Primary and Secondary School Environmental Health and Safety Standards
Agency
Health, Department of
Title of action
Primary and Secondary School Environmental Health and Safety Standards
Date significant agency action was initiated
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Category
Significant legislative rules
Brief description of significant agency actions for which the agency is initiating an environmental justice assessment.
The State Board of Health (Board), in collaboration with the Department of Health (Department) is conducting an Environmental Justice Assessment for proposed rules regulating environmental health and safety standards for K-12 schools. This rulemaking is required by a budget proviso that was included in the Washington State 2024 supplemental operating budget, (Section 222, subsection 159, page 492).
The new chapter will establish updated, minimum statewide health and safety standards for schools and formalize school environmental health and safety inspection procedures. Topics that may be addressed in proposed rules are:
• Indoor air quality including heating, cooling, and ventilation
• Water quality
• Noise
• Moisture and mold
• Lighting
• Restrooms/showers
• Playgrounds
• Laboratory and shop safety
• Sewage
• Food safety
Methods for providing public comment for agency consideration as part of the environmental justice assessment.
~ May 2024: Invite Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Members - The proviso named specific organizations to work in collaboration with the Board to update the rules as part of a technical advisory committee (TAC). A full list of required representatives can be found on the agency webpage linked. The Board will include additional members such as Parent-Teacher Organizations, Teachers Unions, Students, and private schools.
~ Aug 2024 – Nov 2024: TAC Meetings - Work with members of the TAC to draft rule language and discuss implementation. TAC meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome to join.
~ Dec 2024: Focus Groups- Virtual and in-person meetings will be held to discuss preliminary draft language to help the Board rulemaking team make informed decisions about finalized draft rule language. These meetings will take place across Washington state. All members of the public are welcome to participate in these focus groups.
~ Dec 2024: Informal Comment Period - Invite all interested parties to review and share feedback on the draft rule language. All members of the public are welcome to provide comments during the informal comment period.
Link to agency webpage where the action is posted.
Status
