OSHA School Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety regulations in the workplace including schools. These rules provide protection for the public health of staff and students at schools. Schools are required to work with OSHA and have inspectors inspect safety regulations at their institutions. According to OSHA's official website, the agency's mission is: "To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education and training in the field of occupational safety and health."

Medical Services and First Aid

• First aid kits are required to be accessible to staff members.

  First aid kits and procedures must be available at schools for staff members and students. In addition, shower and flush stations must be within 10 seconds of areas where students and staff members are using chemicals. First aid supplies should include things like bandages of various shapes and sizes, alcohol, sterile pads, burn treatments, medical gloves and absorbent compresses.

Maintaining and Updating a Chemical Inventory

• Precautions must be taken when handing chemicals in schools.

  Schools must also maintain a chemical inventory list. The list must be an updated record with the names and amounts of the chemicals used in the school and classroom. Schools must also record details of how the chemicals are disposed and how to handle chemical spills.

Emergency Action Plan

• OSHA requires schools to have emergency action plans.

  Each school must have a written emergency action plan and it must be posted for employees to review. The plan must include various evacuation procedures including exit routes and a plan to account for all staff members and students.

Bloodborne Pathogens

• Schools should provide protection against bloodborne pathogens for staff members.

  The school is required to provide protective equipment such as facial masks and gloves to protect employees from the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. OSHA defines bloodborne pathogens as "pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans." The pathogens include the hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Material Safety Data Sheets

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be on file at each school for all hazardous material. Hazardous materials are chemicals that have to be labeled as poisons or potentially toxic. These materials may include cleaning supplies for the school.

Fire Detection

• Schools must have fire detection systems including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. The systems must be tested, inspected and adjusted regularly. The fire detection systems must be placed based on information and recommendations from an expert company or manufacturer.