School Environmental Health & Safety

We work with local K-12 public and private schools to prevent and reduce injuries and illnesses. Our goal is to create healthy and safe learning environments. To do this, we promote environmental health and safety standards.

WCHCS works with schools to:

Ensure classrooms, playgrounds and other areas at schools are safe.
Inspect school kitchens to make sure food is properly prepared and safe to eat.
Respond to health and safety concerns from parents, caregivers, students and staff.
Review plans for new school locations, new construction and remodeling projects. This includes new playgrounds and portables.
Provide technical help to staff on environmental health and safety concerns.

What is included in a school environmental health & safety assessment?

Washington Administrative Code 246-366 outlines the rules and regulations for minimum school environmental standards. Local health jurisdictions are responsible for performing school environmental health and safety assessments. School assessments follow the Health and Safety Guide for K-12 Schools in Washington.

Our Environmental Health Division performs these assessments in Whatcom County. We look at indoor spaces such as classrooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, art rooms, science labs, and career and technical education classrooms. We also assess school playgrounds. In classrooms, we inspect lighting, heating, ventilation, and the surroundings. When we find concerns, we work with the school on needed improvements.

Teacher Classroom Checklists:

What is a Plan Review?

We review and approve school construction plans for new schools, remodeling and additions. Our staff makes sure the intended location is safe and that the plan follows environmental health and safety guidance.

Once construction is complete, our staff conduct a site visit. We confirm the construction meets the approved plans and is safe for use. Students cannot use a new building or playground until we complete a site visit.

When is School Plan Review Required?

We must review plans before any work can begin on:

Building a new school.
Remodeling an existing school.
Adding or moving portables.
Changing an existing building into a school.
Moving or installing a new science lab.
Adding new CTE programs or equipment.
Changing or adding a new athletic field.
Adding a new playground or moving playground equipment.

Plan Review Applications