School Environmental Health and Safety Program

Primary and secondary schools are responsible for providing a healthy and safe learning environment for schoolchildren in Washington State. A healthy school environment keeps children's minds alert and bodies strong. Poorly maintained school buildings can cause illness or make symptoms worse for children, teachers, and staff. This results in absences, missed schoolwork, and lower test scores. Schools that promote healthy environments can improve health and productivity for students and adults.

The School Environmental Health and Safety Program works with local health jurisdictions, school districts, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, private schools, agencies and non-profits to promote incorporation of environmental health and safety into school facility design, operation, and maintenance. The program also provides support for implementation of the State Board of Health School Rule, Chapter 246-366 WAC.

Technical areas include controlling asthma triggers, science lab, art, and shop safety, hazardous waste management, injury prevention, playground safety, indoor air quality, ventilation, emergency response, communicable and vector-borne disease control, animals in schools, integrated pest management, cleaning and disinfection for health and safety, general safety, noise control, and lighting.

Resources We Provide

Contacts for School Environmental Health and Safety

School Environmental Health and Safety Resources

Health and Safety Guide for K-12 Schools in Washington State, OSPI/DOH, 2003 (PDF)

School Indoor Air Quality Best Management Practices Manual, 2003 (PDF)

Responding to Indoor Air Quality Concerns in our Schools, 2005 (PDF)

School Environmental Health and Safety Workshop

Email Updates - Subscribe to School Environmental Health and Safety Information

Program Activities

Healthy Indoor Air is Important