National Norms and Standards relating to Environmental Health

1. NORMS1.1 Schools to be operated under a registration authorizing that activity by the relevant educationauthority and municipality.1.2 The premises operated under a valid Health Certificate issued by an Environmental HealthPractitioner of a relevant Municipality, to the effect that the premises and general facilities comply withenvironmental health requirements.1.3 Building and facilities promotes health and safety of pupils and/or students.2. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MONITORING STANDARDS2.1 Environmental health inspections of schools should be conducted at twice annually (not less twice ina year). The risk profile of the premises should also inform the frequency of inspections on thepremises.2.2 The risk analysis of the premises should be conducted with specific focus to the following areas:• Food preparation areas, (to include analysis of food risks);• Water, waste, sanitation and hygiene practices.2.3 Inspection checklists/tools should be designed and utilized for every inspection conducted.2.4 Inspections should include an assessment of ventilation, indoor air quality, lighting, structural safetyand floor space on the premises.2.5 An inspection report, with the risk assessment findings and recommendations should be issued to theowner or person in charge after every inspection.2.6 An updated database of all schools should be maintained for monitoring and control purposes.3. STANDARDS FOR SCHOOLSSchools must comply with the following environmental health and safety requirements:3.1 Enclosure of the school premises/yardThe yard/premises must be enclosed with an approved means of enclosure, such as a fence,bricks or other approved material.a) Entrance and exit of a school must be controlled so as to prevent unauthorized entry to the premises.3.2 Toilet and ablution facilitiesAdequate toilet and wash up facilities must be provided to meet the needs of pupils and staffmembers on the premises and must be in compliance to the provisions as set out in the NationalBuilding Regulations and SANS 10400.a) Separate toilet and wash- up facilities must be provided for male and female pupils.b) 1 (one) approved toilet (water closet/urinal) or Ventilated improved Pit (VIP) in areas withoutconventional sewage disposal system, must be provided for each 20 children on the premises, a ratioof (1:20) to be maintained. An adequate supply of toilet paper must be supplied in the toilet facilitiesat all times.c) One (1) handwash basin must be provided for every twenty (20) children on the premises, a ratio of1:20 to be maintained. The basin must be located in or immediately adjacent to the toilets. Anadequate supply of soap and a clean towel must be provided at all times.d) A supply of hot and cold running potable water must be available at every hand wash basin. In caseof unavailability of running water a minimum of 25 liters of potable water must be kept and storedhygienically on the premises at all times for washing of hands.e) Separate toilets and hand wash facilities must be provided for staff members on the premises. Toiletand washing facilities for staff may also open for use by visitors.f) One toilet and one hand wash basin must be provided for every twelve staff members on thepremises (1:12)g) Separate toilet and wash up facilities must be provided for male and female staff members.h) Toilet facilities must be kept in good repair and cleaned and disinfected daily.DOH. Norms and standards for environmental health in South Africa Feb 2013 33