Healthy School Facilities

Healthy learning environments provide a safe place to grow and thrive

The Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division works to protect and promote the health of all Oregonians where we live, work, play and learn. We’re working with state agencies, partner organizations and school districts across the state to reduce children’s exposure to harmful contaminants in schools.

 News

• OHA's Public Health Division is adopting Oregon Administrative Rule 333-061-0400 for testing school drinking water taps to eliminate or reduce lead content of faucets and/or plumbing if high levels are found.
• Senate Bill 1062, passed in 2017, requires school districts, education service districts and public charter schools to adopt Healthy and Safe Schools Plan to address environmental conditions in facilities owned or leased by districts or schools where students or staff are present on regular basis.
• Now available: Radon communications toolkit for Oregon schools 

2016 Rules for Schools

On August 17, 2016, the State Board of Education adopted new rules related to school environmental health. The rules require school districts and public charter schools to develop a Healthy and Safe Schools Plan and to report findings of environmental testing to the public, if testing is conducted.

• Read the rules and related materials at the Oregon Dept. of Education (ODE) website.

Model plan

• View ODE's model Healthy and Safe Schools Plan (pdf)
  

Plan to Address Lead in School Drinking Water

In April 2016, Governor Brown directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to review existing programs and create a plan to address the problem of lead in school water.

• Statewide plan for reducing student exposure to lead in drinking water (pdf)
• Lead and Drinking Water fact sheet (pdf)

2016 data

• Drinking water test results for Oregon schools (2016)

For schools

• Preventing exposure to lead in schools
• 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools (pdf)
• Accredited labs that test drinking water
• Lead prevention resources and materials

For health care providers

• Responding to results of lead testing in Oregon school water systems (pdf)

Lead-based Paint Resources

The most common lead hazards in schools and child care are lead-based paint, lead dust and contaminated soil. Renovation, repair and maintenance of older schools, if not performed correctly, can create hazardous lead dust and debris by disturbing lead-based paint. School and child care administrators can take steps to ensure children’s safety and well-being.

• Preventing exposure to lead in schools and childcare
• Painting and renovating safely
• Keeping facilities lead-safe
• Lead prevention resources for schools and child care
• EPA's Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right (pdf)

Radon Testing Requirements for Schools

Under ORS 332.166-167, school districts were required to submit a radon testing plan for schools to OHA by September 1, 2016. Testing must be done before January 1, 2021.

• Radon testing in Oregon schools – Includes tools for schools
• Radon in schools risk communication toolkit (pdf)
• Testing for elevated radon in Oregon schools: A protocol and plan (pdf)
• General radon information and FAQ