In 2006, Representative Tom Raga
introduced Jarod’s Law to the Ohio
House. This bill required the State of Ohio
Director of Health to establish the School
Health and Safety Network to coordinate
and collect data from school inspections and to include safety and sanitary
inspection rules within the practice of
environmental health for sanitarians. .
Jarod’s Law was signed by the Governor
in December of 2005 and became
effective in March of 2007. The State of
Ohio Department of Health was given 18
months, or until September of 2007, to
promulgate rules. The new rules are
under 3701-54-01 through 3701-54-09 of
the Ohio Administrative Code.
These rules outline the responsibilities of
the Director of Health, of Boards of Health
and of the principal, chief administrator or
governing authority of each school. The
rules outline responsibilities for
developing, distributing quarterly reports
on recalled or dangerous items, as well
as the process by which they will be
abated or controlled. Additionally, the
rules prescribe the minimum standards of
environmental health and safety in the
school environment. School inspection
standards are divided into several
sections including school grounds and
building exterior, indoor environments,
specialty classrooms and administrative
and non-classroom areas. Finally, the
rule prescribes the method to be used for
developing, submitting and reviewing
plans of abatement.
The Stark County Health Department,
Environmental Health Division performs
the school health and safety inspections
for over 90 schools in Stark County. If you
need information or have questions,
please call 330 493-9904 and ask for
someone in the School Inspection
Program. |
