R392-200. Design, Construction, Operation, Sanitation, and Safety of Schools  


R392-200-1. Authority and purpose of Rule
Latest version.

  This rule is authorized under Sections 26-15-2, 26-1-30(9), 26-1-30(23), 26-1-5, and 26-7-1. It establishes minimum standards for the design, construction, operation, sanitation, and safety of schools.


R392-200-2. Applicability, Responsibility for Compliance
Latest version.

(1) The provisions of this rule are applicable to the design, construction, operation, maintenance, safety, health, and sanitation of schools, their grounds, and accessory structures.

(2) The governing body of the school, shall ensure that the school building and grounds are constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with this rule.

(3) This rule does not require a construction change in any portion of a school if it was constructed and in compliance with law in effect at the time the school was built except as specifically provided otherwise in this rule. However if the Executive Director or the Local Health Officer determines that conditions in any school are a threat to the health of persons using the school, the Executive Director or the Local Health Officer may order correction of any condition that impairs or endangers the health or life of those attending schools. The Executive Director or Local Health Officer may allow temporary measures to ameliorate the problem for up to a year until the governing body can make a permanent correction.


R392-200-3. Definitions
Latest version.

The following definitions apply to this rule:

(1) "Department" means the Utah Department of Health.

(2) "Director" means the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health, or designated representative.

(3) "Governing Body" means the board of education, owner, person or persons designated by the owner with ultimate authority and responsibility, both moral and legal, for the management, control, conduct and functioning of the school.

(4) "Instructor" means any volunteer or employee educator, licensed or not licensed, responsible for student education at a private or public school.

(5) "Local Health Officer" means the health officer of any county or district health department, or designated representative.

(6) "School" means any public or private educational institution including charter schools, elementary schools, middle schools, and secondary schools established to provide education for grades kindergarten through 12 regardless of student's age, including attached pre-schools, but excluding home schools.

(7) "Toxic" means any chemical or biological agent the exposure to which may cause an acute or chronic health hazard.


R392-200-4. Site Standards
Latest version.

  (1) Prior to developing plans and specifications for a new school, or the expansion of an existing school, school districts and charter schools shall coordinate with local health departments regarding environmental health and safety issues to avoid unreasonable risks to the health and safety of students, school staff, and faculty.

  (2) The school site shall be located to minimize the negative influence of railroads, freeways, highways, heavy traffic roads, industrial areas, airports and aircraft flight patterns, fugitive dust, odors, or other areas where auditory problems, malodorous conditions, or safety and health hazards exist.


R392-200-5. School Grounds
Latest version.

(1) School ground fencing shall be constructed of smooth materials with no barbs or projections and shall be maintained in good repair.

(2) Mechanical equipment, electrical transmission lines, poles, transformer boxes, and other electrical equipment shall be located or protected with a barrier to prevent an electrical or other safety hazard.

(3) Walkways shall be provided between the school building and other buildings on the school grounds. Walkways shall be graded to allow proper drainage, and allow for safe passage. Walkways and parking areas shall be maintained in good repair and free of a buildup of snow and ice.

(4) Illuminance at a minimum of 1 foot candle shall be provided for walkways, building entrances, parking areas, roads, and similar areas, during hours of use.

(5) With the exception of "pop up heads", elevated lawn sprinkler heads shall not be permanently installed and shall not be left in place on playgrounds or other recreational areas.

(6) Service roads, parking areas, and walkways on school property shall be constructed and located to facilitate the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Student drop off and pick up zones must maximize safety.

(7) The governing body shall control health and safety risks on school property by removing items that are likely to be a source of risk such as weeds, holes, broken glass, or broken or cut tree limbs and by filling or covering excavations or ditches.

(8) Playgrounds must be located in areas that maximize safety. The governing body shall provide personnel so that playgrounds are adequately supervised during recess and school sponsored outdoor time. Playground equipment, if provided, shall be located to permit supervision.

(9) The governing body shall minimize the likelihood of students' contact with stray animals using methods such as the installation of fencing at elementary schools and taking appropriate actions to have removed any stray animals found on the school property. Animals brought by students or teachers for instruction or demonstration purposes are allowed if controlled in a manner that protects students and, if a vaccine is available for that species, the animal has been vaccinated for rabies. Police enforcement dogs, and service animals on duty under the Americans with Disabilities Act or under the provisions of an individualized education plan made pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are allowed on the school grounds.

(10) If bicycles are permitted at a school, the governing body shall ensure that a designated area for bicycle parking is provided and located where it will not create a safety hazard by obstructing building entry or exit ways, walkways, or vehicular traffic.

(11) Structures or landscaping must not provide access by unauthorized individuals to the roof of the school.


R392-200-6. Food Service
Latest version.

(1) The design, construction, installation, and operation of food service facilities and equipment shall be in compliance with the Food Service Sanitation Rule R392-100 and local health department regulations. Plans for food service facilities must be submitted by the governing body to the local health department for evaluation and approval prior to the beginning of construction. Any significant modification to the school food service facility that falls within the plan review requirements of R392-100 must be approved by the local health department prior to modification.

(2) The governing body shall ensure that food provided by the school that is not prepared on site is obtained, transported, and served from approved sources as required by R392-100.


R392-200-7. Sanitary Facilities and Controls
Latest version.

  (1) Water Supply.

  (a) The water supply shall meet the requirements of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. All bottled water supplied or sold by the school shall meet the bottled water requirements of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

  (b) The governing body shall notify the local health department as soon as reasonably possible but no longer than four hours after the discovery of a continuing water supply interruption. If the water supply is estimated to be or actually interrupted for four hours or more, the local health officer may require the school to close or have the school provide an alternative source of potable water approved by the local health department.

  (2) Wastewater.

  (a) The governing body shall ensure that all wastewater or water-carried wastes such as water from cleaning garbage cans and dumpsters is disposed of in accordance with rules established by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

  (b) The governing body shall notify the local health department as soon as reasonably possible but no longer than four hours after the discovery of a continuing sewer system interruption. If the sewer system is estimated to be or is actually interrupted for four hours or more the local health officer may require the school to be closed or require the school to provide temporary toilet facilities or an alternate wastewater disposal method approved by the local health department and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

  (3) Plumbing. The governing body shall ensure that plumbing is sized, installed, and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the most restrictive or specific between the plumbing code adopted by the Utah legislature under Section 15A-2-103 and the 2010 Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

  (4) Toilet Rooms.

  (a) Toilet rooms shall be in compliance with the requirements of the most restrictive or specific between the plumbing code adopted by the Utah Legislature under Section 15A-2-103 and the 2010 ADA. With the exception of faculty or staff restrooms, locked toilet rooms are prohibited unless students have access to the number of unlocked toilet rooms as required under the aforementioned plumbing code or the 2010 ADA, whichever is the most stringent or restrictive of the two.

  (b) Self-closing entrance doors shall be provided if privacy is not achieved using shielding to break the line of vision of a person looking into the toilet room from outside the toilet room.

  (c) If a toilet room is designed for use by more than one person at a time, each toilet shall occupy a separate compartment with walls or partitions and a door enclosing the fixture to ensure privacy. The height of the walls or partitions shall allow sufficient light or ventilation therein. The walls or partitions and door shall begin at a height not more than 12 inches from and extend not less than 60 inches above the finished floor surface. A urinal is exempt from the requirements for an enclosure; however, where there are two or more adjacent urinals, there shall be a solid partition installed between adjacent urinals according to the requirements of Plumbing Code.

  (d) In new or extensively remodeled schools, toilet rooms shall be mechanically vented to the outside of the building. A system shall be installed to resupply the air that is exhausted.

  (e) An easily cleanable waste container shall be provided and maintained in each toilet room. At least one conveniently located covered waste receptacles must be provided in toilet rooms used by females nine years and older. Assigned school or contracted personnel shall empty each waste container as often as necessary and at least daily.

  (f) All toilet room fixtures shall be kept clean and maintained in good repair.

  (g) Toilet fixtures shall be provided with a supply of toilet tissue at all times.

  (h) Toilet rooms must be easily accessible and conveniently located for use at all times the school is in session or used for school approved activities, for all school recreational facilities, and for areas utilized for school functions.

  (i) Toilet room walls, floors, and ceilings must be constructed of smooth, non-absorbent, easily cleanable materials. Assigned school or contracted personnel shall keep toilet room walls, floors, and ceilings clean and maintained in good repair.

  (5) Diaper Changing.

  (a) A school attended by students who require changing of diapers by school or designated personnel must have a designated diaper changing area.

  (b) The diapering area shall not be located in a food preparation or eating area.

  (c) The diapering surface must not be used for any other purpose. The diapering station shall have a solid, smooth, non-absorbent surface kept in good repair.

  (d) Child and student diapering stations shall be designed with a raised edge to prevent a child or student from rolling off or falling.

  (e) A privacy area for individuals older than three years of age requiring diaper change must be provided for diaper changing.

  (f) The governing body shall make sure that the school staff members who perform diapering tasks comply with the following requirements:

  (i) Staff members who prepare or serve food shall not change diapers or assist in toilet training.

  (ii) Staff members shall not diaper children directly on the floor.

  (iii) Staff members shall not leave a child or student unattended on the diapering surface.

  (iv) Staff members shall clean and sanitize diapering surfaces after each use, shall use a sanitizer registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for that purpose and according to the manufacturer's instructions, and shall make sure sanitizer containers are properly labeled and stored in the diaper changing area out of the reach of children and students.

  (v) If a disposable covering is used on the diapering surface, a staff member shall properly dispose of the covering after each diaper change.

  (vi) Staff members shall wash their hands with soap and water immediately after changing a diaper, and before commencing other tasks.

  (vii) Staff members shall place soiled disposable diapers in a container that has a leak proof lining and a tight fitting lid, in a leak proof sealed bag and placed in a container with a tight fitting lid, or placed directly in an outdoor garbage container that has a tight fitting lid. Staff shall clean and sanitize on a daily basis the containers where soiled diapers are placed.

  (viii) If cloth diapers are used, staff members shall not rinse them at the school. After a cloth diaper is changed, a staff member shall place the cloth diaper directly into a leak-proof container or into a sealed bag and placed in a container. The container shall be inaccessible to any child and labeled with the child's name. The staff member may also place the diaper into a leak-proof diapering service container.

  (ix) A staff member shall check each child's diaper at least once every two hours and shall change any child's diaper promptly if it is wet or soiled. If a child is napping at the end of a two-hour period, the child's diaper must be checked when the child awakes.

  (x) The governing body shall ensure that diaper changing procedures meeting the requirements of this rule are posted in the diaper changing area.

  (6) Handwashing Sinks.

  (a) Handwashing sinks shall be placed in or immediately adjacent to toilet facilities.

  (b) Handwashing sinks shall be located in or conveniently adjacent to classrooms where normal activities require the students to wash their hands either before or after performing the classroom activities. All elementary classrooms, life skills, art, chemistry, biology, auto shop, wood and metal shop, and drama must have handwashing sinks located in or conveniently adjacent to them. Water provided at these locations must be tempered to or adjustable to a minimum of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) and not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius).

  (c) Handwashing sinks must be provided at locations where persons are required to handle any liquids that may burn, irritate, or are otherwise harmful to the skin.

  (d) Handwashing sinks shall be at a height appropriate to the children that use them.

  (e) Handwashing sinks with hot and cold water shall be provided with faucets that utilize a mixing valve or a combination faucet. Any self-closing, slow-closing, or metering faucet used shall be designed to provide a flow of water for an average of at least 15 seconds without the need to reactivate the faucet.

  (f) Hand cleaning soap or detergent must be conveniently provided near each handwashing sink.

  (g) Disposable sanitary towels shall be provided in a protective dispenser that dispenses one towel at a time or a forced-air mechanical hand-drying device providing heated air conveniently located near each handwashing sink. If cloth towels are used for hand drying, a towel or segment of a roll cloth towel that has not been used by another person since it was laundered shall be available for each person.

  (h) Handwashing sinks and all related fixtures shall be kept clean and maintained in good repair.

  (7) Shower Facilities.

  (a) Shower Construction.

  (i) Showers for classes in physical education shall be provided if students are required to change clothes. Each shower must be provided with hot and cold water utilizing a mixing valve or combination faucet. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of water temperature controls to ensure the safety of the student. A non-skid surface must be installed on shower floors and adjacent floor areas. Shower room walls and ceilings shall be constructed with light colored, smooth, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable materials.

  (ii) At least one shower head shall be provided for each 15 students utilizing any adjacent dressing area at any one time. A supply of liquid soap for showering must be provided.

  (iii) At least two privacy showers must be provided for schools constructed after January 1, 2012.

  (iv) A dressing room area with non-skid floors and floor drains shall be provided adjacent to shower facilities. Showers shall be constructed to prevent water flow into the drying and dressing room area. Hard surfaced or materials that cannot absorb water must be used for floors, benches, and other furniture in dressing rooms.

  (v) The shower area dressing room shall be mechanically ventilated to the outside of the building and a system to resupply the air that is exhausted must be installed.

  (vi) Toilet rooms and towel racks shall be located convenient to shower and dressing rooms.

  (b) Shower Room Cleaning and Maintenance.

  Shower rooms, dressing rooms, and adjacent areas shall be kept clean and free of clutter. Shower room walls and ceilings shall be kept clean and maintained in good repair. Shower floors shall be cleaned and disinfected daily after school activity use.

  (c) Shower Supplies.

  If students are provided with towels, the towels shall be laundered at least weekly and shall not be shared with another student.

  (8) Drinking Fountains.

  (a) Drinking fountains shall provide a water stream of at least a 2 inch arch into the basin.

  (b) Fountains shall be kept clean and in good repair.

  (c) Drinking fountains are prohibited in areas where contamination from human wastes or toxic or hazardous materials is likely to occur, including toilet rooms and laboratories.

  (d) Drinking fountains shall be installed so the height of the drinking fountain is at the drinking level convenient to students utilizing the drinking fountain.

  (e) Drinking fountains shall be conveniently located and easily accessible for all recreational facilities and areas utilized for school functions.

  (f) Single service and multi use cups provided by the school must meet the requirements of R392-100.

  (9) Swimming Pools.

  Swimming pools at school facilities must be constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with R392-302.

  (10) Waste Collection, Storage and Disposal.

  (a) Waste containers shall be provided in each classroom.

  (b) For shops, chemistry labs, and similar areas, separate waste containers shall also be provided for each type of waste material not allowed to be disposed with regular municipal waste.

  (c) Solid wastes shall be kept in durable, easily cleanable, insect-resistant and rodent-resistant containers that do not leak and do not absorb liquids.

  (d) A sufficient number and size of containers must be provided to hold all the garbage, refuse, and other waste accumulated between the times when the containers are emptied.

  (e) The governing body shall direct school personnel to clean and repair or replace all waste containers at a frequency that will prevent odors and prevent insect and rodent attraction. Hot water at a minimum of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) and detergent or steam must be provided for washing waste containers. Liquid waste from compacting or cleaning operations shall be disposed of as sewage and shall not be allowed to enter any storm drain.

  (f) Storage.

  (i) Waste materials stored on the premises must be located to minimize access to insects, rodents, and other animals and not cause a nuisance. Outside storage of unprotected plastic bags or wet-strength paper bags or baled units containing garbage or refuse is prohibited. Cardboard or other packaging material that contains no garbage or food wastes need not be stored in covered containers, if such material is protected in an enclosure or baled.

  (ii) Tight-fitting lids, doors, or covers shall be provided on waste containers, refuse bins, compactors, and compactor systems. The lids, doors, or covers shall be kept closed except when emptying or filling. Containers, refuse bins, compactors, and compactor systems used by the school shall be easily cleanable and maintained in good repair. Containers designed with drains shall have drain plugs in place except during cleaning.

  (iii) If waste storage rooms are used, the rooms shall have walls, floors, and ceilings constructed with easily cleanable, nonabsorbent, washable materials that are clean and in good repair. The doors of storage rooms shall be fitted to reduce the entrance of rodents and insects.

  (iv) Outside storage areas or enclosures shall be constructed of easily cleanable materials and shall be kept clean and maintained in good repair. Outside waste containers, refuse bins and compactor systems shall be stored on or above a smooth surface of cleanable material, such as concrete or asphalt, that is kept clean and maintained in good repair.

  (g) Disposal.

  (i) Waste shall be disposed of often enough to prevent the development of odor and minimize the harborage of insects or rodents.

  (ii) The disposal of all waste shall comply with all Utah Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste rules and local health department regulations.

  (11) Hazardous Wastes.

  All hazardous and regulated waste disposal shall comply with the Utah waste management rules and applicable local regulations.

  (12) Pest Management.

  (a) The governing body shall minimize in school buildings or on school grounds the presence of pests that are vectors for disease, carry allergens that are likely to affect individuals with allergies or respiratory problems, or may sting or bite causing mild to serious reactions in some individuals.

  (b) The governing body shall adopt integrated pest management (IPM) practices and principles to prevent unacceptable levels of pest activity with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

  (c) The governing body shall have a written integrated pest management plan written by the governing body or provided by the contracted pest management contractor whether IPM is implemented as an internal process or contracted to a pest management professional. The plan shall include sections that cover the following topics: an IPM policy statement; IPM implementation and education; pest identification, monitoring procedures, reporting and control practices; approved pesticides; procedures for pesticide use; a policy for the notification of students, parents, and staff; and applicator requirements. Guidance for an IPM plan can be found in publications of the IPM Institute of North America. The Department or the Local Health Officer may require changes in a school's IPM plan if the plan neglects or causes a threat to the health or safety of the occupants of a school.

  (d) The governing body shall use non-chemical management methods whenever possible to provide the desired control. The governing body shall use a full range of control alternatives including: identification and removal or repair of conditions that are conducive to pests; structural repair and sealing; improved sanitation; removal of clutter or harborage; elimination of food sources; exclusionary measures to protect doors, windows and any other opening to the outside against the entrance of insects, rodents, and other animals. A no-action alternative shall also be considered in cases where the pest has no public health or property damage significance.

  (e) If the governing body chooses to not use a contracted pest control contractor, school personnel who apply pesticides shall follow the Utah Dept. of Agriculture pesticide regulation R68-7. The applicator shall apply all products according to the pesticide label directions.


R392-200-8. Construction and Maintenance of Physical Facilities
Latest version.

  (1) Floors, Walls, and Ceilings.

  All school building floors, walls, and ceilings shall be constructed with materials that are durable and easily cleanable. Floors, walls, and ceilings shall be clean and in good condition.

  (2) Lighting.

  (a) Lighting in all parts of the school building shall have the capability to provide at least the minimum required illumination levels listed in Table I when the building is in use. Permanently fixed artificial light sources must be provided.


TABLE 1


MINIMUM REQUIRED ILLUMINATION LEVELS


Task or Area Footcandle Level/Lux


General instructional

areas: Study halls,art rooms, lecture rooms,

libraries, and other areas 50/538


Special instructional

areas: Drafting rooms,

laboratories, shops,

and other rooms where

some fine detail work

is done 100/1076


Special instruction

areas: Sewing and

other rooms where fine

detail work is done 100/1076


Gymnasiums: Auxiliary

spaces, shower rooms

and locker rooms 30/323


Gymnasiums: Main

recreation spaces 50/538


Auditoriums, faculty

and staff lunchrooms,

assembly and multi-

purpose rooms, andsimilar areas not

used for classrooms 30/323


Corridors, stairs,

hallways, passageways,

storerooms, and

similar areas 10/108


Toilet rooms 10/108


Offices 50/538


  (b) All light fixtures located in shops, life skills, cafeterias, kitchens, food preparation areas, toilet rooms, shower areas, locker rooms, and gymnasiums shall have protective shields to contain broken glass if the bulb or tube is broken or shattered.

  (c) School personnel or contracted persons shall clean and repair light fixtures and replace burned out bulbs or lamps as often as necessary in order to maintain the illumination levels required in this section.

  (3) Ventilation.

  (a) Ventilation throughout the school must be in accordance with the requirements of the mechanical code adopted by the Utah Legislature under Section 15A-2-103.

  (b) Air ducts shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of dust, dirt, and other contaminating materials. Vehicles must be prohibited from parking in areas adjacent to and close enough to building air intakes to create a vehicle exhaust hazard and nuisance inside the structure.

  (4) Heating and Cooling.

  (a) Heating facilities must be installed, vented and maintained in a safe working condition. Portable combustion type space heaters are prohibited.

  (b) During cold weather, the governing body shall maintain the occupied areas of the school building at a temperature between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 26.3 degrees Celsius. Occupied areas of school buildings used for school activities which because of the nature of the activities require a temperature different from that of a classroom such as ice skating, aerobics, and swimming shall be maintained at the appropriate temperature for the activity. Temperatures shall also be maintained at an appropriate range for any students who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

  (c) During periods of hot weather when the outside temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when school is in session, the governing body shall employ either an automatic temperature monitoring system or a written plan executed by assigned staff to monitor the temperature of each occupied classroom, occupied auditorium, and occupied gymnasium in a school building. The equipment used for temperature monitoring must have a full range accuracy of plus or minus two degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius). The frequency of temperature measurement may vary in the programming of the automatic system or in the staff executed temperature monitoring plan based on outside temperatures but must be often enough to assure that occupied areas don't exceed temperature maximums.

  (i) If the temperature readings taken in the classrooms, auditorium, or gymnasium are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (36.3 degrees Celsius), the time shall be recorded and the temperature continuously monitored by the automatic system or the person measuring the temperature. If the temperature remains above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (36.3 degrees Celsius) for 90 consecutive minutes, the automatic system or person performing the monitoring shall alert the person in charge of the school and the person in charge shall order the removal of all students from the affected areas of the school. The governing body shall not allow students to return to affected areas until the temperature is at or below 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26.1 degrees Celsius). If there are insufficient areas of the school to accommodate students at temperatures below 90 degrees Fahrenheit (36.3 degrees Celsius), then school officials shall provide an alternative environment that meets the above temperature requirement such as providing alternative instructional activities or employing portable cooling equipment. School officials shall notify parents of children with special health care needs.

  (ii) The governing body shall have a written plan that identifies any groups of students that are unusually vulnerable to elevated temperatures and describes actions that will be taken when the recorded temperature in occupied classrooms, auditoriums or gymnasiums reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius) and above. The written plan may be part of the school's emergency response plan.

  (5) Maintenance of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Equipment.

  (a) The governing body shall have qualified in-house or contracted service technicians conduct a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system inspection and necessary maintenance activities according to manufacturer recommendations at proper time intervals.

  (b) If the school has a boiler or other mechanical units required to be inspected and certified for use, the governing body shall make sure that the most recent boiler inspection certificate is posted in the boiler room. The certificate must be issued by the Utah Division of Boiler and Elevator Safety or an inspector who has been approved and deputized by the Division of Boiler and Elevator Safety.

  (6) Cleaning Physical Facilities.

  (a) The governing body shall make sure that floors, walls, ceilings, and attached equipment are kept clean.

  (b) In new or extensively remodeled schools, at least one utility sink or curbed floor sink shall be located on each floor. The governing body shall make sure personnel who perform cleaning tasks use this area for the cleaning of mops or similar wet floor cleaning tools and for the disposal of mop water or similar liquid wastes. The use of handwashing sinks for this purpose is prohibited.

  (7) Custodian Closets.

  (a) Custodial closets, equipment and supply storage rooms shall be kept clean and orderly and shall be kept locked if toxic supplies are present.

  (b) Storerooms or cabinets shall be provided for cleaning materials, pesticides, paints, flammables, or other hazardous or toxic chemicals, and for tools and maintenance equipment. Materials incompatible due to potential contamination or potential chemical reactions shall be separated from one another. These areas shall be kept locked and not used for any other purpose that is incompatible with the materials stored and shall comply with the fire code and any state amendments to the fire code that have been adopted by the Utah State Legislature.

  (c) Oiled mops, dust cloths, rags, and other materials subject to spontaneous combustion shall be properly stored in approved fire resistant containers as required by the fire code and any state amendments to the fire code that have been adopted by the Utah State Legislature.

R392-200-9. Health and Safety
Latest version.

  (1) Health.

  (a) A centrally located room or area for emergency use in providing care for persons who are ill, injured or suspected of having any contagious disease must be located in each school. In schools built after 1987, a clinic room must be provided and shall have a handwashing sink with hot and cold running water, soap, individual towels, first aid supplies, and lockable cabinet space for storage of first-aid supplies. Clinic rooms or areas used for emergency treatment and first-aid shall be kept clean and maintained in good repair. The governing body shall have a written plan or policy available for review upon request by the local health department that states how a nurse or doctor can be contacted at any time the school is in session. Prior agreement shall have been made with the doctor or nurse to ensure availability. In addition, at least two designated individuals shall be on site that have a current Red Cross basic first aid and CPR certificate or equivalent training approved by the governing body.

  (b) The governing body of each school shall ensure that:

  (i) each emergency care room or clinic area is provided with a cot or bed that has a cleanable surface or cover;

  (ii) disposable bedding is changed after each person's use; and

  (iii) multi-use sheets or covers are laundered after each person's use.

  (c) All prescription or over the counter medication administered by school personnel, and records required by Section 53G-9-501 shall be stored in a secure refrigerator, drawer, or cabinet accessible only by those authorized to administer the medication.

  (d) If a school has specified sleeping areas, the school shall provide these areas with cots, mats, or floor pads. Reusable covers supplied by the school must be easily cleanable and maintained in good repair. When in use, the covers must be cleaned between each user and at least weekly. Disposable covers must be discarded after each use.

  (e) In high risk injury areas including shops, laboratories, places where theater props and scenery are built,life skills, playgrounds, and gymnasiums, the instructor must possess at a minimum, a current Red Cross basic first-aid certificate, or equivalent as determined by the governing body, and must be on site at all times when classes are being held. A readily accessible first-aid kit that is appropriate for the risks in the area must be available at the school. School buses shall also carry a first aid kit and bus drivers shall have a current Red Cross basic first aid certificate, or equivalent training as determined by the governing body.

  (2) Safety.

  (a) Instructional, athletic, or recreational equipment shall be kept clean, safe, and in good repair.

  (b) Playground equipment shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Handbook for Public Playground Safety, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Publication Number 325, April 2008 Revision.

  (c) Handrails on stairways, ramps, and outside steps shall be in compliance with the building code adopted by the Utah Legislature under Section 15A-2-103, and shall be properly maintained.

  (d) A master shut-off valve to flammable gas supply lines in science laboratories, life skills areas, shops, and other rooms that utilize gas supply lines, shall be readily accessible to instructors for emergency shut off.

  (e) A master electric shut off switch shall be readily accessible to instructors in life skills areas, shop classrooms, applicable art rooms, and labs where electrically operated instructional equipment are present that may be a safety hazard to the operator.

  (f) All instructional shop classrooms, art rooms, craft rooms, and laboratories shall be kept clean and maintained in good condition. Cleaning and sweeping of these rooms shall be done in a way to minimize dust.

  (g) The governing body of the school shall ensure that specific safety directions accompany substances that are deemed potentially harmful or hazardous to the health and safety of individuals who use them. The directions shall include the proper use, storage, handling and disposal of the substance and the potential risks or hazards associated with the substance. Designated personnel shall ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used at the school are available at all times for review by staff or students that use the product and for review by the local health or safety inspectors during inspections.

  (h) In high risk injury areas, the class instructor shall ensure that provisions, including the development and posting of operating instructions, regulations, or procedures are posted and reviewed by students in these areas. Students must demonstrate to the instructor knowledge of and safety practices for each piece of equipment prior to any use by the student. The instructor shall ensure that all safety guards are in place and operational on shop equipment.

  (i) The class instructor shall train and direct students operating power equipment to not wear loose clothing including ties, lapels, cuffs, torn clothing or similar garments that can become entangled in power equipment.

  (ii) The class instructor shall train and direct students that wrist watches, rings, or other jewelry are not to be worn in any class where they constitute a safety hazard.

  (iii) The class instructor shall train and direct students to restrain their hair if there is a risk of hair entanglement in moving parts of power equipment.

  (iv) The governing body shall sufficiently control exposure to noise, toxic dusts, gases, mists, fumes, or vapors so that a health hazard does not occur.

  (v) The class instructor shall ensure that appropriate safety equipment is available and train and direct students to wear it while engaged in activities where there is exposure to hazardous conditions.

  (vi) Safety zones shall be outlined on the floor around areas of equipment where there is danger of possible injury to students.

  (vii) Emergency shower or eyewash stations shall be readily available in areas where there is a potential for accidental exposure to corrosive, poisonous, infectious, or irritating materials. The area around this safety equipment shall be kept free of clutter and encumbrances to its immediate use. The design and installation of emergency shower and eyewash stations shall meet the plumbing code adopted by the Utah legislature under Section 15A-2-103.

  (i) Poisonous, dangerous or otherwise harmful plants or animals shall not be kept on the school premises unless it is in conjunction with a course curriculum. Poisonous or toxic plants must be labeled with their scientific name, and a warning sign posted describing the health risks and first aid instructions for skin contact or ingestion. A warning sign shall be posted on the confining area of animals which are likely to carry disease; the sign shall state the disease causing organisms the animal is likely to be infected with and precautions to people should take to avoid disease.

  (j) Flammable liquids, must be stored in a locked fire resistant area with access only by school assigned personnel. The storage area shall comply with the Utah state fire code and rules.

  (k) Oxygen, acetylene, and other high pressure cylinders shall be secured, including empty cylinders, from tipping over. Safety valve hoods shall be kept in place when the tanks are not in use. Unless staged on a welding cart for use, empty or full oxygen and acetylene gas cylinders must be segregated by at least 20 feet or by a fire wall with a 30 minute rating at least five feet high.

  (l) No flammable, explosive, toxic, or hazardous liquids, gases, or chemicals shall be placed, stored, or used in any building or part of a building used for school purposes, except in approved quantities as necessary for use in laboratories, instructional shop classes, and utility rooms. Hazardous liquids or gases shall be stored in tightly sealed containers and hazardous liquids, gases, and chemicals shall be stored in locked safety cabinets or locked storage rooms when not in use.

  (m) Electrical wiring and components shall be maintained in good repair. Electrical panels must maintain a three foot clearance free of obstructions.


R392-200-10. Access
Latest version.

The local health department representative, after showing proper identification, shall be granted access to enter any school at any reasonable time for the purpose of making inspections to determine compliance with this rule.