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:

1. All centers, including classrooms, gymnasiums, restrooms and teacher work areas will have a surface LEAD test completed every three years.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. Any water source labeled Hand Washing Only will not be checked.
3. 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:

1. Lead Testing will be tracked for both surface and water using the eTracker for Child care Facilities.
2. 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.
3. Records will be maintained for seven years.

Forms and Additional Guidance:

• eTracker for Child care Facilities (Add link)