to a preschool through sixth grade student who is injured while working in an elementary school kitchen be reported to the office of the superintendent of public instruction; and
     (e) Include age-appropriate training.
     (2) By August 1, 2004, each school district shall adopt, or amend if necessary, a policy for protecting children in preschool through sixth grade who assist in elementary school kitchens. The policy shall include, but need not be limited to, the elements contained in the model policy developed under subsection (1) of this section.