OEHS Home

About OEHS

Vision and Mission
Staff Responsiveness Standards
Key OEHS Programs
Program and Staff Recognitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact

OEHS Programs

Accident Prevention
Chemical Hygiene (CSCs)
Emergency Services
Environmental Assessment
Environmental Compliance
Facility Inspections
Traffic & Pedestrian Safety
Waste Recycling Programs

Site Highlights

Injury & Illness Prevention
Inspection Results (view CANs)
Product Review
Pedestrian Routes to School
Resources/Documents/Links >
- Safety Alerts
- Documents
- Downloads
- Videos
- Newsletters
- Links

Questions & Complaints

 
Safe School Inspection Program

Safe School Inspections

The OEHS Facility Inspections Program conducts routine inspections in all District facilities. The inspections are conducted to identify potential health and safety risks and assess compliance with regulatory requirements. OEHS has issued the Safe School Inspection Guidebook (Revised April 2011) in order to assist school administrators in complying with applicable health and safety standards. Visitors to the OEHS website may also review school inspection results for a particular school.

In order to prepare for a Safe School Inspection, administrators should have the following materials on hand for review by the inspector:
A. Injury/Illness Prevention Plan
B. Any regulatory permits issued to the school
C. Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan (secondary schools only)
D. A copy of the Hazard Communication Program
E. Availability of the Asbestos Management Plan
F. Health and safety training records
G. Copies of both volumes of site's Safe School Plan
H. Availability of the Integrated Pest Management Plan
I. Copies of completed Accident Investigation forms

The following guidance document was created in order to prepare classroom teachers for a Safe School Inspection: Common Classroom Safety Violations.  It outlines common safety hazards typically found in classrooms and offers advice on how to correct and prevent hazardous conditions.  This document can also be used as part of the training required by your site’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.

OEHS has developed Quality Control Audit Procedures for the Safe School Inspection Program to ensure inspection results are accurate and consistent.  When a Health and Safety Compliance Scorecard Rating is issued to a school, OEHS wants to be confident in its validity.   This effort will be supported through the use of unannounced audits to further ensure the quality and validity of the results of regularly-scheduled inspections.  Read more about the Quality Control Audit Procedures for the Safe School Inspection Program for additional information.

Construction Safety Inspections  

Many existing schools are undergoing modernization or other construction activity. Construction projects are designed to minimize disruption of school operations and ensure the health and safety of students and staff. However, in the event that construction activity creates a condition that potentially places school occupants at risk, notification should be made to the Project Manager and OEHS. For further information, refer to Safety Alert No. 04-09, Safety Precautions for Staff at School Sites under Construction (*.pdf).