Fall–Winter Health & Safety Checklist

Staying on top of health and safety requirements throughout the school year can be a challenge. This checklist is here to make it easier—providing a clear framework for scheduling and monitoring key tasks so nothing slips through the cracks. The suggested months serve as helpful guidelines rather than strict deadlines, giving your district the flexibility to adapt as needed. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone—Resource Training & Solutions’ Health & Safety team is ready to partner with you, offering expert guidance and tailored support to help keep your schools safe, compliant, and prepared.

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September

Fire Drills

• One mandatory fire drill must be conducted within the first 10 days of school
• Conduct a Minimum of five Fire Drills total per nine-month school year (two additional fire drills are recommended for summer programs – including Childcare Programs – see June)
• Document Fire Drills as per State Fire Marshal

Mandatory Safety Drills‍

• Schedule five Lockdown Drills and one Severe Weather Drill/Shelter in Place, during the school year

Update Written Programs with Current Contact Information and Regulatory Updates
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Bloodborne Pathogens Program Review

• Ensure Exposure Control Kits Available for applicable staff
• Ensure Progress and Documentation of Hepatitis B Vaccinations Series including titer confirmation for new staff.
• Review Housekeeping and Work Practice Controls
• Review Incident Reporting and Record Keeping Procedures

AWAIR Program Review – includes safety committee‍

• Ensure Plan is Communicated Through Training or Written Material
• Ensure that OSHA 300 Log Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements are met

Safety Committee‍

• Hold at least quarterly meetings
• Maintain minutes and post
• Safety Committee member list posted
• Ensure Accident/Injuries Reviewed

Ocotber

Emergency Action Plan Review

• ‍‍Ensure Shelter/Evacuation Routes posted – all permanent spaces/rooms
• Ensure Written Plan Contact Information and Emergency Contact Information is current

Employee Right-to-Know Plan Review

• Ensure that the Chemical Inventory is current and physical hazards are listed.
• Ensure SDS’s Current and Maintained for each physical hazard in the affected Department

Asbestos Program Review

• Conduct 6-month Periodic Surveillance (Due January 9)

Radon/Lead in Water Program Review

• Radon/Lead in Water Testing Conducted as per Minnesota Department of Health Guidelines/EPA Guidelines
• Test results reviewed and actions taken if applicable

November

AED’s (Automated External Defibrillator) – check the expiration date of the pads & the battery (also note that First Aid training certification needs to be renewed every three years and that CPR & AED certifications is to be updated every two years)https://minnesota.nationalaedregistry.com

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Confined Space Program Review

• Survey Confined Spaces – list, assess and classify
• Ensure Confined Space entrances posted to prevent unauthorized entry
• Entry Procedures Reviewed with affected staff and coordinated with contractors
• Equipment for entry reviewed with affected staff and coordinated with contractors
• Rescue and Emergency Procedures established

December

Laboratory Safety Program Review

• Train Chemical Hygiene Affected Staff if Applicable
• Complete General Science Safety Checklist
  
  • Ensure a copy is maintained in laboratory
• Review Carcinogens Standard Operating Procedures

Employee Right-to-Know Review (ERTK) for individual departments

• Conduct Annual ERTK training for Foodservice, Art, Technical Education and Ag Departments

Compressed Gas Program Review

• Conduct Compressed Gas Training for affected staff
• Inventory Compressed Gas for quantity, condition and storage

January

Asbestos six-month asbestos surveillance due. (January 9)

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MPCA Hazardous Waste Generators License Annual Renewal Application – deadline varies depending on county.

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Hazardous Waste Program Review

• Survey facilities for Hazardous Waste product generation potential
• Review Hazardous Waste disposal procedures with affected staff
• Document Hazardous Waste storage areas for proper storage

Storage Tanks

• Survey Facilities for Above and Underground Storage Tanks
• Complete Requirements for MPCA Regulated Tanks

February

OSHA 300 Log

• Ensure OSHA 300 Log posted by Feb 1 through April 30 at each site (retain for five years)

Schedule repairs for any damage that was noted in your 6-month asbestos surveillance.

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Hearing Conservation Program Review

• Survey facilities to determine High Noise Areas/Equipment
• Annual Audiograms completed for applicable staff

Lockout/Tagout Program Review

• Ensure Lockout/Tagout Equipment procured for procedures and affected staff
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures reviewed with affected staff, including on-site inspection of completion of Lockout/Tagout procedures/steps

March

Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM)

• Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) SARA Title III Tier II Reports due March 1st. (See January preparation note)

Respiratory Protection Program Review

• Survey facilities for respiratory use, needs, storage and type
• Fit testing conducted initially and annually
• Voluntary Respirator Users provided with 1910.134 Appendix D
• Ensure Medical Evaluations completed if applicable

Asbestos Refresher Training for active O&M Staff

For More Information

Explore our full range of Health & Safety programs and services, or connect with Josh Baumann, Health & Safety Project Coordinator, at jbaumann@resourcecoop-mn.gov