School Environmental Health and Safety Program

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Environmental Health, Indoor Environments Section houses the School Environmental Health Program.  This program works to improve the environmental health of Ohio’s schools through both regulatory and non-regulatory means.  Staff provide technical assistance and training to local health departments, school personnel and the general public.  In 2006, the Ohio General Assembly passed Substitute House Bill 203, also known as Jarod’s Law.  This bill requires sanitarians from local health departments to conduct annual inspections of the school buildings and associated grounds contained within their jurisdictions to identify health and safety concerns.  As part of this legislation, Ohio Administrative Code chapter 3701-54 was created. This chapter includes the regulations that school buildings must comply with, and that local health departments must enforce during their inspections.   In an attempt to provide additional assistance, ODH created the Ohio School Environmental Health and Safety Inspection Guidance Manual.  This manual provides information regarding the requirements of the regulations as well as additional recommendations that are designed to establish a safe and healthy environment in school buildings throughout the state.  You will find a link to the guidance manual on the left side of this page in addition to other helpful information regarding the School Environmental Health Program.

Announcements:

Frequently Asked Questions Page Now Available:
The Frequently Asked Questions Web page has been created.  To view this information, click on the link on the left side of this page or click on the following link:  http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ASSETS/18471F48934047E5BBB467AFF865E181/FAQ%20Final.pdf

HealthySEAT Webinar Now Available Online:
If you were unable to attend the Webinar on April 16, 2008, the entire program is now available online.  You can click on the following link to view the training session:  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/491370792

HealthySEAT Backend Database Update:
The HealthySEAT backend database has been updated with the pertinent information discussed during the April 16, 2008, Webinar.  To download the database you will need to click on the HealthySEAT link on the left side of this page, and follow the instructions.

Information Regarding Unwarranted Services in Relation to Jarod's Law: 
Below you will find a link to guidance information in reference to services that are being offered by private vendors regarding the school environmental health and safety rules:
Joint Communique (BASA, OASBO, OSBA, OAESA) on Use of Private Vendors

If you have questions, please contact program staff through the information listed below.

Mailing Address:
Ohio Department of Health
School Environmental Health and Safety Program
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: (614) 466-1390
Fax: (614) 466-4556

E-mail: BEH@odh.ohio.gov

Last Updated:  4/24/08