ACT 96 - Indoor Environmental Quality

In conjunction with the requirements directed under WI Statute and Administrative Code, school building officials are to take appropriate steps to provide and maintain safe and healthful facilities. Measures to maintain IEQ in schools may include heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, moisture control, integrated pest management, cleaning, and maintenance schedules, appropriate materials selection, routine building inspections by maintenance personnel, appropriate training for staff, and communication. School buildings are to be kept in good repair, suitably equipped and in safe and sanitary conditions. Healthful schools promote a positive learning environment.

WI Act 96 requires public schools and private schools participating in the Milwaukee and Racine Choice programs to implement a plan for maintaining indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in school buildings

• Prepare for the development of an IEQ management plan by May 1, 2012, and

• Implement the IEQ management plan by February 1, 2013.

WI Act 96

1. Select an IEQ coordinator for your school

2. Establish an IEQ committee

3. Review your school’s existing IEQ policies

4. “Tools for Schools” study guide

5. Schedule an IEQ team meeting

How do I “prepare“ to implement an IEQ plan by

May 1, 2012?

Implementing an IEQ planFebruary 1, 2013

Four Key Components:

1. Identify the IEQ concerns and problems in your school

2. Develop a strategy to communicate your IEQ plan to interested parties

3. Create a procedure for addressing IEQ complaints

4. Schedule an annual review of your IEQ plan

1. Identifying IEQ Problems

1. Walkthrough inspections and building systems

evaluations

2. School policies and plans

3. Cleaning procedures

4. Emergency response situations

5. Unique-purpose rooms

Develop a plan for communicating the school’s IEQ plan with pupils and their parents, including recent complaints, test results and proposed schedules for remediation if they are requested.

Make sure all school employees understand the IEQ plan. It is important for teachers to know the air flow of their classroom.

3. Addressing Complaints

2. Developing a Communication Strategy

Develop a filing system for recording all complaints, including a record of the school’s response.

4. Schedule Regular Reviews

It is recommended the school’s IEQ committee review the plan at least four times a year.

State statutes recommend the IEQ committee prepare an annual update for the governing body of the school.

Training RequirementsRecommend indoor environmental quality training requirements for school employees who are responsible for the operation and maintenance of schools.