Resources For Schools
Our School Environmental Health and Safety Program promotes a safe learning environment for K-12 students. We support topics such as indoor air quality, pest management practices, cleaning and disinfection, playground safety, and science, art and shop safety.
We work with local health jurisdictions, school districts and private schools, Tribal schools, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and other agencies and organizations. We provide guidance and technical expertise for the State Board of Health’s school environmental health and safety rule, Chapter 246-366 WAC.
Learn more about school environmental health and safety in Washington state:
- Health and Safety Guide for K-12 Schools in Washington State (PDF)
- School Environmental Health & Safety Resources webpage
New School Rule
The current environmental health and safety school rule, Chapter 246-366 WAC, is still in effect. This rule was created in 1960 and went into effect in 1971. It was last updated in 1991.
In 2024, the Washington State Board of Health (SBOH) was required to assemble a technical advisory committee (TAC) to update the environmental health and safety school rule.
In June 2025, SBOH submitted a Legislative Report (PDF) to the Office of the Governor and the legislature. The report includes a fiscal analysis, background information, and the recommended rule language. Track SBOH’s work on this project on their School Environmental Health and Safety Rule webpage.
SBOH Resources
- School Environmental Health and Safety Rule History
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- General Fact Sheet (PDF)
For questions about the school rule update, contact Ash Noble with SBOH at ash.noble@sboh.wa.gov.
Resources for Schools
When the school environmental health and safety rule goes into effect, schools will be required to have plans to promote environmental health. Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has created guidance and templates to help schools write these plans.
These templates are designed to be used now to help schools write their plans. Plans are not currently required but highly recommended. Amend these templates to suit your unique needs. If plans become required, you may choose to use these templates or create your own plan. Information may be updated when the new school rule is implemented.
Below you will find guidance and templates for:
- School indoor air quality
- Animals in schools and classrooms
- School integrated pest management
We’re always happy to hear from you. Contact us at SchoolEHS@doh.wa.gov if you have questions or suggestions.
School Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Plan Template
Poor IAQ in schools reduces attendance and productivity. It also contributes to asthma, infection, allergic reactions, headaches, and other health problems.
Implementing an IAQ plan can be a low cost, effective way for schools to improve and maintain their indoor air. An IAQ plan refers to a set of written procedures and practices schools can use to prevent and control problems.
An IAQ plan can be adapted by a school or school district to meet their ongoing and specific goals and needs. It guides schools in how to address:
- Communication of IAQ issues with school staff, students, parents, and school boards.
- Periodic walkthrough inspections of school facilities.
- Cleaning practices to safely control dust, mold, and other pollutants.
- Chemical management to include proper storage and use of chemicals.
- Preventive maintenance, including regular inspection of heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
- Procedures to protect students and staff from dust and contaminants during building renovations and construction activities.
- Response to complaints and follow-up actions.
DOH has created a template to help schools develop an IAQ plan. It is intended for smaller schools or school districts. Copy this template and amend, add, or remove items to fit the specific needs of your school or school district.
Template and Additional Resources
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Plan: Template for Smaller Schools (PDF)
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Plan: Template for Smaller Schools (Word)
- Healthy Air Quality in Schools
- Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools, US EPA
Animals in Schools and Classrooms Plan Template
Hosting an animal in a classroom can be a rewarding experience. Research suggests that an animal in the classroom can benefit a student’s social, behavioral, and academic performance. However, animals in classrooms and on school grounds may present concerns of injury and illness to students, staff, and visitors.
Before bringing an animal into a school, work with the head of the school or the school district. Create a plan to ensure you are ready before any issues arise. Schools or districts may prohibit animals from schools unless explicitly approved. Service animals are exempt.
The animals in schools and classroom template offers best practice health and safety recommendations to guide school policy. Copy this template and amend, add, or remove items to fit your specific needs. The template includes a model of a teacher’s written plan for keeping a classroom animal. Areas covered include:
- Teacher plan for animals in classrooms
- Animals appropriate for the classroom
- Animal safety precautions
- Animal contact and handwashing practices
- Care and handling of an animal and supplies
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Food consumption
- Allergies and health concerns
- School visitors with animals
- Animal venue operators
Template and Additional Resources
- Animals in K-12 Schools: Template to Create a Health and Safety Plan (PDF)
- Animals in K-12 Schools: Template to Create a Health and Safety Plan (Word)
- K-12 Guide - Health and Safety Guide for K-12 Schools in Washington State (PDF) – see Section O: Animals in Schools and Appendix E: Animals in Schools.
School Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) Template
Pests can be a big problem in schools. They can carry disease, worsen asthma and allergies, and cause students and staff to feel distracted and uncomfortable. When pesticides are applied excessively or incorrectly, children may be exposed to hazardous chemicals.
IPM is a big term for a simple and proven strategy. IPM is a program that reduces sources of food, water, and shelter for pests and uses the least toxic pest controls when necessary. That usually includes reducing clutter, sealing up holes in the building exterior, and minimizing food in classrooms. Schools that use IPM can reduce their pesticide use by 80-90%, which also reduces exposure risk and cost. See School Facility Managers Realize Sustainable Pest Control Benefits, U.S. EPA.
IPM is a collaborative effort across the school community and requires planning. A written IPM plan is essential. A school or school district might include the following in their plan:
- Contacts for pest management and community services for families
- Basic information about IPM
- A signed policy stating the school or district will use IPM and the chemical pest controls that are least hazardous and only when necessary
- Pest control policies and methods – see RCW 17.21.415
- Roles and responsibilities, including training and oversight of pest management and prevention
The school IPM plan template is intended to meet minimum best practices. Schools and school districts may choose to add details like specific trainings, roles, or methods. Copy this template and amend, add, or remove items to fit your specific needs.
Template and Additional Resources
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan: Template for Schools (PDF)
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan: Template for Schools (Word)
- School Integrated Pest Management: Basic Principles
- School Integrated Pest Management: Resources
More Support for Schools
DOH continues to create model plans and templates to support schools. Check back for the following templates:
- Extreme temperature readiness plan
- Plan for monitoring and mitigating carbon dioxide levels
- Plan to test for radon
- Plan for periods of increased health risk or poor outdoor air quality
- Indoor Air Quality Plan – plan for large schools or districts