We work to make sure Whatcom County students in public and private schools from kindergarten to 12th grade have a safe and healthy environment for learning.

We work with schools to:

• Inspect school kitchens to ensure food safety rules are followed.
• Perform safety inspections of school playground equipment.
• Respond to health and safety concerns from parents and school staff.
• Review plans for new school sites, and construction and remodeling projects including new playgrounds.

What is included in a school environmental health and safety assessment?

We work with schools to help prevent and reduce injuries and illnesses by visiting schools and performing health and safety assessments. We look at classrooms and make sure lighting, heating, ventilation, and the surroundings meet certain requirements for a healthy learning environment. We also look at other areas such as cafeterias, playgrounds, arts and crafts rooms, science labs, and career/technical education classrooms. When we find health or safety problems, we report back to the school with information on needed improvements.

Teacher Classroom Checklists:

• General Classroom Teacher Checklist (pdf)
• Science Classroom Teacher Checklist (pdf)
• CTE Classroom Teacher Checklist (pdf)
• Food Sharing Table Checklist (pdf)
• School Chemical Inventory Spreadsheet (Excel)

What is a Plan Review?

When a school district is preparing for a new school or a remodel of an existing school, including kitchen changes or a new playground, the school contacts Whatcom County Health and Community Services to review the school plans. Our staff makes sure the school is located in a safe place, and we look at the construction plans to make sure the health and safety rules are followed.

Plan review applications:

• New or Remodel of a School (Including Portables) (pdf)
• New or Remodel of a School Playground (pdf)
• New or Remodel of a Food Service (pdf)

For More Information:

• Health and Safety Guide for k-12 Schools in Washington (PDF)
• OSPI Health Services Page
• Washington State Regulations for Primary and Secondary School Environmental Standards (WAC 246-366)
• Public Playground Safety Handbook
• DOH School Health and Safety Page