The Superintendent may designate and train one or more employees to oversee and coordinate the district's environmental safety program(s). The responsibilities of the coordinator(s) shall include, but are not limited to, overseeing assessments of district facilities, recommending strategies for the prevention and mitigation of environmental health risks, ensuring effective implementation of environmental safety strategies, and reporting to the Superintendent regarding the district's progress in addressing environmental safety concerns.
(cf. 3510 - Green School Operations)
(cf. 3511 - Energy and Water Management)
(cf. 3517 - Facilities Inspection)
(cf. 4157/4257/4357 - Employee Safety)
(cf. 5030 - Student Wellness)
(cf. 5142 - Safety)
(cf. 7111 - Evaluating Existing Buildings)
(cf. 7150 - Site Selection and Development)
Indoor Air Quality
In order to provide proper ventilation, humidity, and temperature in school facilities and to reduce indoor air contaminants, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the following strategies are implemented:
1. Mechanically driven heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems shall be operated continuously during working hours except under the circumstances specified in 8 CCR 5142. The systems shall be inspected at least annually and problems corrected within a reasonable time. Where the air supply is filtered, the filters shall be replaced or cleaned regularly to prevent significant reductions in airflow. Documentation of inspections, tests of ventilation rates, and maintenance shall be retained for at least five years. (8 CCR 5142-5143)
(cf. 3580 - District Records)
Staff shall ensure that airflow is not obstructed by the blocking of ventilators with posters, furniture, books, or other obstacles.
2. School facilities shall be regularly inspected for water damage, spills, leaks in plumbing and roofs, poor drainage, and improper ventilation so as to preclude the buildup of mold and mildew. Wet building materials and furnishings shall be dried within 48 hours if possible to prevent mold growth. When evidence of mold or mildew is found, maintenance staff shall locate and repair the source of water intrusion and remove or clean moldy materials.
3. Exterior wall and foundation cracks and openings shall be sealed as soon as possible to minimize seepage of radon into buildings from surrounding soils.
4. Least toxic pest management practices shall be used to control and manage pests at school sites.
(cf. 3514.2 - Integrated Pest Management)
5. In any new school construction, and in all existing schools when feasible, the Superintendent or designee shall install a carbon monoxide detector in each school building that contains a fossil fuel burning furnace. The device shall be placed in close proximity to the furnace in order to accurately detect any leakage of carbon monoxide.
6. Schedules and practices for routine housekeeping and maintenance shall be designed to effectively reduce levels of dust, dirt, and debris. Plain water, soap and water, or low-emission cleaning products shall be used whenever possible. Aerosols, including air fresheners and other products containing ozone, shall be avoided to the extent possible.
(cf. 5141.23 - Asthma Management)
7. Painting of school facilities and maintenance or repair duties that require the use of potentially harmful substances shall be limited to those times when school is not in session. Following any such activity, the facility shall be properly ventilated with adequate time allowed prior to reopening for use by any person.
8. Paints, adhesives, and solvents shall be used and stored in well-ventilated areas. These items shall be purchased in small quantities to avoid storage exposure.
(cf. 3514.1 - Hazardous Substances)
(cf. 6161.3 - Toxic Art Supplies)
9. To the extent possible, printing and duplicating equipment that may generate indoor air pollutants, such as methyl alcohol or ammonia, shall be placed in locations that are well ventilated and not frequented by students and staff.
10. The district's tobacco-free schools policy shall be consistently enforced in order to reduce the health risks caused by second-hand smoke.
(cf. 3513.3 - Tobacco-Free Schools)
11. Staff and students shall be asked to refrain from bringing common irritants such as furred or feathered animals, stuffed toys that may collect dust mites, scented candles, incense, or air fresheners and from using perfume or cologne, scented lotion or hair spray, nail polish or nail polish remover, or other personal care products that are not fragrance-free in classrooms or other enclosed areas or buildings.
(cf. 6163.2 - Animals at School)
Outdoor Air Quality
The Superintendent or designee may monitor local health advisories and outdoor air quality alerts, including forecasts of ozone levels, particle pollution, and/or ultraviolet radiation levels.
Whenever these measures indicate a significant health risk, the Superintendent or designee shall communicate with each principal so that outdoor activities, especially those requiring prolonged or heavy exertion, may be avoided, limited in duration, or modified as necessary for all persons or for persons who may be particularly susceptible to the health risk involved.
(cf. 5141.7 - Sun Safety)
(cf. 6142.7 - Physical Education and Activity)
(cf. 6145 - Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities)
(cf. 6145.2 - Athletic Competition)
Vehicle Emissions
In order to reduce public exposure to toxic air contaminants, school bus drivers and other drivers of commercial motor vehicles shall limit unnecessary idling of vehicles at or near schools in accordance with 13 CCR 2480.
(cf. 3540 - Transportation)
(cf. 3541.1 - Transportation for School-Related Trips)
(cf. 3542 - School Bus Drivers)
Any diesel-fueled school bus with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds manufactured on or after April 1, 1977 shall be equipped with a particulate filter designed to reduce particulate matter emissions, oxides of nitrogen emissions, and other pollutants. (13 CCR 2025)
Drinking Water
The quality and safety of the district's drinking water sources shall be regularly assessed.
Whenever testing of drinking water finds concentrations of lead that exceed federal and state standards in 40 CFR 141.80 and 22 CCR 64678, water outlets shall be flushed thoroughly each day before use or made inoperable until a plan for remediation can be implemented.
Whenever levels of arsenic, bacteria, or other contaminants in the drinking water are determined to be a concern, the Superintendent or designee may recommend basic filtration or pipe flushing when feasible.
Until drinking water is assured to be safe, the Superintendent or designee may explore alternatives, such as bottled water, to ensure that students have access to fresh drinking water at mealtimes and at other times throughout the day. As needed, he/she also may encourage appropriate governmental agencies to conduct regular testing of the water quality in district schools and to implement strategies to improve water quality in the community.
(cf. 3550 - Food Service/Child Nutrition Program)
Drinking fountains in district schools shall be regularly cleaned and maintained to avoid the presence of dirt, mold, or other impurities or health concerns.
Lead Exposure
In addition to keeping school facilities as dust-free and clean as possible, the following steps shall be taken to minimize potential exposure to lead in school facilities:
1. Lead-based paint, lead plumbing and solders, or other potential sources of lead contamination shall not be used in the construction of any new school facility or the modernization or renovation of any existing school facility. (Education Code 32244)
2. Lead exposure hazards shall be evaluated before any renovation or remodeling is begun, and children shall not be allowed in or near buildings in which these activities may create lead dust. Contractors and workers shall comply with state and federal standards related to the handling and disposal of lead debris and the clean-up and containment of dust within the construction area.
3. Lead-based painted surfaces that are in good condition shall be kept intact. If lead-based paint is peeling, flaking, or chalking, contractors or workers shall follow state and federal standards for safe work practices to minimize contamination when removing the paint.
4. Soil with high lead content may be covered with grass, other plantings, concrete, or asphalt.
5. Drinking water shall be regularly tested for lead and remediated as provided in the section "Drinking Water" above.
Any action to abate existing lead hazards, excluding containment or cleaning, shall be taken only by contractors, inspectors, and workers certified by the California Department of Public Health in accordance with 17 CCR 35001-35099. (Education Code 32243)
Mercury Exposure
The Superintendent or designee shall identify any products containing mercury that are present in district facilities and, to the extent possible, shall replace them with mercury-free alternatives.
Staff shall receive information about proper procedures to follow in the event of a mercury spill. Clean-up instructions, a clearly labeled kit with necessary clean-up supplies, and a list of local resources shall be readily accessible.
In the event of a spill, staff shall evacuate all students from the immediate area of the spill, ensure that any clothing or other items with mercury on them remain in the room, open windows to the outside, and close doors to other parts of the school. Staff who are trained in proper clean-up procedures may carefully clean a small spill. As needed for larger or difficult-to-clean spills, the Superintendent or designee shall use an experienced professional referred by the local health department or environmental agency.
Any products containing mercury shall be properly disposed at an appropriate hazardous waste collection facility.
Asbestos Management
The Superintendent shall designate an employee who shall ensure that the district's responsibilities related to asbestos inspection and abatement are implemented in accordance with federal and state regulations. This employee shall receive adequate training to perform these duties, including, as necessary, training on the health effects of asbestos; detection, identification, and assessment of asbestos-containing materials; options for controlling asbestos-containing building materials; and relevant federal and state regulations. (40 CFR 763.84)
(cf. 4231 - Staff Development)
(cf. 4331 - Staff Development)
The designated employee shall ensure that the district complies with the following requirements:
1. School facilities shall be inspected for asbestos-containing materials as necessary in accordance with the following:
a. Any school building that is leased or acquired by the district shall be inspected for asbestos-containing materials prior to its use as a school building, unless exempted by federal regulations. (40 CFR 763.85, 763.99)
b. At least once every six months, the district shall conduct a periodic surveillance consisting of a visual inspection of each school building that contains or is assumed to contain asbestos-containing building materials. (40 CFR 763.92)
c. At least once every three years, the district shall conduct a re-inspection of all known or assumed asbestos-containing building materials in each school building. (40 CFR 763.85)
2. Based on the results of the inspection, an appropriate response which is sufficient to protect human health and the environment shall be determined from among the options specified in 40 CFR 763.90. The district may select the least burdensome response, taking into consideration local circumstances, including occupancy and use patterns within the school building and economic concerns such as short-term and long-term costs. (40 CFR 763.90)
3. An asbestos management plan for each school site shall be maintained and regularly updated to keep it current with ongoing operations and maintenance, periodic surveillance, inspection, re-inspection, and response action activities. (15 USC 2643; 40 CFR 763.93)
The asbestos management plan shall be available for inspection in district and school offices during normal business hours. Parent/guardian, teacher, and employee organizations shall be annually informed of the availability of these plans. (40 CFR 763.84)
(cf. 4112.9/4212.9/4312.9 - Employee Notifications)
(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)
4. Staff, students, and parents/guardians shall be informed at least once each school year about any inspections, response actions, and post-response actions, including periodic re-inspection and surveillance activities, that are planned or in progress. (40 CFR 763.84)
5. Inspections, re-inspections, periodic surveillance, and response actions, including operations and maintenance, shall be conducted in compliance with state and federal regulations for the protection and safety of workers and all other individuals. (Education Code 49410.5; 40 CFR 763.84)
Asbestos inspection and abatement work and any maintenance activities that may disturb asbestos-containing building materials, except for emergency repairs or small-scale, short-duration maintenance activities, shall be completed by state-certified asbestos inspectors or contractors. (15 USC 2646; 40 CFR 763.84, 763.85, 763.91)
6. All custodial and maintenance employees shall be properly trained in accordance with applicable federal and/or state regulations. (40 CFR 763.84)
All district maintenance and custodial staff who may work in a building that contains asbestos-containing materials, regardless of whether they are required to work with such materials, shall receive at least two hours of related asbestos awareness training. New maintenance and custodial staff shall receive such training within 60 days after beginning employment. Any maintenance or custodial staff who conduct activities that will disturb asbestos-containing materials shall receive 14 hours of additional training. The trainings shall address the topics specified in 40 CFR 763.92. (15 USC 2655; 40 CFR 763.84, 763.92)
7. Short-term workers, such as telephone repair workers, utility workers, or exterminators, who may come in contact with asbestos in a school shall be provided information regarding the locations of known or suspected asbestos-containing building materials. (40 CFR 763.84)
8. Warning labels shall be posted immediately adjacent to any known or suspected asbestos-containing building material located in routine maintenance areas in accordance with 40 CFR 763.95. (40 CFR 763.84)
The district shall maintain, in both the district and school offices and for a period of three years, records pertaining to each preventive measure and response action taken; staff training; periodic surveillances conducted; cleaning, operations, and maintenance activities; and any fiber release episode. (40 CFR 763.94)
Regulation FRANKLIN-MCKINLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: October 22, 2013 San Jose, California