Decoding Inspection Reports for Small Schools Steve Main September 26, 2013

Decoding Inspection Reportsfor Small Schools

Steve MainSeptember 26, 2013

School Health and Safety Program

So…Let’s Recap• The School Program website has been updated

to include step by step instructions for all inspections

• The Self-Inspection Worksheets have been updated again for the 2013-2014 school year

• The new Teacher Checklists can be a great resource for school staff


So…Let’s Recap 2013 Indicators

Elementary Classroom and School Chemicals Must Be Properly Stored All Outlets Within 6 Feet of Sinks Must Be GFCI Protected Bookshelves Should Be Properly Secured To Prevent Tipping Playground Hazards Should Be Properly Addressed Animals In Classrooms

Secondary All Outlets Within 6 Feet of Sinks Must Be GFCI Protected Animals In Classrooms Chemicals In Table 1 (K-12 Guide) Should Not Be Used In School Science Eye Wash Stations Must Comply with Current DOSH Directive Shop Flooring In Operator Use Zone Must Be Properly Marked Shop Flooring In Operator Use Zone Must Be Non-Slip


Focusing On The Priorities• The School Program as a whole has been

focused on “risk” and “hazards” for years• The focus of the Self-Inspection Worksheets has

now been narrowed to the “hazards” or “priorities” based on inspection data and input

• New worksheets were designed to be more adaptable for smaller schools


The New Worksheets


The New WorksheetsA few NOTES:• Items in BOLD are required• The worksheets have already been “streamlined” to half

the original size so you shouldn’t need to use the N/A box very often

• Every item on the new worksheets has been given the designation of “priority” so look at each item carefully

• Don’t draw a line down the N/A column and hand in your worksheets!


Some Things To Remember• Self-Inspections are most successful when

everyone participates• Involve teachers, office staff and custodians in

the inspection process early in the school year• Start delegating self-inspection duties right

away and integrate the inspection process into normal duties performed by school staff


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsChemicals In the classroom

• If labeled “Keep Out of Reach of Children” they can’t be accessible to children

• Use cabinet locks, keep them out of reach, or place them in the teacher’s area

• Don’t allow children to use the chemicals• Make sure you have a current MSDS for each chemical• Read and follow label cautions and instructions

carefully


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsClassroom storage areas for belongings and equipment:

• Avoid classroom clutter• Keep storage areas organized• Don’t store heavy or unstable items on shelves

or on top of cabinets


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsHand washing• Keep sinks well stocked with soap and paper towels• Don’t use hand sanitizers in place of hand washing• Encourage student hand washing to reduce transmission

of communicable diseases• Check hot water temperature with a thermometer to

make sure it is not hotter than 120° F.


Don’t Overlook Important Items• Outlets located within six feet of sinks must be

GFI protected

• Extension cords and power strips near sinks and other grounding sources must be connected to a GFI protected outlet

• GFI devices must “trip” properly when tested

• Use of extension cords should be minimized


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsVacuum breakers

• If a threaded nozzle or quick coupler is present, the faucet must be equipped with a vacuum breaker or similar device to prevent a cross-connection

• Be sure to check the mop sink


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsPrevent injuries from falling or tipping furniture:•Secure tall and unstable bookshelves properly•Can secure two bookshelves back-to-back to make them more stable•Can secure smaller bookshelves together to make one larger bookshelf and then secure it to the wall•Secure televisions to the cart or shelf properly


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsAccording to CPSC:• In 2006: A total of 42,700 people visited the ER in the US

because of injuries related to furniture, televisions, or other objects falling onto them

• In 2006: 26,300 people were injured by furniture tipping over on to them

• In 2006: 15,900 people were injured by falling televisions• In 2006: 45% of the victims were children under 10


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsCoat Hooks should not pose a protrusion hazard

OKNOT OK


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsFabric upholstered furniture• Is not recommended because it can become a “sink” that

traps allergens and asthma triggers• Can be very difficult to clean and keep clean• Recommend furniture or furniture covers that are non-

absorbent and easy to clean


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsLighting• Lighting must be adequate (30 foot-candles)• Look for burned out bulbs• Locate desks in well lit areas

Hallways are only required to have a light intensity of 10 foot-candles.

• Can use task lighting in dimly lit areas


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsPlaygrounds

Playground injuries involving the ER in the US:• 220,000 playground related injuries annually• 76% occur on public playgrounds• 83% are between the ages of 2 to 9 years of age• 79% of injuries are caused by falls

68% are falls to the surface 10% are falls to other parts of the equipment



Major causes of death and serious debilitating injury on playgrounds…

1.Entanglement of clothing, strings, or ropes2.Falls onto hard surfaces under playground equipment3.Head and neck entrapment in equipment openings4.Impact injuries from tipped or loose equipment, or moving swings



Factors that contribute to playground injuries:• Improper use or poor supervision• Poor maintenance• Installation errors• Site planning issues

Plan review related



• Dig into the surfacing in several places to make sure it is at least 9 inches deep

• Develop and post written playground rules• Playground rules should include appropriate ages

(e.g., 2-5 years old or 5-12 years old)• Check equipment for dry rot, split boards, worn

chains, etc.


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsPlayground Corrections

Corr

ectio

ns

Review Issues From Prior Inspection(s)

Are All Identified

Issues Corrected?

List All Changes (If NO is checked in the previous column, provide item numbers (e.g. N-

001.14) for remaining items and list changes or plans for correction

Review the previous routine and re-inspection. Document all changes and plans to correct previously identified playground issues or hazards (e.g., entanglements, entrapments, protrusions, surfacing depth).

Yes No N/A



• Plan review is required for all new playground equipment before installation

• Playground standards:• ASTM F-1487 – “It’s purpose is to reduce life-

threatening and debilitating injuries”• CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook – It’s purpose

is to reduce “playground related deaths and injuries”


Don’t Overlook Important ItemsAnimals and Disease Prevention

• Recently SRHD has investigated several cases of Salmonella likely related to the handling of small animals or reptiles

• If you have small furry animals, amphibians, or reptiles – remember that they can transmit Salmonella even if they look healthy and clean



• If you have an animal, amphibian, or reptile in a classroom – parents should be notified due to allergy or indoor air quality issues

• If children are allowed to handle the animal, amphibian, or reptile (including bedding, cage, etc.) adopt a hand washing policy that assures children wash their hands afterwards



• When schools host an animal exhibit they meet the definition of an “animal venue operator” as defined in WAC 246-100-192

• Per WAC 246-100-192 schools must provide:• Hand washing facility near the animal exhibit exit• Noticeable sign near each animal exhibit entrance educating visitors

of potential risks to certain groups • Noticeable sign at each exhibit exit encouraging visitors to wash

hands


Welcome to School Year 2013-2014 Enjoy the school year!

Thank you!

Documents

Decoding Inspection Reports for Small Schools Steve Main September 26, 2013