Building Safety Expectations

• Open flame candles are not allowed in school district buildings, even if not lit. 
• Wax warming devices should not be used in district buildings.
• Plug-in air fresheners are not allowed in district buildings
• Air fresheners are discouraged in classrooms due to potential allergic or asthmatic reactions, but if they are to be used, aerosol air fresheners should be used. 

Emergency Preparedness Plan Resources
School Rule Requirements R277-400
 
ELEMENTARY School Level Emergency Compliance and Assurance Form 
  
SECONDARY School Level Emergency Compliance and Assurance Form 

Classroom Safety for Teachers

Hazard Communication Plan

Safety Data Sheet

ADA Accessible Documents

• Extension cords are in violation of the International Fire Code, and the Occupational Safety and Health regulations when used as a substitute for permanent wiring. They shall be used only with portable equipment. The cord shall be of compatible ampacity with the equipment and maintained in good condition. All cords shall be grounded. (three prongs)
• Multi-plug devices that do not meet the Electrical Code shall not be used. Power bars such as surge protectors are for low voltage equipment only. i.e., computers, printers, etc...
• The two-wire "zip" cords must not be brought into the school. 
• During special events and holidays, temporary wiring is allowed for the duration of that event or holiday, not to exceed 90 days. Such wiring shall be in "new" condition. Do not cover extension cords with rugs or carpets. Splicing of any kind is not allowed. Any defective or damaged wiring shall immediately be removed and discarded.

Fire inspections will be conducted at all District facilities on an annual basis. Most of these inspections will be in conjunction with or conducted by the local jurisdiction. Areas that will be a main focus of the inspection will be:

• Corridor obstructions.
• Combustible wall decorations.
• The use of hold-open wedges and doors.
• Housekeeping and clutter in classrooms.
• Combustible loading and storage.
• Storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.
• Fire-rated doors, assemblies, and hardware.
• Any other unsafe condition.
• Verification that life safety inspections are being done and recorded.
• Remember, by law, all fires must be reported to the local fire department, no matter how small. Fires should also be reported to the Director of Operations.
• Any fire alarm should be investigated by the local fire department.

Aisles and aisle accessways in classrooms

• Aisles are pathways leading to an exit doorway.
• Aisle accessways are pathways that lead to an aisle. For example, the pathways between rows of desks or tables are aisle accessways.
• Although minimum aisle and aisle accessway widths for classrooms can vary depending on specific seating arrangements, the following will apply to most classrooms having fewer than 50 occupants:
  • Aisle accessways between desks or tables shall be at least 24 inches wide.
  • Aisles leading to classroom exit doorways shall be at least 36 inches wide.
  • Required aisles and aisle accessways shall be maintained free from obstructions or impediments.

Exit doors from classrooms

• Number of exits
• Classrooms having an occupant load of 50 or more must have two exit access doorways.

Desks and workstations in egress corridors

Access and visibility
Required exit doors must be maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use.
Exit doors must be distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes and cannot be concealed or made unrecognizable
Exit signs (where required) must be clearly visible and cannot be obstructed or otherwise concealed.

Door hardware
Exit door hardware must both unlock and unlatch the door with a single operation without the use of key, tools, special knowledge or effort.

Fire Doors
Classroom doors leading directly to a fire-rated egress corridor must be maintained self closing and latching to protect the egress system in case of fire. Thus, such doors cannot be held open for extended periods of time unless controlled by an approved door-hold system that releases the door upon fire alarm.

Desks and work stations in egress corridors
Desks, tables and chairs, and similar workstations in corridors must not be placed within the minimum required egress width of corridors. Although the minimum egress width will vary depending on the occupant load served, in most cases at least 72-inches is required

• Decorations in corridors and exit ways shall be limited to 20% of any wall.
• Decorations in classrooms shall be limited to 50% of any one wall. No restrictions apply to flame retarded decorations. 
• When placing decorations, every attempt should be made to break up fuel continuity, i.e., provide spacing between combustibles so that a fire is not able to continue from one end of the room or corridor to the other.
• Enclosures built of combustible decoration material, including paper mache, plastic, chicken wire, paper, and cardboard, are strictly prohibited. Use of fish netting or other flame retardant decorative materials may be used in moderation inside rooms, provided the above guidelines are followed and supervision is assured.
• When storing items on shelves, please make sure you leave an 18-inch clearance between the item and the ceiling in buildings equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system. The clearance for buildings without an automatic fire sprinkler is 24 inches. Please do not store heavy items on top of cabinets and cupboards. These items become a hazard in the event of an earthquake.

Gas or fuel-fired space heaters are strictly prohibited for indoor use.
Authorized space heaters shall be equipped with a safety switch to automatically shut-off the heater if it is tipped over.
Heaters must be kept at least 3 ft away from combustible materials. 

604.10.1 Listed and Labeled
Only listed and labeled portable, electric space heaters shall be used.

604.10.2 Power Supply
Portable, electric space heaters shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle.

604.10.3 Extension Cords
Portable, electric space heaters shall not be plugged into extension cords.

604.10.4 Prohibited Areas
Portable, electric space heaters shall not be operated within 3 feet of any combustible materials. Portable, electric space heaters shall be operated only in locations for which they are listed.

If your child has been experimenting with fire or you are having worries about your child's curiosity with fire, there is help out there. Most fire departments have specially trained personnel to deal with this and are more than happy to assist you. contacting your local fire department is the first step. 

Youth Firesetter Prevention Program and Resources