The Whatcom County Health Department school safety staff works to provide a safe and healthy environment for children enrolled in primary and secondary schools throughout Whatcom County. Environmental Health staff members are involved in the following activities:
- Conducting two routine food service inspections at each school annually
- Providing technical assistance and consultation to school staff during illness outbreaks
- Responding to safety and health concerns from school staff and parents
- Providing resources and consultation to facility and maintenance staff regarding environmental health issues
- Conducting site approvals for new schools
- Providing construction plan reviews for new schools and schools in the process of remodeling
- Conducting occupancy inspections of new or remodeled schools
- Conducting playground safety inspections
Currently the Washington State Board of Health is revising the School Regulation Chapter 246-366 WAC: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/EnvironmentalHealth.aspx