Environmental Health & Safety

As parts of Avon Maitland District School Board’s (AMDSB) strategy to create positive, inclusive learning environments and maximize outcomes for students, the AMDSB is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the Board community.

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, monitoring and continuous improvement of Avon Maitland District School Board’s EHS management system to comply with legislation and foster a safe and healthy culture and learning and working environment.

Programs and Training

The Environmental Health and Safety Department oversees programs and training in the following areas:

Employee Safety Orientations
Emergency Measures
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Workplace Inspections
Incident Reporting and Investigations
Supervisor Competency
Online Training System Management
Multi-site Joint Health and Safety Committee
EHS Communications
First Aid
Ergonomics
Slips, Trips and Falls
Working at Heights
Hazardous Materials Management
Indoor Environmental Quality
WHMIS and Safety Data Sheet Management
Asbestos Management
Mould Management

Joint Health and Safety Committee

The Avon Maitland District School Board has also established a Multi-site Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). The JHSC is made up of workers from each bargaining group and employer representatives from across the Board, which acts as an advisory committee for maintaining and improving a health and safety. The JHSC is responsible for inspecting AMDSB schools and worksites, review administrative procedures and training programs and review employee incidents and make recommendations to the board for continuous improvement.

For further information on AMDSB Health and Safety Management System and applicable legislation

Drinking Water Quality Management System

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department is also responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, monitoring and continuous improvement of Avon Maitland District School Board’s drinking water quality and compliance with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP)

Programs and Training

The Environmental Health and Safety Department oversees programs and training in the following areas:

Well Water System Checks
Well Water Sampling and Testing
Lead Sampling and Testing
Water Flushing Program

Drinking Water Quality Testing and Reports

To ensure safe drinking water at our rural schools, our custodians and plumbers are certified through the Walkerton Clean Water Centre to perform and record daily checks of our well water systems. In addition, well water samples are collected bi-weekly and analyzed by an accredited laboratory.

Since 2003, AMDSB has been flushing the plumbing system at the schools to minimize lead exposure to our younger children. In addition, water samples are collected and analyzed annually to ensure lead levels are below the legislated limits.

All drinking water test results, annual reports and MOECP inspections are available to the public for viewing. These reports are available at the specific school or through the Environmental Health and Safety Advisor.

For further information on AMDSB Drinking water quality management and applicable legislation

AMDSB Policies and Procedures
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change – Drinking Water Systems Regulation – 170/03
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change – Schools, Private School and Day Nurseries Regulation – 243/07

For more information, please contact:

Jamie Gibbings IHT, CRSP, – Environmental Health & Safety Advisor

[email protected]