Hygiene Requirements for Educational Institutions Implementing the General Basic Education, General Secondary Education, Vocational Basic Education, Industrial Education, or Vocational Secondary Education Programmes

[11 August 2015]

Issued pursuant to
Section 38.¹, Paragraph one
of the Epidemiological Safety Law

[11 August 2015]

I. General Provisions

1. The Regulation prescribes the requirements for educational institutions which implement the general basic education, general secondary education, vocational basic education, industrial education, or vocational secondary education programmes (hereinafter - the institution), and the boarding premises of institutions.

[11 August 2015]

2. The Regulation does not govern the hygiene requirements necessary for ensuring the acquisition of specific professions in institutions. Official accommodation facilities of such institutions which implement the vocational basic education, industrial education, or vocational secondary education programmes shall comply with the requirements laid down in laws and regulations regarding the hygiene requirements for official accommodation facilities.

[11 August 2015]

3. The head of the institution shall be responsible for the conformity with this Regulation.

4. The Health Inspectorate shall control the compliance with this Regulation.

[3 March 2008]

5. Meeting of the hygiene requirements in the catering block shall be controlled by the Food and Veterinary Service.

6. The following educatees shall not attend the institution:

6.1. in the age of up to 12 years, if the air temperature is below minus 20 °C;

6.2. in the age from 13 years, if the air temperature is below minus 25 °C.

6.¹ To prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the educational institution, an educatee must not attend the educational institution if he or she has symptoms of an acute infectious disease (diarrhoea, vomiting, jaundice of skin, mucous membrane or the whites of the eye, increased body temperature, infectious rash).

[15 October 2024]

7. The institution shall facilitate the possibility for educatees to store the items necessary in everyday life at the institution in order to prevent the weight of the bag capacity of the educatee which conforms to the maximum weight norms of objects to be carried in the relevant age group from being exceeded:

7.1. for educatees under 9 years of age - 2.5-3.5 kg;

7.2. for educatees who are in the age of 9-11 years - 3.5-4 kg;

7.3. for educatees who are in the age of 12-13 years - 4-4.5 kg;

7.4. for educatees who are in the age of 14-15 years - 4.5-5 kg;

7.5. for educatees who are 16 years old or older - 5 kg and more.

8. [11 August 2015]

II. Buildings and Territory of the Institution

9. The institution shall be placed in a building or in a part of another public building designed or adapted according to its operation.

[8 July 2003]

10. Other institutions may be located in the building of the institution which have a separate entrance and the operation of which:

10.1. does not endanger the safety of children and does not cause harm to the health of children;

10.2. does not disturb the pedagogical process.

11. The territory of the institution shall have at least the following functional areas:

11.1. a sports area corresponding to the specific nature of the institution (sports field or stadium, premises or structures for the storage of sports inventory);

11.2. household area (site for fuel and cinder, site for waste containers).

12. If the sports area referred to in Sub-paragraph 11.1 of this Regulation cannot be created in the institution, it shall ensure that educatees have the possibility to learn the programme of sports subject.

[8 July 2003]

13. The sports area shall be located at least 20 m from the windows of the building of learning premises of the institution. If due to insufficient area of the territory the sports area is located closer, it shall be delimited with a metal mesh, noise screen, plantings or another aesthetic screen which protects from noise and guarantees safety for educatees in the remaining territory.

14. The sports field shall be covered with a compacted groundcover or a cover of another dense material appropriate for sports activities.

[10 September 2013]

15. An area with dense cover for the placement of household waste containers shall be arranged in the household area. Waste shall be stored in containers of closed construction so that pests and rodents could not access them, and also to prevent the contamination of food, installations, territory, drinking water and environment.

[10 September 2013]

16. [10 September 2013]

17. The territory of the institution shall be cared for to prevent the occurrence of a focus of infectious diseases.

18. The fulfilment of the requirements for environmental accessibility laid down in the laws and regulations regarding construction shall be ensured in institutions and their territory.

III. Premises of the Institution and Their Arrangement

19. Based on the educational programme implemented in the institutions, there shall be the following building units:

19.1. premises for the administration and employees (teachers, lecturers, craftsmen);

19.2. learning premises (classrooms, cabinets, study rooms, laboratories);

19.3. premises for the acquisition of practical vocational skills (workshops);

19.4. a library with a reading room;

19.5. recreational and resting premises or places;

19.6. an assembly hall with a stage and auxiliary rooms;

19.7. a sports hall;

19.8. toilet facilities (for boys, girls, and employees);

19.9. a cloakroom or place where to put outdoor clothes;

19.10. premises for household needs;

19.11. the health care centre of the institution;

19.12. the catering unit (a dining room with a kitchen and auxiliary premises);

19.13. a universal hall (or room) with auxiliary rooms if the institution does not have the building unit referred to in Sub-paragraphs 19.6 and 19.7 of this Regulation.

[8 July 2003; 11 August 2015; 26 May 2020]

20. If the building unit referred to in Sub-paragraphs 19.4, 19.6, 19.7, 19.11, 19.12, and 19.13 of this Regulation cannot be placed in the building provided for the operation of the institution, it shall ensure that the relevant services would be available to educatees.

[11 August 2015; 26 May 2020]

21. It is prohibited to arrange classrooms (except for premises for the acquisition of practical vocational skills) on a floor that is lower than the semi-basement (sub-basement) floor.

22. Classrooms shall be equipped with furniture that is suitable for the physical characteristics of educatees, taking into account ergonomics requirements and principles.

[11 August 2015 / The new wording of the Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2020. See Paragraph 3 of Amendments]

23. Tables and chairs in a classroom shall be arranged to ensure that the educational materials being demonstrated can be easily seen and read by educatees, taking into account ergonomics requirements and principles.

[26 May 2020]

23.¹ If the interactive whiteboard is used, its projector shall be placed in such a way to avoid direct shining of the projector beam into the eyes.

[11 August 2015]

24. The minimum area for the place of one educatee:

24.1. in a classroom - 2 m²;

24.2. in a room where chemistry, physics, or natural science laboratory or practical work is carried out - 2.4 m²;

24.3. in a domestic science, design and technologies cabinet - 3 m²;

24.4. in a sports hall - 8 m²;

24.5. in a computer classroom - 3 m².

[11 August 2015; 26 May 2020]

25. The specific characteristics of subject and the occupational safety requirements shall be complied with when arranging the premises for chemistry, physics, or natural sciences laboratory or practical works, the domestic science, design and technologies cabinet, workshops, computer classrooms, and computerized workstations.

[26 May 2020]

26. Materials that are easy to clean and disinfect shall be used for the finishing materials and equipment of premises.

[10 September 2013]

27. There shall be separate changing rooms, shower rooms, and toilet facilities for boys and girls near the sports hall:

27.1. the minimum area provided in the changing room for one educatee of the group of educatees participating in the lesson shall be 1 m²;

27.2. the number of showers provided for one group of educatees participating in the lesson - one shower device per 10 educatees. Smooth and non-transparent partition walls that are easy to wash and disinfect shall be installed between shower facilities;

27.3. toilet bowls and sinks shall be arranged in accordance with the requirements specified in the Latvian construction standard LBN 208-15, Public Structures.

[10 September 2013; 11 August 2015]

28. In the institution, the toilet facilities shall be arranged in accordance with the requirements specified in the Latvian construction standard LBN 208-15, Public Structures.

[10 September 2013; 11 August 2015]

29. The toilet facility shall be provided with a toilet paper or wipes, liquid soap or other hand washing agent, and a device or means for hand drying or wiping. Hygienic pads with at least medium absorbency shall be available in an educational institution.

[15 October 2024]

IV. Computer Classroom

[11 August 2015]

30. [11 August 2015]

31. [11 August 2015]

32. [11 August 2015]

33. [11 August 2015]

34. [11 August 2015]

35. [11 August 2015]

V. Water Supply and Sewerage

36. In the institution, the drinking water shall conform to the mandatory drinking water safety requirements.

37. The building of the institution shall be provided with the supply of cold and hot water, the sewerage system.

[10 September 2013]

VI. Heating and Ventilation

38. The minimum permissible air temperature in a room of the institution is specified in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

39. The mechanical supply and draught ventilation shall be installed in a classroom where laboratory work involving chemical substances is carried out and in rooms where chemical substances are stored. The mechanical draught ventilation shall be installed in the toilet facility and shower room. The mechanical draught ventilation shall be installed in such a way to ensure sufficient air circulation in the toilet facility and shower room. A room where mechanical ventilation is not installed shall be regularly aired. A classroom shall be aired after each lesson for at least 10 minutes (in winter, for at least 5 minutes). The hallway, resting and recreational room shall be aired after each break for at least 10-20 minutes (in winter, for at least 5 minutes).

[10 September 2013]

40. In a classroom where laboratory work involving chemical substances is carried out, a fume cabinet shall be installed in addition to the requirements referred to in Paragraph 39 of this Regulation. It is prohibited to carry out laboratory work involving chemical substances in rooms without a fume cabinet.

[10 September 2013]

VII. Lighting

41. The natural lighting in classrooms shall be provided by windows.

[26 May 2020]

42. Artificial lighting shall be provided in a classroom. The minimum level of artificial lighting is specified in Annex 3 to this Regulation.

43. A warehouse, an auxiliary room of technical personnel, toilet facility, shower room, or cloakroom may be arranged in a room without natural lighting.

44. The light fittings shall be installed in such a way to ensure light scattering, evenness and continuity of luminous flux, and also lighting of the blackboard without reflection.

45. In a classroom where windows are placed on the southern side, they shall be equipped with solar protective devices (for example, curtains, blinds). During the periods when the protective devices need not to be used, they may not cover the glazed part of the window.

[8 July 2003]

VIII. Cleaning of Premises

46. Each room of the institution (also the equipment of such rooms) shall be maintained clean and in working order. In order to ensure the cleanness and order in rooms, the institution shall draw up a plan for the cleaning of premises.

47. The wet cleaning of premises shall be carried out at least once a day, except in the following premises:

47.1. the shower room shall be cleaned twice a day;

47.2. the dining hall shall be cleaned after each meal;

47.3. the classroom shall be cleaned after the last lesson of each educatee shift;

47.4. the cloakroom shall be cleaned after the beginning of each educatee shift;

47.5. the toilet facility shall be cleaned after each break, using appropriate disinfectants.

48. Separate cleaning equipment shall be used for toilet facilities and shower rooms, and it is prohibited to use it for cleaning of other premises.

[10 September 2013]

49. Disinfectants and equipment provided for cleaning of premises shall be stored in a place specifically provided for such purpose. Disinfectants shall be used according to the instructions for their use.

[11 August 2015]

49.¹ The construction works of buildings and the rebuilding or renewal works of premises may not be carried out in the presence of educatees, and the abovementioned works may not affect the safety and health of educatees.

[26 May 2020]

IX. Catering Unit

50. The hygiene requirements specified for food establishments shall be conformed to in the catering unit.

51. The head of the catering unit by agreeing thereupon with the health care practitioner (if any) of the institution or the head of the institution, or the person authorised by him or her shall develop a menu for one to two weeks. Catering shall be organised according to the menu in conformity with the principles of healthy nutrition.

[8 July 2003]

51.¹ Catering of educatees in the educational institution shall be ensured in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding handling of food and the laws and regulations regarding nutritional norms for educatees of educational institutions, clients of social care and social rehabilitation institutions, and patients of medical treatment institutions.

[11 August 2015 / The new wording of the Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2016. See Paragraph 2 of Amendments]

52. Food products shall be used for catering of educatees in conformity with their expiry date, storage mode, and preparation conditions.

[8 July 2003]

53. The dishes, cutlery, and kitchen equipment shall conform to the mandatory safety requirements laid down for the materials and objects that come into contact with food. It is prohibited to use aluminium cutlery and aluminium dishes for the preparation of food. Appropriate detergents and disinfectants shall be used for washing dishes, cutlery, kitchen dishes, and equipment in conformity with the instructions for their use.

[8 July 2003]

54. Before the food is dispensed to educatees, the head of the catering unit or the person authorised by him or her shall take samples of the prepared food. Food samples shall be labelled by indicating the time (hour, minute) of their taking. Samples shall be stored in a refrigerator for 24 hours at 2-6 °C temperature. Food samples shall be destroyed after 24 hours.

55. The finished production is manufactured, stored, and dispensed according to the technological documentation of catering. Food prepared for educatees shall not be intended for reheating on the next day.

56. [8 July 2003]

57. Within the working process, employees of the catering unit shall meet personal hygiene requirements, use and change working clothes according to the specific nature of the work to be performed. Work clothing shall be stored separately from personal clothing.

58. The employee shall dispense food only wearing work clothing specifically provided for such purpose.

59. An educatee shall have the possibility to receive warm food at least once a day. Lunch shall be organised not earlier than 11.00 o'clock, and a break of at least 30 minutes shall be provided for them.

[10 September 2013]

60. [8 July 2003]

61. The catering unit may employ only such employees who are trained in hygiene issues.

62. [8 July 2003]

63. [8 July 2003]

64. [8 July 2003]

X. Arrangement of the Boarding Premises of the Institution

65. The boarding premises of the institution need to have the following rooms:

65.1. sleeping rooms;

65.2. household rooms (for example, kitchen, room for washing and ironing laundry);

65.3. shower rooms and toilet facilities;

65.4. a classroom which is intended for the acquisition of the learning material and doing home works;

65.5. recreational and play rooms or places.

[26 May 2020]

66. If the rooms referred to in Sub-paragraphs 65.2 and 65.4 of this Regulation cannot be placed in the boarding premises of the institution, it shall ensure that educatees can do the respective activities elsewhere.

[8 July 2003; 26 May 2020]

67. Sleeping room shall be equipped with beds, and a possibility to store outerwear, linen, personal hygiene products, and other personal items shall be provided therein.

[8 July 2003]

68. Sleeping rooms shall be arranged separately for boys and girls. One educatee needs an area of at least 4 m².

69. At least one toilet facility per six girls and at least one toilet facility per six boys shall be arranged in a boarding premises. At least one washing stand with cold and hot water supply and one shower device shall be installed in the toilet facility. If there are more than six girls and six boys in the boarding premises, toilet facilities shall be arranged in accordance with the requirements laid down in the Latvian construction standard LBN 208:15, Public Buildings.

[10 September 2013; 11 August 2015]

XI. Closing Provisions

70. The requirements laid down in Paragraph 22 of this Regulation are mandatory when procuring new furniture for the institution.

[8 July 2003]

71. [8 July 2003]

72. The requirements laid down in Paragraph 18 of this Regulation and the requirements laid down in Paragraph 39 of this Regulation in relation to the installation of ventilation in the toilet facility and shower rooms shall be mandatory for newly built and reconstructable institutions.

[11 August 2015; 26 May 2020]

73. The requirement laid down in Paragraph 26 of this Regulation, the requirement laid down in Paragraph 39 of this Regulation in relation to the installation of mechanical supply and draught ventilation in the classrooms where chemical substances are stored or works involving them are carried out, and the requirements laid down in Paragraphs 37 and 69 of this Regulation for the hot water supply shall be mandatory from 1 September 2016. The requirements laid down in Paragraphs 11, 13, 14, 19 (except in the cases provided for in Paragraphs 12 and 20), 23, 44, and 65 of this Regulation, and also the requirements laid down in Paragraph 68 of this Regulation for the area of premises shall be mandatory from 1 September 2020.

[11 August 2015; 26 May 2020]

73.¹ The requirements laid down in Paragraph 24, and also Sub-paragraphs 27.1 and 27.2 of this Regulation for the number of shower devices, and the requirements laid down in Sub-paragraph 27.3 shall be mandatory from 1 September 2023.

[26 May 2020]

74. The prohibition referred to in Paragraph 53 of this Regulation to use aluminium cutlery and aluminium dishes for the preparation of food must be complied with when procuring new cutlery and dishes for the institution.

[8 July 2003]

75. The institution need not apply Paragraphs 11 and 19 of this Regulation (except for the requirements referred to in Sub-paragraphs 19.2 and 19.8) if, for the purpose of ensuring the educational process, the institution or a part thereof is arranged in adapted premises for the duration of reconstruction or renovation. The institution also need not apply Paragraph 18 of this Regulation during the period of reconstruction or renovation if the institution does not have educatees with functional disorders for whom accessibility of the environment needs to be ensured and Paragraph 28 of this Regulation in relation to the number of toilet bowls and sinks if the number of sanitary devices is sufficient for educatees to comply with hygiene requirements. Before the institution starts to organise the educational process in the adapted premises, it shall obtain an assessment from the Health Inspectorate on compliance with hygiene requirements during the reconstruction or renovation of the institution.

[26 May 2020]

76. If the reconstruction or renovation of an educational institution lasts more than two years and learning at the educational institution cannot be resumed, the Health Inspectorate shall carry out a repeat inspection once per academic year and assess the conformity of the adapted premises to hygiene requirements.

[26 May 2020]

Prime Minister E. Repše

Minister for Special Assignments
in Health Care Matters Ā. Auders

Annex 1
Cabinet Regulation No. 610
27 December 2002

Conformity of the Height of Furniture provided at the Institution with the Height of an Educatee

[11 August 2015 / See Paragraph 3 of Amendments]

Annex 2
Cabinet Regulation No. 610
27 December 2002

Minimum Air Temperature in Premises of the Institution

[10 September 2013]

Minister for Special Assignments
in Health Care Matters Ā. Auders

Annex 3
Cabinet Regulation No. 610
27 December 2002

Minimum Level of Artificial Lighting in Premises of the Institution

[11 August 2015; 26 May 2020]

Minister for Special Assignments
in Health Care Matters Ā. Auders

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