Lead Free Environments
POLICY
NOCAC will provide Lead testing at every center as determined by the Health Services Advisory Committee or as required by the Office of Head Start.
PROCEDURES:
Hard Surfaces:
- All centers, including classrooms, gymnasiums, restrooms and teacher work areas will have a surface LEAD test completed every three years.
- Conducting the test:
-
- 3M Instant LeadCheck Swab Test (or similar) are used to survey the area for Lead level or contamination.
- Testing kits can be purchased online or instore.
- Areas will be swab tested per the manufacturer’s instruction.
- Results:
- If a Positive or RED swab result, a second swab will be used to verify results.
- Any area resulting in two positives, will be rescreened by a state certified Lead Inspector.
Drinking Water:
- All water faucets in classrooms or centers with for drinking and cooking will be tested for LEAD every three years.
- Centers with well systems will follow all county and state rules for testing.
- Pulaski Head Start Center has weekly testing with Ohio EPA as required, records are on site.
- Centers with well systems will follow all county and state rules for testing.
- Any water source labeled Hand Washing Only will not be checked.
- Conduction the test:
- Varify Complete Water Test Kit (or similar) will be used to check for Lead contaminates in drinking and cooking water.
- Testing kits can be purchased online at www.variytest.com or instore.
- Areas will be tested per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Water must not be used 8-18 hours prior to conducting the test.
- Results:
- If a “high” level is indicated on the color chart, a second strip will be used to confirm.
- Any area resulting in two positives, will be rescreened by a state certified Lead Inspector.
- All areas that need further testing will be labeled DO NOT USE for COOKING OR DRINKING until a final clearance from certified Lead Inspector have been confirmed.
Tracking:
- Lead Testing will be tracked for both surface and water using the eTracker for Child care Facilities.
- The Transportation & Safety Specialist is responsible for ordering, conducting, tracking, monitoring and sharing reports with supervisor regarding all aspects of the Lead Free Environment protocol.
- Records will be maintained for seven years.
Forms and Additional Guidance:
- eTracker for Child care Facilities (Add link)