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What is a Low-Risk School Health Inspection?
Low Risk School Health Inspections- Occurs every 3 years for all schools and focus on disease prevention and environmental hazard risks and practices within the school.
Checklist for a Low-Risk School Health Inspection
Areas that may be accessed on a low-risk school health inspection may include the front office, health office, special needs rooms, general classrooms, bathrooms, custodial rooms/closets, and boiler rooms. Involvement from faculty and/or staff may be necessary while inspecting these areas.
Each area visited may be required to have certain items or documentation available for review. Use the below checklists as a self-assessment tool prior to your inspection. Please note that the items listed do not represent a comprehensive list of what is required.
Front Office Records Review:
- Radon test results. Include documentation of your testing plan if the school conducted internal testing.
- The most recent update to the asbestos management plan or documentation of school construction with asbestos-free building materials
- Documentation of annual or monthly testing of carbon monoxide alarms (only required if the school has equipment that uses fossil fuels)
- A written all-hazards plan for handling disasters
- A plan that addresses operating during periods of extreme temperature as it relates to indoor air
- Records of quarterly bacteriological samples from the previous 12 months (only required for schools with drinking water supply that does not meet definition of a public water system)
- A current list of emergency services with telephone numbers that are posted in one or more prominent locations
- A list of persons currently certified in Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Documentation that all children are either up-to-date on their immunizations, In-process, or exempt
- A written plan with common procedures for handling medical emergencies, to include large outbreaks
- A written plan for Automated External Defibrillators (AED) signed by a physician (Only required for schools that have AED unit(s))
- Basic first aid equipment and medical supplies conveniently available to include: gauze pads, rolled gauze, adhesive tape, cold pack, plastic bags, disposable gloves, band-aids, hand cleaner, flashlight and extra batteries, scissors, and blanket
- Medication is labeled, in the original container, stored away from food and chemicals, and inaccessible to children. Emergency medications are immediately available to trained school personnel.
- One Non-absorbent easily cleanable cot available for every 400 students Special/Severe Needs Rooms
- Proper location for diaper changing table/bed (if applicable) away from food preparation/service areas with a nearby handwashing sink
- Proper diapering procedures are followed
- Trash can with lid that is easily cleanable (used to dispose of diapering materials
Classrooms
- Access to hand sanitizer is limited and controlled
- Art supplies and hazardous chemicals are properly stored and out of reach of students
- Common touch surfaces are properly cleaned and sanitized (children should never be responsible for sanitizing/disinfecting surfaces)
- Tables/desks are appropriately cleaned and sanitized if children are eating meals and/or snacks in classrooms
- Animals enclosures are maintained in sanitary condition and good hygienic practices are followed
- Reptiles, amphibians, and poultry are excluded in classrooms or areas with children who are kindergarten age or younger
- Modular classrooms not provided with plumbing are no more than 500 feet from restrooms and drinking fountains which are accessible through an unlocked door or key access
Bathrooms
- Sinks are stocked with soap and paper towels (mechanical air dryers may be used in lieu of paper towels)
- Water at hand sinks is maintained between 90º to 120ºF
- Adequately ventilated
Custodial Rooms/Closets
- Copies of safety data sheets (SDS) for all chemicals stored within each custodial closet
- All flammable and hazardous chemicals are properly stored
- Custodial closets where chemicals are stored are adequately ventilated
- Boiler inspection certificates are posted on each boiler or available for review
- Carbon Monoxide detectors present in the boiler room that are either integrated into the school’s fire system or are battery operated (only required if boilers/heaters burn fossil fuels)
General Building
- Pests are appropriately managed
- School grounds and building are maintained
