As with all school activities the Green-Schools programme should always be operated with Health & Safety considerations in mind. Schools should not undertake Green-Schools activities which contravene the schools Health & Safety procedures and policy. If there is any doubt of an activity doing so it should be firstly checked with the person responsible for the schools Health & Safety policy and procedures.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of considerations for operating the Green-Schools programme.
Students and staff should not be allowed access to any area that is dangerous or where insurance does not cover.
Schools should test for radon and retest after building works or other modifications that could alter ventilation levels (check out the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland website www.rpii.ie).
Windows must not be kept closed or school made weather tight such that the air is not kept fresh.
Domestic hot water in cylinders and other water heaters should be kept above 55 degrees C whenever heaters are on, to help minimise the risk of bacteriological growth.
Schools should not allow students and staff to come in contact with dangerous materials or items e.g. insulation materials (asbestos, glass wool), broken glass and other hazardous items.
Sufficient light must be present for safe use of the building.