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Resources
for School
Maintenance Staff
LOHP's
Lead-Safe Schools Project offers publications and other resources
for California school districts and school maintenance staff.
There is lead in most California schools, especially in paint,
and it can be a serious hazard for both workers and children.
Until
mid-2004, we presented free "training of trainers" sessions
for representatives from each California school district. Local
trainers then used our Lead-Safe Schools Curriculum (see
below) to conduct workshops for maintenance workers in their
districts.
For
information, e-mail Project Assistant Donna Iverson: driver@berkeley.edu or
call the Lead-Safe Schools hotline at (888) 873-LEAD.
Also
see: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About
Lead-Safe Schools. Click
here.
New
Training Materials
New
materials will be available soon for workers seeking certification
to do lead work in residential and public buildings in California.
For
information, e-mail Project
Assistant Donna Iverson: driver@berkeley.edu.
Publications
Lead
Safety and School Modernization is a 12-page factsheet
for facilities managers, business officials, maintenance directors,
or anyone responsible for modernization projects in California
public schools. It explains state regulations that apply when
planning and implementing any major project that may create
potential exposure to lead.
You
can read or print this factsheet online. Click the
picture or
click
here. Contact us for information on obtaining free
printed copies.
Working in a Lead-Safe School is a 28-page booklet for school
maintenance workers. It was developed by LOHP and the Childhood
Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch of the California Department of
Health Services. In clear, non-technical language, it explains how
lead in schools can pose a hazard for both workers and children.
The booklet covers the effects of lead on the human body, lead regulations,
and safe work practices that can help keep the hazard under control.
Available in both English and Spanish.
You can read or print this booklet online in English or Spanish.
Click
here. Contact us
for information on obtaining free printed copies.
Our
Lead-Safe Schools Curriculum can be used to train school
maintenance workers and custodians about lead hazards and safe work
practices. The 5-hour curriculum includes lesson plans, overheads,
and student handouts. The curriculum is accompanied by a new 8-minute
videotape, Lead: The Invisible Threat.
This Curriculum is available to school districts,
schools, maintenance managers, and supervisors. Contact us
for information.
Our
172-page Lead-Safe Schools Guide is a complete reference
manual with background information on lead in schools. It covers
lead hazards, safe work practices, details of state and federal
regulations, and how school districts can create a lead-safe schools
program.
This Guide is available to school districts, schools, maintenance
managers, and supervisors. Contact us for information.
 All
the above materials are available in the Lead-Safe Schools Kit,
which is distributed to participants in our training programs.
Background: Is There Lead in California Schools?
Yes.
It has been known for a long time that many children are exposed
to lead at home. But new evidence shows that they may also get exposed
at school. A recent study by the California Department of Health
Services found that there is lead in most elementary schools in
the state.
Lead
is found in the paint in nearly 96% of school buildings, even some
newer buildings. There is also lead in some drinking water, and
in the soil near older school buildings.
The
Lead-Safe Schools Project can help California elementary schools
and schools with childcare centers create a safer school environment
for children and staff.
Who Is At Risk?
Lead
poisoning is the most common environmental health problem affecting
young children. The most vulnerable children in schools are those
in second grade and below.
School
maintenance workers also may be exposed if precautions aren't taken
to control lead dust. They can even expose their families if lead
dust travels home on their clothes.
Lead
damages the brain, nervous system, and kidneys. Poisoning can occur
gradually, and there are often no obvious symptoms. Even at low
levels, lead can cause learning difficulties, behavior problems,
and lower IQs in children.
How Can Schools Protect Children
and Staff?
Lead
poisoning is preventable if lead-safe policies and procedures are
followed. School districts should:
- Evaluate
lead hazards in paint, soil, and water. Lead paint is usually
not a hazard if it is in good condition. However, lead dust may
be created when surfaces are damaged or prepared for repainting.
- Assume
surfaces that have been painted prior to 1992 have lead paint,
and follow recommended lead-safe work practices.
- Give
first priority to young childrens' classrooms and play areas.
- Make
sure custodians and maintenance staff are properly trained in
lead-safe work practices.
- Provide
staff with the tools and equipment they need to work safely.
- Never
allow parents, other volunteers, or untrained staff to perform
any task that might disturb lead.
- Prohibit
tasks that create uncontrolled lead dust or chips (for example,
sanding, burning, dry scraping, or water blasting).
- Allow
high risk lead projects, and abatement projects designed to reduce
lead hazards for a minimum of 20 years, to be done only by staff
or contractors who are certified by the California Department
of Health Services.
LOHP's
Lead=Safe Schools Project is a joint
effort of U.C. Berkeley's Labor Occupational Health Program,
the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch of the California
Department of Health Services, and the California Department
of Education.
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