Administrative Regulation

AR 3514

Business and Noninstructional Operations

Environmental Safety

Air Quality

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the following measures are taken in order to reduce indoor air contaminants:

1. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems shall be operated, inspected and maintained in accordance with law. School buildings shall be inspected annually to ensure they have adequate ventilation systems, properly maintained so as to preclude the buildup of mold, mildew, and air contaminants. Filters shall be changed frequently.

2. Indoor painting of school buildings shall be limited to those weeks when school is not in session.

3. Low-emission cleaning products shall be used whenever possible, and custodial duties that require polluting products shall be performed after classes are dismissed for weekends or vacations.

4. Paints, adhesives and solvents shall be used and stored in well-ventilated areas; these items shall be purchased in small quantities to avoid storage exposure.

5. Exterior wall and foundation cracks and openings shall be sealed to control exposure to radon.

6. Water-damaged ceiling tiles, carpet, and other building materials shall be removed.

7. Plain water or soap and water shall be used as cleaning agents; aerosols, including air fresheners, shall be avoided.

Pest Management

In determining when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, chemical, cultural or biological means, the district shall follow the principles of integrated pest management. Procedures shall include the following:

1. The choice of using a pesticide will be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not acceptable or not feasible. The full range of alternatives, including no action, will be considered.

2. Selected nonchemical pest management methods will be used whenever possible to provide the desired control. Cost or staffing considerations alone will not be adequate justification for use of chemical control agents.

3. The pest and the site of infestation shall be carefully identified. Strategies for managing the pest will be influenced by the pest species and whether that species poses a threat to people, property or the environment.

4. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used, the least hazardous material will be chosen and applied in accordance with law.

5. Staff, students and parents/guardians shall receive information about the district's integrated pest management policy and procedures and notification of any upcoming pesticide treatments. Notice of upcoming pesticide treatments shall also be posted in areas designated by the Superintendent or designee.

6. The following records shall be maintained at each school site:

a. Records of pesticide use at the site

b. Pest surveillance data sheets that record the number of pests or other indicators of pest populations that verify the need for treatments

7. Pesticide purchases shall be limited to amounts authorized by the Superintendent or designee for use during the year. Pesticides shall be stored in a secure site not accessible to students or unauthorized staff; they shall be stored and disposed of in accordance with EPA-registered label directions and state regulations.

8. Persons applying pesticides shall follow label precautions and shall be trained in the principles and practices of integrated pest management.

(cf. 4231 - Staff Development)

Lead Exposure Reduction

The following steps shall be taken to minimize potential exposure to lead:

1. Painted surfaces shall not be disturbed during normal maintenance operations. To minimize lead dust when students are present, floors and painted surfaces shall be mopped with detergent rather than being swept. Paint shall not be sanded, burned or scraped unless it is known that the paint contains no lead.

2. Lead exposure hazards shall be evaluated before any renovation or remodeling is begun, and children shall not be allowed in or near buildings in which these activities may create lead dust. Contractors and workers shall comply with state and federal standards related to the handling and disposal of lead debris and the clean-up and containment dust within the construction area.

3. School drinking water fountains shall be monitored for the amount of lead in the water, and corrective action shall be taken when necessary.

4. The district shall provide parents/guardians and students with information about the prevention of lead poisoning and may refer parents/guardians to their children's health care providers or local health department for blood lead testing of children six months through six years of age.

(cf. 5141.32 - Child Health and Disability Prevention Program)

5. Remedial action to abate existing lead hazards shall be taken only by personnel qualified in accordance with law.

Asbestos Testing and Abatement

Maintenance staff shall be trained in the location, identification, proper cleaning and ongoing maintenance of asbestos-containing materials and in the removal and decontamination of small amounts of such materials when needed to repair pipes or perform similar duties. Any more extensive asbestos abatement work shall be done by state-certified asbestos abatement contractors in compliance with state and federal standards. The district's complete, updated management plan for material containing asbestos in school buildings shall be available for inspection in district and school offices during normal business hours. Parent, teacher and employee organizations shall annually be informed of the availability of this plan. (40 CFR 763.93)

(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)

Other Environmental Safety Precautions

Principals or their designees shall enforce school rules designed to:

1. Prevent the accumulation of flammable, noxious or otherwise dangerous materials unless adequate safeguards are provided

2. Keep all school facilities free of debris

3. Keep walkways at all times open to pedestrian traffic and clear of obstructions

Regulation PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

approved: March 22, 2001 Palos Verdes Estates, California