Although many schools need renovation to best provide an optimal learning environment, construction projects may be disastrous if they are not planned and executed properly.

In Brooklyn, NY, a 15-year-old student was killed when a brick from the school building fell from the roof and hit her on the head, fracturing her skull. The brick, which was being used to hold down a tarp during construction, was blown off the roof by the wind.

In Ballston Spa, NY, a new polyurethane resin gym floor was poured during kindergarten orientation. As much as 30,000 pounds of chemicals were used. The chemicals were not mixed properly, and the resulting off-gassing sickened several children and staff. The school was ultimately compelled to remove the floor.

We at the Healthy Schools Network (HSN) have heard dozens of similar horror stories from around the country. We recommend that construction be limited to times when children are not in school. If projects must be conducted when classes are in session, affected areas must be isolated from students and staff.

General safety and security standards should be enforced, including:

• Store construction materials in a safe and secure manner.
• Prevent the passage of dust and contaminants into occupied parts of the building.
• Assure daily cleanup and a contractual plan to protect health.
• Provide overhead protection and warning signs.
• Insist workers wear I.D. tags.
• Assure noise abatement so that operations do not exceed 60 decibels in occupied spaces (i.e., isolating students from jackhammers and power saws).
• Assure asbestos and lead abatement protocols are in compliance with state and federal laws.

Remember that some new materials, such as carpeting and furnishings, may off-gas after being installed. This may produce ill health in children and staff who are chemically sensitive. HSN does not recommend carpeting in schools because of high maintenance costs, but if the school has already committed, time should be allowed for off-gassing between installation and use of the space. If work generates toxic gases that cannot be contained, it must be done when school is not in session. Material Safety Data sheets must be located on site for all products used during construction.

We recommend that schools form health and safety committees. These committees should be comprised of teachers, administrators, parents, school nurses, and knowledgeable community members. In New York State public schools, these committees are required by law in each school district. The health and safety committee should advise in the planning of projects and also keep an eye on the areas under construction to assure that there are no safety violations or adverse health effects.

Don't feel that you are alone and have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to school construction and renovation. There are construction companies that specialize in school projects, and some provide their employees with special training on how to work safely around children. Take your time and research potential contractors and their track records. We watched one super construction success story unfold in the Schuylerville Central School District in New York state. Superintendent Dr. Leon Reed planned and implemented a flawless construction project that has received praise from the teachers union, the non-instructional employees union, and parents. Improving school facilities is wonderful when it is done with the health and safety of occupants in mind.

Planning with a special eye on student and staff health and safety is key to a successful school construction project. The Healthy Schools Network can provide you with a variety of guides and other information designed to help. If you are considering a renovation or construction project for your school, call us at (518) 462-0632 or visit our Web site at www.healthyschools.org.

James Murphy, M.S., R.N., was a health educator and director of outreach and communication, Healthy Schools Network, Albany, NY, at the time of this article.

From Issue-Gram, Vol. 11, No. 3, Fall 2001
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