PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 04-20-050.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 246-366A WAC, Primary and secondary schools, this chapter provides minimum health and safety rules for all schools in Washington state.
Hearing Location(s): Red Lion Hotel at the Park, 303 West North River Drive, Spokane, WA, on August 27, 2008, at 1:00 p.m.; and at the Red Lion Hotel, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive, Olympia, WA, on September 10, 2008, at 1:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: September 10, 2008.
Submit Written Comments to: Ned Therien, 101 Israel Road S.E., P.O. Box 47990, Olympia, WA 98504, school.rule@doh.wa.gov, web site http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-4100 by September 10, 2008.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Vicki Bouvier by August 20, 2008, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of the proposal is to update the current chapter 246-366 WAC to include provisions for water quality sampling, indoor air quality, and safety in areas such as playgrounds, labs, and shops. The proposal repeals the former chapter 246-366 WAC and recodifies it into a new chapter 246-366A WAC. The entire new chapter is organized to provide clarity for those provisions that are construction related and those provisions that are operation and maintenance related.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Students, parents, and teachers requested the state board of health update and strengthen the primary and secondary school rules to better protect children's health and safety. The last major update of the chapter was in 1971 and standards for health and safety have changed considerably since that time. Further, the rule needed to be rewritten to provide clarity.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.20.050.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.20.050.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: State board of health, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Ned Therien, Tumwater, Washington, (360) 236-4103; Implementation and Enforcement: Nancy Bernard, Tumwater, Washington, (360) 236-3072.
A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.
In 2004, the board directed the department of health (the department) to begin a rule-making process in response to growing concerns that the rules were generally outdated and no longer adequate for indoor air quality, drinking water, and safety in areas such as laboratories and playgrounds. As a result, this proposal will repeal the current chapter 246-366 WAC and replace it with chapter 246-366A WAC that has been reorganized and rewritten to clarify those requirements that are construction related and those that are a part of on-going operation and maintenance of facilities. Many parts of the current chapter have been reorganized and rewritten for clarity, but have not changed significantly.
The current rules, chapter 246-366 WAC, establishes minimum environmental health and safety standards for schools in Washington state. The specific objectives of the proposed revisions are to protect students and users of school facilities from environmental hazards by:
| • | Delineating responsibilities of the school boards and officials, the local board of health and health officer, and the department; |
| • | Improving indoor air quality; |
| • | Improving playground safety; |
| • | Improving water quality monitoring; |
| • | Improving mold prevention and remediation; and |
| • | Improving overall school safety. |
Industries Affected by the Rule: The industry affected by these rules is privately owned schools.
Costs of Complying with the Rule: The tables below reflect the incremental construction costs and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs for these rules. These costs are expressed as costs per school and cost per student. These costs are identified and explained in the preliminary significant analysis for these rules.
The department assumes, with few exceptions such as playground equipment standards and HVAC costs, these costs apply to a representative school regardless of ownership type, i.e., public or private.
| School Type | Size of Representative School (sq/ft) | Incremental Construction Costs per School | Incremental Construction Costs per Square Foot |
| Elementary | 65,000 | $317,850 | $4.89 |
| Middle/Jr. High | 95,000 | $519,650 | $5.47 |
| High School | 225,000 | $960,750 | $4.27 |
| School Type | Size of School (sq/ft) | Students per School | Start-up* O&M Costs per School |
Start-up O&M Costs per Student | Annual On-going O&M Costs per School |
Annual On-going O&M Costs per Student |
| Elementary | 65,000 | 489 | $23,774 | $48.62 | $9,042 | $18.49 |
| Middle/Jr. High | 95,000 | 688 | $22,224 | $32.30 | $7,239 | $10.52 |
| High School | 225,000 | 1,442 | $23,900 | $16.57 | $8,481 | $5.88 |
Disproportionate Impact on Small Businesses: The department has determined that these rules may impose a disproportionate impact on small businesses. The department assumes that private schools are generally located in smaller sized facilities with fewer students per school. Based on information from the office of superintendent of public instruction web site, the approximate five hundred private schools serve on average one hundred fifty-four students each. Based on this fact and coupled with the reality of economies of scale, these privately owned schools will incur a higher average cost per square foot and per student to comply with these rules than larger public schools. Thus, using any of the methods provided for in statute to gauge impact (cost per employee (teachers and other school staff), cost per hour of labor (custodial staff), or cost per hundred dollars of sales (tuition)), these rules will have a disproportionate impact on privately owned schools.
Mitigation Measures: The following describes mitigation measures considered during the development of these rules.
Reduce, modify, or eliminate substantive regulatory requirements: These rules do not propose to reduce, modify, or eliminate substantive regulatory requirements for small businesses to do so would create dual standards that, in effect, would provide different health and safety protection for students based on school size or school ownership type.
Simplify, reduce, or eliminate record-keeping and reporting requirements: These rules identify minimum record-keeping and reporting requirements necessary to achieve the intent of these rules.
Reduce the frequency of inspections: These rules establish consistent inspection frequency for all schools regardless of size or ownership type. However, the proposal grants local health jurisdictions the discretion to allow schools to self-inspect two out of every three years as a way to reduce costs.
Delay compliance timetables: Operation and Maintenance -- Two components of these rules have delayed implementation dates. The change from annual to periodic inspections is delayed one year from the effective date of these rules. Water quality monitoring for lead and copper have staggered effective dates starting with elementary schools in the first two years, junior high schools the third year, and senior high schools the fourth year.
Construction -- There are conditions that modify the applicability of certain construction requirements of this chapter. The first in WAC 246-366A-005 provides for application of the existing construction requirements of chapter 246-366 WAC if the local permitting jurisdiction received a complete building permit application for school construction prior to September 1, 2010. The site review requirements of WAC 246-366A-030 allow for the same deviation from construction-related requirements if construction plan notification to the local health officer is made prior to September 1, 2010. WAC 246-366A-090 provides deviation from the new heating and ventilation construction requirements related to ducted air returns and upgraded duct lining if the local permitting jurisdiction received a complete building permit application prior to September 1, 2013.
Reduce or modify fine schedules for noncompliance: This mitigation measure is not possible to apply to this rule making as there are no fine schedules established in these rules.
Other mitigation techniques: The department will provide privately owned schools with all model policies (e.g., approved use and management of hazardous materials, use of upholstered furniture, animals in schools, safety standards, etc.) to help schools comply with these rules with the lowest possible cost.
These rules allow for variance requests to the local health officer so that schools can meet the intent of these rules in alternative, less costly ways.
Small Business Involvement in Rule Development: The department invited private school representatives to serve on the original school rule development committee as well as the costing workshop and the later rule revision team. Proposals from the representatives of private schools were considered as part of the process of rule development, but did not include proposed rule changes to specifically accommodate the special needs of private schools.
Jobs Created or Lost as a Result of the Rule: The department assumes that private schools will meet the intent of these rules in the least costly manner, which could include approved variances through the local health officer. The department assumes that any additional costs incurred by private schools will be passed on to parents via increased tuition rates. Therefore, the department and the board conclude that these rules will not result in any jobs created or lost.
A copy of the statement may be obtained by contacting Vicki Bouvier, P.O. Box 47820, Olympia, WA 98504-7820, phone (360) 236-3011, fax (360) 236-2250, e-mail vicki.bouvier@doh.wa.gov.
A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Vicki Bouvier, P.O. Box 47820, Olympia, WA 98504-7820, phone (360) 236-3011, fax (360) 236-2250, e-mail vicki.bouvier@doh.wa.gov.
July 23, 2008
Craig McLaughlin
Executive Director
OTS-1711.1
REPEALER
The following chapter of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
| WAC 246-366-001 | Introduction. |
| WAC 246-366-010 | Definitions. |
| WAC 246-366-020 | Substitutions. |
| WAC 246-366-030 | Site approval. |
| WAC 246-366-040 | Plan review and inspection of schools. |
| WAC 246-366-050 | Buildings. |
| WAC 246-366-060 | Plumbing, water supply and fixtures. |
| WAC 246-366-070 | Sewage disposal. |
| WAC 246-366-080 | Ventilation. |
| WAC 246-366-090 | Heating. |
| WAC 246-366-100 | Temperature control. |
| WAC 246-366-110 | Sound control. |
| WAC 246-366-120 | Lighting. |
| WAC 246-366-130 | Food handling. |
| WAC 246-366-140 | Safety. |
| WAC 246-366-150 | Exemption. |
OTS-1712.6
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
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(a) Private residences used for home-based instruction as defined by RCW 28A.225.010(4);
(b) Facilities hosting educational programs where educational instruction is not a primary purpose, including, but not limited to, detention centers, jails, hospitals, mental health units, or long-term care facilities;
(c) Private facilities where tutoring is the primary purpose; and
(d) Public or private postsecondary education facilities providing instruction to students primarily enrolled in secondary school.
(2) These rules are in addition to all other requirements that apply to schools and do not affect the applicability of those requirements.
(3) Additional state board of health environmental health and safety rules that apply to school facilities include, but are not limited to:
(a) Chapter 246-215 WAC Food services;
(b) Chapter 246-217 WAC Food worker cards;
(c) Chapter 246-260 WAC Water recreation facilities;
(d) Chapter 246-262 WAC Recreational water contact facilities;
(e) Chapter 246-272A WAC On-site sewage systems;
(f) Chapter 246-272B WAC Large on-site sewage system regulations;
(g) Chapter 246-290 WAC Public water supplies; and
(h) Chapter 246-291 WAC Group B public water systems.
(4) These rules are not intended to replace or supersede the department of labor and industries' authority and jurisdiction over employee safety and health.
(5) For a school undergoing an alteration or addition, WAC 246-366A-040, 246-366A-060, 246-366A-090, 246-366A-100, 246-366A-110, 246-366A-120, 246-366A-150, and 246-366A-160 apply only to:
(a) Areas that are part of the addition;
(b) Areas undergoing alteration; and
(c) Changes to existing building systems, such as heating and ventilation systems, when those changes are included in construction documents or a building permit application describing the alteration or addition.
(6) If the local permitting jurisdiction received a complete building permit application for school construction prior to September 1, 2010, the construction-related requirements of chapter 246-366 WAC in effect at the time of application apply.
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(1) "Addition" means an extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
(2) "Air contaminants of public health importance" means pollutants in the indoor air that could, depending on dose and circumstances, have health impacts, including but not limited to:
(a) Volatile organic compounds, for example, formaldehyde and benzene;
(b) Combustion by-products, for example, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides;
(c) Vapors and gases, for example, chlorine, mercury, and ozone;
(d) Heavy metal dusts and fumes, for example, chromium and lead; and
(e) Particulates, for example, wood and ceramic dust.
(3) "Alteration" means any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition.
(4) "Construction" or "construction project" means any activity subject to state or local building codes.
(5) "Construction documents" means written, graphic, and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location, and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit.
(6) "Contaminant" means any hazardous material that occurs at greater than natural background levels.
(7) "Decibel (dB)" means a standard unit of measurement of sound pressure.
(8) "Decibel, A-weighted (dBA)" means a decibel measure that has been weighted in accordance with the A-weighting scale. The A-weighting adjusts sound level as a function of frequency to correspond approximately to the sensitivity of human hearing.
(9) "Department" means the Washington state department of health.
(10) "Drinking fountain" means the type of plumbing fixture that delivers a stream of water for drinking without actively cooling the water.
(11) "Emergency eye wash" means a hands-free device that:
(a) Irrigates and flushes both eyes simultaneously with tepid potable water;
(b) Activates an on-off valve in one second or less and remains on without user assistance until intentionally turned off; and
(c) Delivers at least 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) of water per minute for at least fifteen minutes.
(12) "Emergency shower" means a hand-activated shower that delivers tepid potable water to cascade over the user's entire body at a minimum rate of 20 gallons (75 liters) per minute for at least fifteen minutes.
(13) "Equivalent sound level (Leq)" means the level of a constant sound that, over a given time period, contains the same amount of sound energy as the measured fluctuating sound.
(14) "Faucet" means the type of plumbing fixture that is a valved outlet device attached to a pipe that normally serves a sink or tub and can discharge both hot and cold water.
(15) "First draw sample" means a water sample collected immediately upon opening a plumbing fixture that has not been used for at least eight hours prior to collection.
(16) "Flush sample" means a water sample collected after allowing cold water to run for at least thirty seconds from a plumbing fixture that has not been used for at least eight hours prior to collection.
(17) "Foot-candle" means a unit of measure of the intensity of light falling on a surface, equal to one lumen per square foot.
(18) "Hazardous materials" means toxic, corrosive, flammable, explosive, persistent, or chemically reactive substances that, depending on dose and circumstances, pose a threat to human health.
(19) "Imminent health hazard" means a significant threat or significant danger to health or safety that requires immediate action to prevent serious illness, injury, or death.
(20) "Laboratory" means instructional areas of the school facility where students might be exposed to greater potential health and safety hazards than typically exist in general academic classrooms. Laboratories include, but are not limited to, science laboratories (for example: Chemistry, physics, material science, and biology) and art laboratories (for example: Print-making, photography, and ceramics).
(21) "Local board of health" means the county or district board of health as defined in RCW 70.05.010(3).
(22) "Local health officer" means the legally qualified physician who has been appointed as the health officer for the county or district public health department as defined in RCW 70.05.010, or his or her authorized representative, including, but not limited to, the environmental health director.
(23) "Mechanical exhaust ventilation" means the removal of indoor air to the outside of the building by mechanical means.
(24) "Noise criterion (NC)" means a system for rating the noise level in an occupied area by comparing actual or calculated sound level spectra with a series of established octave band spectra.
(25) "Noise criterion 35 (NC35)" means the curve for specifying the maximum permissible sound pressure level for each frequency band.
(26) "Preschool" means an instructional curriculum and portion of a school facility designed to instruct children not old enough to attend kindergarten.
(27) "Portable" means any relocatable structure that is transported to a school site and is placed or assembled there for use by students as part of a school facility.
(28) "Repair" means the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing school facility for the purpose of its maintenance.
(29) "School" means any public, religious-affiliated, or private institution for instructing students in any grade from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
(30) "School board" means an appointed or elected board whose primary responsibility is to operate schools or to contract for school services and includes the governing body or owner of a private school.
(31) "School facility" means school-owned or leased buildings and grounds intended for student use including, but not limited to, portables, playgrounds and sports fields.
(32) "School officials" means those persons designated by the school board as responsible for planning, policy development, budgeting, management, or other administrative functions.
(33) "Shop" means instructional areas of the school facility where students are exposed to greater health and safety hazards than typically exist in general academic classrooms. Shops include, but are not limited to, industrial and agricultural shops, including career and technical education (for example: Metal-working, wood-working, construction, automotive, and horticulture).
(34) "Site" means any real property used or proposed to be used as a location for a school.
(35) "Source capture system" means a mechanical exhaust system designed and constructed to capture air contaminants at their source and release air contaminants to the outdoor atmosphere.
(36) "Tempered water" means water having a temperature range between eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit and one hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit.
(37) "Tepid water" means water having a temperature range between sixty degrees Fahrenheit and ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit.
(38) "Toxic" means having the properties to cause or significantly contribute to death, injury, or illness.
(39) "Variance" means an alternative to a specific requirement in these rules, approved by the local health officer, that provides a comparable level of protection.
(40) "Very low lead plumbing fixture" means plumbing fittings or fixtures used in the installation or repair of any plumbing providing water for human consumption that contain less than 0.3% lead by weight.
(41) "Water cooler" means the type of plumbing fixture that is a mechanical device affixed to drinking water supply plumbing that actively cools the water.
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(a) Update the Health and Safety Guide for K-12 Schools in Washington (the guide) at least every four years; and
(b) Make the guide available on the department's web site.
(2) The guide is the primary source of guidance for local health officers and school officials implementing these rules.
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(a) Maintain conditions within the school environment that will not endanger health and safety.
(b) Identify, assess, and mitigate or correct environmental health and safety hazards in their school facilities, establish necessary protective procedures, use appropriate controls, and take action to protect or separate those at risk from identified hazards, consistent with the level of risk presented by the specific hazard, until mitigation or correction is complete.
(c) When conditions are identified that pose an imminent health hazard:
(i) Take immediate action to mitigate hazards and prevent exposure;
(ii) Promptly notify the local health officer; and
(iii) Promptly inform school facility staff, students, and parents about the conditions and actions taken in response.
(d) Retain for at least six years, unless otherwise required by other state or federal laws, records pertaining to:
(i) Health and safety inspections of the school facilities, including the final report findings, correction schedules established in consultation with the local health officer, and recommended actions;
(ii) Imminent health hazards identified under this section and WAC 246-366A-190, and actions taken in response;
(iii) Site assessment, review, and approval as required under WAC 246-366A-030;
(iv) Construction project plan review and approval as required under WAC 246-366A-040; and
(v) Playground plan review and approval as required under WAC 246-366A-150.
(e) Have the records described in this subsection available for the public, except where otherwise provided by applicable public disclosure law.
(f) Prepare a report to the public and the school board at least annually about environmental health and safety conditions in the schools. The report must include an explanation of:
(i) Variances obtained from the local health officer regarding requirements of these rules;
(ii) Dates of environmental health and safety inspections conducted under requirements of these rules and any deficiencies not corrected within the time frame established by the local health officer in accordance with subsection (2) of this section;
(iii) Any imminent health hazards identified; and
(iv) A method for school officials to receive public comment about the report.
(2) Responsibilities of the local health officer.
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, the local health officer shall:
(i) Periodically conduct an environmental health and safety inspection of each school facility within his or her jurisdiction. Beginning September 1, 2011, those inspections must be conducted at least once each year.
(ii) Notify school officials at the time of discovery or immediately following the inspection if conditions that pose an imminent health hazard are identified, and recommend actions to mitigate the hazards and prevent exposure.
(iii) Consult with school officials upon completion of the inspection about findings and recommended follow-up actions. Approaches and timelines used to address noncompliant conditions will depend on the level of risk to health and safety presented by the condition, and may include a correction schedule developed in consultation with school officials.
(iv) Develop draft and final inspection reports, in consultation with school officials, within sixty days after conducting an inspection. The report must include inspection findings related to this rule and any required correction schedule.
(v) Confirm, as needed, that corrections are accomplished.
(vi) Retain for at least six years, unless otherwise required by other state or federal laws, records pertaining to:
(A) Health and safety inspections of the school facilities performed by the local health officer, including, but not limited to, the final inspection report and correction schedules; and
(B) Imminent health hazards identified under this section and WAC 246-366A-190, and local health officer actions taken in response.
(vii) Have the records described in this subsection available for the public, except where otherwise provided by applicable public disclosure law.
(b) The local health officer may allow a school official or qualified designee to conduct a required inspection under a program approved by the local health officer not more than two out of every three years. The program must include provisions for:
(i) Assuring that the school official or designee conducting the inspection has attended training in the standards, techniques, and methods used to conduct an environmental health and safety inspection;
(ii) Completing a standardized checklist at each inspection;
(iii) Providing a written report to the local health officer about the findings of the inspection;
(iv) Notifying the local health officer regarding any identified imminent health hazards and coordinating with the health officer to mitigate hazards and prevent exposure; and
(v) Consulting with the local health officer on follow-up and corrective actions needed to address noncompliant conditions that do not pose an imminent health hazard.
(3) Responsibilities of the department.
(a) The department shall:
(i) Report to the state board of health once every three years. The report must include a summary of:
(A) Variances granted by local health officers; and
(B) Rule implementation status.
(ii) Make technical assistance and training available to local health jurisdictions, educational service districts, school districts, and school personnel for implementation of these rules, including:
(A) Inspection techniques and procedures;
(B) Inspection materials and checklists;
(C) Variance request evaluations; and
(D) Model environmental health and safety programs for schools and local health jurisdictions.
(b) The department, at the request of the local health officer, may assist in investigating environmental health and safety incidents at schools.
(c) Establish a school rule technical advisory committee to help promote consistent statewide interpretation and implementation of these rules.
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(a) Constructing a new school facility on a site that was previously undeveloped or developed for other purposes; or
(b) Converting an existing structure for primary use as a school facility.
(2) The local health officer shall determine, in consultation with school officials, the need for and scope of the site assessment, review, and approval process for:
(a) Constructing a new school facility on an existing school site;
(b) Constructing an addition to an existing school facility; and
(c) Converting part of an existing structure primarily used for other purposes into a school facility.
(3) A full site assessment must include:
(a) A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) that meets the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard #1527-05 (published November 2005);
(b) Sampling and analysis of potential contaminants if the Phase 1 ESA indicates that hazardous materials may be present. Sampling and analysis must comply with applicable rules of the Washington state department of ecology;
(c) A noise assessment. Noise from any source must not exceed an hourly average of 55 dBA (the mean sound energy level for a specified time (Leq60 minutes)) and must not exceed an hourly maximum (the maximum sound level recorded during a specified time period (Lmax)) of 75 dBA during the time of day the school is in session. Sites exceeding these sound levels are acceptable if a plan for noise reduction is included in the new construction proposal and the plan for noise reduction is approved by the local health officer.
(4) School officials shall:
(a) Notify the local health officer within ninety days of starting preliminary planning for school construction that may require a site assessment with local health officer review and approval.
(b) Consult with the local health officer throughout the plan development phase regarding the scope of the site assessment and the timeline for completion of the site assessment.
(c) Have a site assessment completed when required under this section.
(d) Submit a written report to the local health officer assessing the potential impact of health and safety risks presented by the proposed site, including, but not limited to the following:
(i) The findings and results obtained under subsection (3) of this section;
(ii) Analysis of the findings;
(iii) Description of any mitigation proposed to address identified health and safety risks present at the site; and
(iv) Any site assessment-related information requested by the local health officer to complete the site assessment review and approval process.
(e) Obtain site review and written site approval from the local health officer when required under subsection (1) or (2) of this section.
(5) The local health officer shall:
(a) Conduct an inspection of the proposed site;
(b) Review the site assessment for environmental health and safety risk;
(c) For site assessments according to subsection (1) of this section, provide written approval, describe site deficiencies needing mitigation to obtain approval, or deny use of the proposed school facility site within sixty days of receiving a complete request unless the school officials and the local health officer agree to a different timeline; and
(d) For site assessments according to subsection (2) of this section, provide written approval or describe site deficiencies needing mitigation to obtain approval of the proposed school facility site within sixty days of receiving a complete request unless the school officials and the local health officer agree to a different timeline.
(6) If school officials notified the local health officer prior to September 1, 2010, that construction is planned for a particular site, the site review requirements in effect at the time of notification apply, provided that school officials comply with all agreed on timelines for completion.
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(a) Construction of a new school facility;
(b) Schools established in all or part of any existing structures previously used for other purposes;
(c) Addition to or alteration of an existing school facility consisting of more than five thousand square feet of floor area or having a value of more than ten percent of the total replacement value of the school facility;
(d) Any construction of a shop or laboratory for use by students; and
(e) Installation of a portable.
(2) Review and approval requirements for installation of a playground are established in WAC 246-366A-150.
(3) School officials shall:
(a) Consult with the local health officer during preliminary planning for school construction projects that are subject to the requirements of this section;
(b) Invite the local health officer to a predevelopment conference with school officials and project design professionals to participate in the discussion about the preliminary design to highlight health and safety matters and requirements of these rules;
(c) Obtain construction project review and written approval from the local health officer regarding environmental health and safety requirements in these rules before starting construction;
(d) Provide construction documents to the local health officer at the same time as the local building official to facilitate a concurrent and timely review; and
(e) Provide additional documents requested by the local health officer, which may include, but are not limited to, written statements signed by the project's licensed professional engineer verifying that design elements comply with requirements specified by these rules.
(4) The local health officer shall:
(a) Consult with school officials and determine what is required for plan review and approval;
(b) Review construction documents to confirm that the health and safety requirements of these rules are met;
(c) Identify and request any additional documents required to determine compliance with requirements specified by these rules; and
(d) Provide written approval, or describe plan deficiencies needing change to obtain approval, of the construction project within sixty days of receiving all documents needed to complete the review, unless the school officials and the local health officer agree to a different timeline.
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(a) Obtain a preoccupancy inspection by the local health officer of construction projects subject to WAC 246-366A-040(1) before allowing school facilities to be occupied; and
(b) Notify the local health officer at least five business days before a desired preoccupancy inspection.
(2) The local health officer:
(a) Shall coordinate all construction-related inspections with the on-site project manager or other appropriate person identified by school officials.
(b) May inspect for compliance with these rules during the construction phase.
(c) Shall conduct a preoccupancy inspection for construction projects subject to WAC 246-366A-040(1) to verify compliance with these rules before the building is occupied and not more than five business days after the date requested by school officials.
(i) If an imminent health hazard is identified, a solution must be identified and agreed to by school officials, the local health officer, and the local building official and implemented by school officials before the affected portion of the building is occupied.
(ii) If other conditions of noncompliance with these rules are identified, school officials shall be provided with a written list of items and consulted in developing a correction schedule, based on the level of risk to health and safety.
(d) May reinspect to confirm satisfactory correction of the items identified under (c) of this subsection.
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(1) Design school facilities to minimize conditions that attract, shelter, and promote the propagation of insects, rodents, bats, birds, and other pests of public health significance. This subsection does not mandate the installation of window screens nor does it prohibit the installation of retention ponds or rain gardens.
(2) Design school facilities with windows in sufficient number, size, and location to enable students to see outside at least fifty percent of the school day. Windows are optional in special purpose instructional areas including, but not limited to, theaters, music areas, multipurpose areas, gymnasiums, auditoriums, shops, laboratories, libraries, and seminar areas.
(3) Provide sun control to exclude direct sunlight from window areas and skylights of instructional areas, assembly rooms and meeting rooms during at least eighty percent of the normal school hours. Each area must be considered as an individual case. Sun control is not required for sun angles less than forty-two degrees up from the horizontal. Sun control is not required if air conditioning is provided or special glass is installed having a total solar energy transmission factor less than sixty percent.
(4) Provide surfaces on steps that reduce the risk of injury caused by slipping.
(5) Provide floors throughout the school facility that are appropriate for the intended use, easily cleanable and can be dried effectively to inhibit mold growth. These floor materials include, but are not limited to, wood, vinyl, linoleum, and tightly woven carpets with water impervious backing.
(6) Provide reasonably sufficient space for the storage of play equipment, instructional equipment, and outdoor clothing. The space must be reasonably accessible, lighted, and ventilated.
(7) Provide measures to reduce potential injury from fall hazards, including but not limited to, retaining walls; performance arts stages and orchestra pits; balconies; mezzanines; and other similar areas of drop-off to a lower floor.
(8) Prohibit the use of chromated copper arsenate or creosote treated wood where it is accessible to students.
(9) Provide the following items for health rooms, if health rooms are provided:
(a) The means to visually supervise and provide privacy of room occupants;
(b) Surfaces that can be easily cleaned and sanitized;
(c) A handwashing sink in the room;
(d) An adjoining restroom; and
(e) Mechanical exhaust ventilation so that air does not flow from the health room to other parts of the school facility.
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(1) Keep school facilities clean and in good condition.
(2) Mitigate any environmental health and safety hazards.
(3) Control conditions that attract, shelter, and promote the propagation of insects, rodents, bats, birds, and other pests of public health significance. This subsection does not mandate the routine installation of window screens nor does it prohibit the proper operation of retention ponds or rain gardens.
(4) Label, use, store and dispose of hazardous materials to:
(a) Prevent health and safety hazards;
(b) Keep incompatible substances apart from each other;
(c) Prevent unauthorized access and use; and
(d) Follow procedures according to material safety data sheet instructions.
(5) Select supplies and methods of use that reduce exposure to hazardous materials.
(6) Allow only those hazardous materials in schools that school officials have approved for use. Types of commercial products that may contain hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, cleaners, sanitizers, maintenance supplies, pesticides, herbicides, and instruction-related supplies.
(7) Safely store play equipment, instructional equipment, and outdoor clothing where reasonably accessible.
(8) Use products that comply with American National Standards Institute/National Sanitation Foundation (ANSI/NSF) Standard 61 (2007) to coat, line, seal, or patch drinking water contact surfaces, if the interior of water piping or plumbing fixtures is coated or lined.
(9) Immediately clean and sanitize the contaminated area and prevent human exposure when sewage backups occur.
(10) Notify the local health officer when sewage backups:
(a) Result from failure of an on-site sewage system serving the school facility;
(b) Impact student use areas outside restrooms; or
(c) Occur in a food preparation, food storage, or food service area.
(11) Allow upholstered furniture, such as couches and overstuffed chairs, in school facilities only if the furniture has been purchased or approved by school officials.
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(1) Visually monitor the school facility for water intrusion and moisture accumulation that may lead to mold growth, especially after severe weather events.
(2) Begin corrective action within twenty-four hours of discovering water intrusion or moisture accumulation to inhibit and limit mold growth by:
(a) Identifying and eliminating the cause of the water intrusion or moisture accumulation; and
(b) Drying the affected portions of the school facility.
(3) When mold growth is observed or suspected, use recognized remediation procedures such as those provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001). Begin recognized procedures within twenty-four hours to:
(a) Identify and eliminate the cause of the moisture or water contributing to the mold growth;
(b) Dry the affected portions of the school facility;
(c) Investigate the extent of the mold growth, including evaluation of potentially affected materials and surfaces inside walls and under floor coverings, when moisture or water has entered those spaces;
(d) Minimize exposure to indoor mold spores and fragments until mold remediation is complete using methods including, but not limited to, containment and negative air pressure; and
(e) Remediate surfaces and materials contaminated with mold.
(4) When remediation is required under subsection (3) of this section and there is significant risk of exposure, including when the total area affected is greater than ten square feet, promptly inform school facility staff, students, and parents of the conditions and the plans and time frame for the remediation. The extent of this communication will depend on the likelihood of individual exposure, the scope of the remediation project, and the time required to complete it.
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(2) School officials shall develop written policies or procedures for any animals allowed in school facilities to prevent:
(a) Injuries caused by wild, dangerous, or aggressive animals;
(b) Spread of diseases from animals known to commonly carry those diseases including, but not limited to, rabies, psittacosis, and salmonellosis;
(c) Allergic reactions;
(d) Exposure to animal wastes; and
(e) Handling animals or their bedding without proper handwashing afterward.
(3) Written policies or procedures required under subsection (2) of this section shall address service animals in the school facility that are not well behaved or present a risk to health and safety.
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(1) Provide mechanical exhaust ventilation that meets or exceeds the requirements in chapter 51-52 WAC at locations intended for equipment or activities that produce air contaminants of public health importance.
(2) Situate fresh air intakes away from building exhaust vents and other sources of air contaminants of public health importance in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements in chapter 51-52 WAC. Sources of air contaminants include bus and vehicle loading zones, and might include, but are not limited to, parking areas and areas where pesticides or herbicides are commonly applied.
(3) Use materials that will not deteriorate and contribute particulates to the air stream if insulating the interior of air handling ducts. Insulation materials must be designed to accommodate duct cleaning and exposure to air flow without deteriorating. This subsection does not apply if the local permitting jurisdiction received a complete building permit application prior to September 1, 2013.
(4) Use ducted air returns and not open plenum air returns consisting of the open space above suspended ceilings. This subsection does not apply to:
(a) Alterations to school facilities;
(b) Additions to school facilities that tie into existing ventilation systems that use open plenum air returns; and
(c) Facilities for which the local permitting jurisdiction received a complete building permit application prior to September 1, 2013.
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(1) Heat occupied areas of school buildings during school hours and school-sponsored events to maintain a minimum temperature of sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit except for gymnasiums and hallways, which must be maintained at a minimum temperature of sixty degrees Fahrenheit.
(2) Ventilate occupied areas of school buildings during school hours and school-sponsored events. During periods of ventilation:
(a) For school facilities constructed under a building permit for which the local permitting jurisdiction received a completed building permit application on or after September 1, 2010, provide outdoor air according to chapter 51-52 WAC.
(b) For school facilities constructed under a building permit for which the local permitting jurisdiction received a completed building permit application before September 1, 2010, strive to provide outdoor air consistent with chapter 51-52 WAC. Except where indoor air quality problems have been identified, this requirement may be met through standard operation and maintenance best practices including, but not limited to, making timely repairs, removing obstructions, and replacing filters and fan drive belts.
(3) Use and maintain mechanical exhaust ventilation installed for equipment or activities that produce air contaminants of public health importance or moisture.
(4) Restrict the use of laminators to locations with mechanical exhaust ventilation or source capture systems.
(5) Limit student exposure to air contaminants of public health importance produced by laser printers, photocopiers, and other office equipment by locating, operating, and maintaining equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.
(6) Take preventive or corrective action when pesticides, herbicides, or air contaminants of public health importance are likely to be drawn or are drawn into the building or ventilation system.
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(2) Portable classrooms constructed before January 1, 1990, moved from one site to another on the same school property or within the same school district, are exempt from the requirements of this section if the portable classrooms meet all of the following:
(a) Noise abating or noise generating features are not altered in a manner that may increase noise levels;
(b) The portable classrooms were previously in use for instruction;
(c) Ownership of the portable classrooms remains the same; and
(d) The new site meets the noise standard in WAC 246-366A-030 (3)(c).
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(1) Maintain the background noise at any student location within classrooms constructed after January 1, 1990, at or below 45 dBA (Leqx) where x is 30 seconds or more. Background noise levels must be determined when the ventilation system and the ventilation system's noise generating components, such as the condenser and heat pump, are operating and the room is unoccupied by students.
(2) Maintain the background noise level at any student location in laboratories and shops with local exhaust ventilation systems constructed after January 1, 1990, at or below 65 dBA (Leqx) where x is 30 seconds or more. Background noise levels must be determined when all ventilation equipment is operating and the room is unoccupied by students.
(3) Maintain noise exposure for students below the maximum levels in Table 1.
| Duration per day (hours) | Sound level (dBA) |
| 8 | 85 |
| 6 | 87 |
| 4 | 90 |
| 3 | 92 |
| 2 | 95 |
| 1-1/2 | 97 |
| 1 | 100 |
| 1/2 | 105 |
| 1/4 | 110 |
(5) Provide and require students to use personal protective equipment, for example ear plugs and muffs, where noise levels exceed those specified in Table 1. Personal protective equipment must reduce student noise exposure to comply with the levels specified in Table 1.
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(1) Provide light intensities that meet or exceed those specified in Table 2. General, task and/or natural lighting may be used to maintain the minimum lighting intensities. Energy efficient lighting systems, lighting fixtures, or bulbs that meet the minimum lighting intensities in Table 2 may be used.
| Measured 30 inches above the floor or on working or teaching surfaces. Some lighting fixtures may require a start-up period before reaching maximum light output. | Minimum foot-candle intensity |
| General instructional areas, for example, study halls, lecture rooms, and libraries. | 30 |
| Special instructional areas where safety is of prime consideration or fine detail work is done, for example, family and consumer science laboratories, science laboratories (including chemical storage areas), shops, drafting rooms, and art and craft rooms. | 50 |
| Noninstructional areas, for example, auditoriums, lunch rooms, assembly rooms, corridors, stairs, storerooms, and restrooms. | 10 |
| Gymnasiums: Main and auxiliary spaces, shower rooms, and locker rooms. | 20 |
(3) Provide lighting in a manner that minimizes shadows and other lighting deficiencies on work and teaching surfaces.
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(1) Provide shower facilities at grades nine and above for classes in physical education and for team sports. Showers must supply hot water between one hundred and one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit.
(2) Provide floor surfaces in shower areas that are water impervious, slip-resistant, and sloped to floor drains. Walls must be water impervious up to showerhead height. Upper walls and ceilings must have an easily cleanable surface.
(3) Locate drying areas, if provided, adjacent to showers and locker or dressing rooms. Walls and ceilings must have an easily cleanable surface and floor surfaces must be water impervious, slip-resistant, and sloped to floor drains.
(4) Provide locker or dressing rooms adjacent to showers or drying rooms. Walls and ceilings must have an easily cleanable surface. When drying areas are provided, floor surfaces in locker or dressing rooms must be appropriate for the intended use, easily cleanable and dryable to effectively inhibit mold growth. When drying areas are not provided, locker or dressing room floor surfaces must be water impervious, slip-resistant, and sloped to floor drains.
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(1) Provide in each restroom:
(a) Toilet paper in each toilet stall;
(b) Single service handwashing soap at each handwashing sink; and
(c) Single-service towels or an adequate number of warm-air dryers. Common use towels are not allowed.
(2) Provide hot water to all handwashing plumbing fixtures at a maximum temperature of one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit.
(3) Provide tempered water for those handwashing plumbing fixtures that do not allow the user to select water temperature.
(4) Provide any hand operated, self-closing handwashing plumbing fixtures with the capability of providing at least ten seconds of running water.
(5) Provide access to restrooms when:
(a) School buildings are in use; and
(b) Outdoor facilities or athletic fields are in use for school-sponsored events. School officials are not required to provide access to restrooms when outdoor facilities and athletic fields are in use after school hours or on weekends unless it is a school-sponsored event.
(6) Provide access to shower facilities with hot water between one hundred and one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit for classes in physical education and school-sponsored sports teams at grades nine and above.
(7) When cloth towels are supplied by the school, provide them for individual use and launder them after each use.
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(a) Sample plumbing fixtures that are regularly used for drinking or cooking.
(b) Use a laboratory to analyze all required water samples that is accredited by the department of ecology, or other appropriate agency if outside Washington state, according to EPA drinking water laboratory certification criteria.
(2) Water sampling protocols. School officials shall:
(a) Collect representative samples, according to the percentages required by subsections (3) and (4) of this section, from each type and age of plumbing fixture regularly used for drinking or cooking.
(i) For type of fixture, use at least the three types: Drinking fountains, water coolers and faucets.
(ii) For age of fixture, use at least two groupings: Those manufactured prior to 1999, and those manufactured since January 1, 1999.
(b) Sample as follows:
(i) Make sure cold water is the last to run through the fixture to be tested.
(ii) Allow water to sit in the plumbing system at least eight hours. No water may pass through the fixture during that time.
(iii) Place the 250 ml sample bottle under the faucet and open the cold water tap. Fill the bottle to the shoulder or the line marked "250 ml," turn off the water and cap the bottle tightly.
(3) Initial monitoring schedule for lead.
(a) School officials shall accomplish initial monitoring by sampling fifty percent of the plumbing fixtures regularly used for drinking or cooking in elementary schools or used by preschool children in K-12 schools by September 1, 2011. This may be either from fifty percent of the fixtures in each school or from all of the fixtures in fifty percent of the schools within a district. School districts shall sample the remaining fifty percent of the fixtures by September 1, 2012.
(b) School officials shall accomplish initial monitoring by sampling at least twenty-five percent of each type and age of plumbing fixture, as specified under subsection (2)(a) of this section, regularly used by students for drinking or cooking in:
(i) Middle and junior high schools by September 1, 2013; and
(ii) High schools by September 1, 2014.
(c) School officials may apply samples collected after September 1, 2003, toward meeting the initial monitoring requirement if all plumbing fixtures with lead results above 0.020 milligrams per liter or 20.0 parts per billion have been removed from service, or have been or are being addressed according to subsection (5) of this section, and samples were:
(i) From plumbing fixtures regularly used for drinking or cooking; and
(ii) Collected consistent with subsection (2) of this section.
(4) Ongoing monitoring for lead.
(a) School officials shall repeat lead monitoring every five years, beginning by:
(i) September 1, 2017, for elementary schools;
(ii) September 1, 2018, for middle and junior high schools; and
(iii) September 1, 2019, for high schools.
(b) School officials shall use sampling protocols in subsection (2) of this section to collect samples in all schools from:
(i) No less than twenty-five percent of each type and age of plumbing fixture which is not a "very low lead" plumbing fixture; and
(ii) No less than ten percent of each type of plumbing fixture which is a "very low lead" plumbing fixture.
(c) Schools that are Group A public water systems are not required to do ongoing lead monitoring required by (a) of this subsection if the schools meet the lead monitoring requirements in chapter 246-290 WAC.
(5) Corrective actions. School officials shall:
(a) For all plumbing fixtures with sample results of lead above 0.020 milligrams per liter or 20.0 parts per billion, immediately shut off these fixtures or make them inoperable.
(b) For all plumbing fixtures of the same type and age as any fixture with results above 0.020 milligrams per liter or 20.0 parts per billion:
(i) Take immediate corrective action according to (a) of this subsection; or
(ii) Collect first draw samples within ten business days. Upon receipt of sample results, immediately shut off or make inoperable all plumbing fixtures with results of lead above 0.020 milligrams per liter or 20.0 parts per billion.
(c) To provide drinking water at the location of these fixtures, take one or more of the following remedies:
(i) Bottled water. If bottled water is used, provide bottled water that is produced by a Washington state department of agriculture-approved bottling operation or out-of-state or international bottler whose product meets federal Food and Drug Administration regulations.
(ii) Manual flushing program. Manual flushing may be used only as a temporary remedy. If manual flushing is used:
(A) Take flush samples from twenty-five percent of each type and age of the fixtures planned to be included in the flushing program to determine the flushing time necessary to reduce lead to below 0.020 milligrams per liter or 20.0 parts per billion. Start by following the sample collection protocol of first-draw samples described in subsection (2)(b) of this section with the addition of letting the water run for thirty seconds before filling the bottle.
(B) Open the tap of every fixture included in the flushing program every morning before the facility opens and let the water run for the length of time established in (c)(ii)(A) of this subsection.
(iii) Automated flushing. If automated flushing is used, take samples from twenty-five percent of each type and age of the fixtures included in the flushing program to demonstrate that the automated system reduces lead to below 0.020 milligrams per liter or 20.0 parts per billion.
(iv) Fixture replacement. If individual plumbing fixtures are replaced:
(A) Precondition the plumbing fixtures by running water through the fixture continuously for twenty-four hours; and
(B) Collect first draw samples after preconditioning and verify sample results of lead below 0.020 milligrams per liter or 20.0 parts per billion. If the preconditioned plumbing fixture does not yield a sample result below this level, (a) of this subsection applies.
(v) Treatment. Before treatment is used, submit an engineering project report to the department, per WAC 246-290-110. Installation of treatment devices will result in the school's designation as a public water supply. School officials shall then ensure they comply with the Group A public water system rules and regulations, chapter 246-290 WAC and water works operator certification rules and regulations, chapter 246-292 WAC.
(6) Notification requirements. School officials shall:
(a) Notify school facility staff, students and parents, and the local health officer within five business days of the school officials receiving lead sampling results above 0.020 milligrams per liter or 20.0 parts per billion.
(b) Make all results available for review upon request.
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(2) School officials shall test water samples for copper from no less than twenty-five percent of each type and age of plumbing fixture regularly used for drinking or cooking.
(a) For type of fixture, use at least the three types: Drinking fountains, water coolers and faucets.
(b) For age of fixture, use at least two groupings: Those manufactured prior to 1999 and those manufactured since January 1, 1999.
(3) School officials shall complete water sampling of plumbing fixtures for copper in:
(a) Elementary schools by September 1, 2012;
(b) Middle and junior high schools by September 1, 2013; and
(c) High schools by September 1, 2014.
(4) If school officials include lead samples collected after September 1, 2003, toward meeting the initial monitoring requirement for lead, as specified in WAC 246-366A-130, they may wait to monitor those plumbing fixtures for copper until they conduct the next ongoing lead monitoring per WAC 246-366A-130(4).
(5) School officials may include samples collected after September 1, 2003, toward meeting monitoring requirements if all plumbing fixtures with copper results above 1.30 milligrams per liter or 1300 parts per billion have been or are being addressed according to subsection (6) of this section, and the samples were:
(a) From plumbing fixtures regularly used for drinking and cooking; and
(b) Collected using the sampling protocol specified in WAC 246-366A-130 (2)(b).
(6) Corrective actions. For all plumbing fixtures with first draw sample results of copper above 1.30 milligrams per liter or 1300 parts per billion, school officials shall:
(a) Within five business days of getting sample results, consult with the department to develop a corrective action plan; and
(b) Implement the corrective action plan.
(7) Notification requirements. School officials shall:
(a) Notify staff, students and parents, and the local health officer within five business days of the school officials receiving copper sampling results above 1.30 milligrams per liter or 1300 parts per billion; and
(b) Make all results available for review upon request.
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(1) Sampling of drinking water when public health concerns exist about drinking water contaminants other than lead or copper;
(2) Corrective actions in response to sampling results for other contaminants; and
(3) School officials to notify school facility staff, students and parents, and the local health officer about test results.
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(a) Consult with the local health officer regarding playground review and approval requirements consistent with the scope of the project when proposing to:
(i) Install new playground equipment or fall protection surfaces;
(ii) Add new playground features or equipment to an existing playground; or
(iii) Modify, other than repair and maintain, existing playground equipment, features, or fall protection surfaces.
(b) If required by the local health officer after consultation:
(i) Provide playground plans and equipment specifications and any additional information the local health officer requests; and
(ii) Obtain plan review and written approval from the local health officer before installing, adding, or modifying playground equipment or fall protection surfaces.
(c) Install playground equipment, including used equipment, and fall protection surfaces:
(i) That meet the ASTM F 1487-01: Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use; and
(ii) In a manner that is consistent with the manufacturer's instructions and Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground Safety, 2008.
(d) Prohibit the use of chromated copper arsenate or creosote treated wood to construct or install playground equipment or landscape and other structures on which students may play.
(2) The local health officer shall:
(a) Consult with school officials to determine what is required for playground plan review and approval consistent with the scope of the project.
(b) If playground review and approval is required:
(i) Review playground plans and equipment specifications to confirm that the requirements of these rules are addressed;
(ii) Identify and request any additional documents required to complete the review;
(iii) Provide written approval or denial of the playground plans and equipment specifications within thirty days of receiving all documents needed to complete the review, unless the school officials and the local health officer agree to a different timeline; and
(iv) Verify that playground installation complies with requirements of this section.
(c) Coordinate all playground-related inspections with school officials.
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(1) Monitor and operate playgrounds so that protective surfacing and use zones are maintained, and equipment is properly anchored and free of puncture, pinching, crushing, shearing, entanglement, and entrapment hazards.
(2) Prohibit the use of chromated copper arsenate or creosote treated wood to repair or maintain playground equipment or landscape and other structures on which students may play.
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(1) Provide an emergency eyewash fountain for each laboratory and shop where hazardous materials are used or eye irritants are produced.
(2) Provide an emergency shower for each laboratory where hazardous materials are used and the potential for chemical spills exists.
(3) Assure that all emergency eyewash fountains and showers have unobstructed access and are reachable within ten seconds.
(4) Provide handwashing and appropriate drying facilities in an easily accessible location in each laboratory and shop.
(5) Provide emergency shut-offs for gas and for electricity connected to stationary machinery in laboratories and shops. Emergency shut-offs must:
(a) Be located in close proximity to the room exit door;
(b) Have unobstructed access; and
(c) Have signage readable from across the room for immediate identification during an emergency.
(6) Provide all stationary machinery in laboratories and shops with magnetic-type switches to prevent machines from automatically restarting upon restoration of power after an electrical failure or activation of the emergency shut-off.
(7) Provide mechanical exhaust ventilation in hazardous material storerooms, and in laboratories and shops where equipment or activities may produce air contaminants of public health importance.
(8) When activities or equipment in laboratories or shops produce air contaminants of public health importance, provide an appropriate source capture system to prevent those contaminants from entering the student's breathing zone. These activities and equipment include, but are not limited to, spray painting, welding, pottery kilns, chemistry experiments, and wood-working.
(9) Design ventilation systems to operate so that air is not recirculated and does not flow from the laboratory or shop to other parts of the school facility. Open plenum air returns consisting of the space above suspended ceilings in laboratories and shops must not be used to recirculate air to other parts of the school facility.
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(1) Select, label, use, store and dispose of hazardous materials in accordance with WAC 246-366A-065.
(2) Prohibit use and storage of compounds that are:
(a) Considered shock-sensitive explosives, for example, picric acid, dinitro-organics, isopropyl ether, ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane; or
(b) Lethal at low concentrations when inhaled or in contact with skin, for example, pure cyanides, hydrofluoric acid, toxic compressed gases, mercury liquid and mercury compounds, and chemicals identified as the P-list under WAC 173-303-9903.
(3) Adopt safety procedures and processes for instructing students regarding the proper use of hazardous materials and equipment.
(4) Provide and require use of appropriate personal protective equipment when exposure to potential hazards might occur. Potential hazards include, but are not limited to hazardous material exposures, burns, cuts, and punctures.
(5) Provide situation-specific emergency and protective equipment during demonstrations with hazardous materials and with hazardous procedures. Examples of protective equipment include, but are not limited to, safety shields for eyes, protective gloves that are fire retardant and chemical resistant, respiratory protection, and fire extinguishers.
(6) Properly maintain laboratory and shop equipment and mechanical exhaust ventilation.
(7) Provide single-use soap and single-use towels or warm-air dryers at handwashing sinks.
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(a) May request a variance from requirements in these rules from the local health officer if they wish to use an alternative to meet the intent of these rules.
(i) The request for a variance must be in writing and describe:
(A) The specific requirement the variance is requested to meet;
(B) The alternative proposed to meet the specific requirement; and
(C) How the proposed alternative will provide at least a comparable level of protection as that provided by the specific requirement.
(ii) The request for a variance must include information as needed to support and clarify the request, such as material descriptions and specifications, engineering reports, photos, drawings, or sketches.
(b) May implement a variance only after obtaining approval from the local health officer.
(2) The local health officer shall:
(a) Initially review documents submitted with the request for a variance and inform school officials if additional information is required.
(b) Compare the health and safety aspects of the specific requirement being addressed and the variance proposal to determine if the proposal provides at least a comparable level of protection as that provided by the specific requirement.
(c) Provide written approval or denial of a request for a variance within sixty days of receiving a complete written request, unless school officials and the local health officer agree to a different timeline.
(d) Submit an annual written report to the department regarding all variance requests. The report must be submitted by March 1st of each year, beginning in 2013, and cover the calendar period January through December of the previous year.
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(a) Promptly investigating all complaints;
(b) Promptly correcting conditions not in compliance with these rules;
(c) Providing notification for imminent health hazards in accordance with WAC 246-366A-020;
(d) Promptly communicating with the complainant regarding the outcome of the investigation, and the actions and time frame proposed to address any verified conditions not in compliance with these rules; and
(e) Communicating with the local health officer about the outcome of complaint investigations referred to school officials by the local health officer.
(2) The local health officer who has received a complaint concerning failure of compliance with a provision of these rules that jeopardizes the health and safety of students shall:
(a) Promptly inform school officials that a complaint has been filed with the local health officer and conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine if an imminent health hazard exists;
(b) Investigate the complaint in consultation with school officials if an imminent health hazard exists;
(c) Either refer the complaint to school officials or investigate the complaint in consultation with school officials if an imminent health hazard does not appear to exist; and
(d) Communicate with the complainant about the outcome of the complaint investigation.
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