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. 

Printable Classroom Safety for Teachers

Classroom Fire Safety

Means of Egress

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 accessible at all times.

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

• Doors that are part of a fire-rated wall assembly must be maintained self-closing and latching to protect the egress system in case of fire.
• 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 workstations 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.

Combustible Artwork, Decorative Items, and Teaching Materials

Combustible art, decorative items, and teaching materials on corridor walls

• Combustible art, decorative items, teaching materials and similar items applied to corridor walls are limited to 20 percent of the wall area in buildings without fire sprinkler protection.

Combustible art, decorative items, and teaching materials on classroom walls

• Combustible art, decorative items, teaching materials and similar items applied to classroom walls are limited to 50 percent of a wall area of the classroom.

Decorative displays

• Decorative displays using significant quantities of highly flammable materials such as foam plastics, textiles or dried vegetation are prohibited unless documented to have passed an appropriate fire propagation test or treated as flame-retardant.

Items suspended from ceilings

• Items suspended from ceilings such as banners, flags, sculptures, etc. must not obstruct the spray pattern of fire sprinkler heads.
• Typically, items located within 18 inches of sprinkler head deflectors are considered obstructions.

Suspended fabrics

• Curtains, draperies, and similar suspended combustible fabrics must meet the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701 as flame-resistant.
• Such materials must not exceed 20 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area on which they are attached.
  • Coverage area for suspended fabrics used specifically as window coverings is not limited, but flame-resistance still applies.
  • Flame-resistance limitations do not apply to ordinary window shades or educational materials that are displayed in an approved manner.

Electrical

Extension cords

• Extension cords must comply with the following:
  • Shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring but may be used temporarily with portable appliances.
  • Shall not be affixed to the structure or extended through walls, ceilings, floors, or doorways.
  • Shall not be placed under floor coverings or in any location subject to environmental or physical damage.
  • Shall not serve more than one appliance.
  • The ampacity of the extension cord shall not be less than what is required for the attached electrical load.
  • Shall be grounded when serving grounded appliances.
  • Shall be in good condition and without damage.

Relocatable power-taps

• Relocatable power-taps (i.e. power strips with flexible cords) must:
  • Be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to UL 1363.
  • Be equipped with overcurrent protection (not the same as surge suppression).
  • Be polarized and grounded.
  • Be plugged directly into a permanently installed electrical receptacle.
• Power-taps cannot receive power from another power-tap or extension cord.
• Must not be overloaded beyond the rated capacity.

Multi-plug adapters

• Multi-plug current taps without overcurrent protection are not allowed.

Electrical appliances, equipment, and light fixtures

• Electrical devices and equipment must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (e.g., UL, ETL, CSA) and installed and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Decorative light strings

• Seasonal and holiday light strings are listed to UL 588 and are intended for temporary installation and use up to 90 days.
• The temporary use restriction will be printed on the listing label and in the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Light strings listed for year-round use are also available:
  • UL 2388 (flexible rope lighting)
  • UL 588, Supplement SD (light strings)

Electric space heaters

• Must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Most heaters require at least 3 feet of clearance from combustibles.
• Cannot be operated where flammable vapors may be present or where flammable/combustible liquids are stored.
• Ceramic or oil-filled heaters are recommended over resistance-type heaters with exposed heating elements.
• Must be plugged directly into a permanently installed electrical receptacle without an extension cord.

Storage

Storage height in areas protected with fire sprinklers

• Storage must be located at least 18 inches below sprinkler head deflectors.
• This clearance allows the sprinkler spray pattern to develop properly.
• The 18-inch restriction does not apply to storage along perimeter walls unless sprinkler heads are located directly above the storage.

Storage height in areas without fire sprinklers

• Storage must be located at least 24 inches below the ceiling.
• The 24-inch restriction does not apply to storage along perimeter walls.

Storage arrangements

• Storage shall be orderly and stacks must be stable to protect occupants and firefighters.
• Minimum 24-inch access aisles shall be maintained in storage areas.

Fire Protection Features

Portable fire extinguishers

• A minimum 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher must be located within 75 feet travel distance from any point in a classroom.
• Extinguishers may be located in the classroom or adjacent corridor.
• In fully sprinklered buildings, schools may place “general use” extinguishers in non-student-accessible areas (storage, mechanical, utility rooms).
• Fire extinguishers must be mounted or housed in an approved cabinet no higher than 5 feet above floor level (measured from the top of the extinguisher).
• Science labs containing hazardous materials must have a minimum 2-A:20-B:C fire extinguisher.

Obstruction of fire protection devices

• Fire protection devices (sprinkler heads, fire alarm devices, pull stations, smoke/heat detectors, horn/strobes) must not be covered, obstructed, or concealed.
• Fire sprinkler heads must not be obstructed, covered, or painted.
• Objects shall not be suspended from or supported by fire sprinkler heads or piping systems.

Fire Evacuation Procedures

• Upon fire alarm activation, follow your school’s fire emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Ensure the classroom door is closed and latched after all occupants leave.
• At the assigned assembly point, ensure all students are accounted for.

Printable ELEMENTARY School Level Emergency Compliance and Assurance Form 

Elementary School Level Emergency Compliance and Assurance Form

Updated: 07/2019

UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Construction and Facility Safety
250 East 500 South
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL EMERGENCY COMPLIANCE AND ASSURANCE FORM

Schools should certify to the School District Administration / Charter School Board Chair that the Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan (“Plan”) has been developed and customized to the specific needs and requirements of the facility and has been practiced at the school level, presented to and reviewed by its teachers, administrators, students and their parents, local law enforcement, and public safety representatives consistent with Utah Code Section 53G-4-402(18) and Administrative Rule R277-400.

School Name:
Address:
City:
Zip:
☐ Check box if Charter School
State:
Grades Housed:

Compliance Checklist

1. The Plan has been practiced at the school level, presented to and reviewed by its teachers, administrators, students and their parents, local law enforcement, and public safety representatives.
   ☐ Yes  Date: ______  ☐ No

2. School has appointed a committee to prepare, modify, or adjust the existing Plan to meet individual school needs and features; to satisfy Rule; to include governmental agencies and bodies vested with responsibility for directing and coordinating emergency services on local and state levels.
   ☐ Yes  ☐ No

3. A copy of the Plan has been sent to the LEA superintendent's office or charter school director's office for filing.
   ☐ Yes  ☐ No

 

4. At the beginning of each school year, parents and staff have received written notice of relevant sections of the Plan applicable to the school.
   ☐ Yes  Date: ______  ☐ No

5. School shall designate an Emergency Preparedness / Emergency Response Week each year before April 30th.
   ☐ Yes  Date: ______  ☐ No

6. The Plan contains measures that assure students receive reasonable, adequate educational services and supervision during school hours during an emergency and for education services in an extended emergency situation.
   ☐ Yes  ☐ No

7. Plan includes evacuation procedures that provide reasonable care and supervision of students until the student is released to a responsible party.
   ☐ Yes  ☐ No

8. School staff shall not release a student under 15 years old unless a parent or other responsible person has been notified and assumed responsibility for the student.
   ☐ Yes  ☐ No

9. The Plan includes procedures to address access to public school buildings by students, community members, lessees, invitees, and others. The Plan also includes procedures regarding access during identified time periods and possession and use of school keys by designated administrators and employees.
   ☐ Yes  ☐ No

10. The Plan includes resources and materials available for emergency training for employees.
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

11. The Plan provides procedures for students to receive age-appropriate emergency preparedness training including rescue techniques, first aid, safety measures appropriate for specific emergencies, and other emergency skills.
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

12. School has established a parent and student reunification plan. A summary of parental expectations and notification procedures related to the plan is provided annually at registration and enrollment and is published on the school’s website.
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

13. Fire Drills and Other Emergency Drills

Elementary schools shall conduct emergency drills at least once each month during school time.

• The first fire drill shall be conducted in the first 10 days of the regular school year.
• One fire drill shall be conducted every other month during the school year.
• Required emergency fire drills shall be alternated with a security or safety drill (refer to Utah Code R277-400-6).
• Schools that include both elementary and secondary grades shall comply with elementary emergency drill requirements.

Drill Log:

• 1st Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 2nd Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 3rd Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 4th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 5th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 6th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 7th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 8th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 9th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 10th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 11th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________
• 12th Drill: __________  Drill Type: __________

14. In addition to required drills, school conducts at least one annual drill for school emergencies no later than October 1st.
    ☐ Yes  Date: ______  ☐ No

15. School shall develop student assistance programs such as care teams, school intervention programs, and interagency case management teams.
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

16. School has a policy for coordination between school and governmental entities, which may include cooperative agreements to provide support during emergencies. The Plan includes procedures for assessing and providing school facilities, equipment, and personnel to meet public emergency needs.
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

17. The Plan delineates communication channels and lines of authority within the LEA, city, county, and state.

• The Superintendent is the chief officer for emergencies involving more than one LEA or for state or federal assistance.
• A local governing board, through its superintendent or director, is the chief officer for an LEA emergency.
  ☐ Yes  ☐ No

18. The Plan includes procedures to notify students, to the extent practicable, who are off campus at the time of a school violence emergency.
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

19. The Plan addresses procedures for recording an LEA’s funds expected for emergencies, assessing and repairing damage, and seeking reimbursement for emergency expenditures.
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

20. School ensures that a carbon monoxide detection system has been installed and maintained consistent with the International Fire Code. The school shall replace a carbon monoxide detection system that becomes inoperable or begins to produce end-of-life signals.
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

Name of Individual Preparing Report:
Title:
E-Mail:
Signature:

Please submit this form to:
School Construction Email: SchoolConstruction@schools.utah.gov

For additional questions call: (801) 538-7939

• 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.

Printable Hazard Communication Plan

Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Hazard Communication

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Hazard Communication Standard

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a standard for communicating the hazards of chemicals in the workplace as part of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
• The standard describes what employers (including your school), and employees must do to handle chemicals safely, utilizing uniform Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and corresponding product labels.
• You have a right to understand the hazardous chemicals in your workplace.
• Tooele County School District (TCSD) is legally obligated to provide you with information about chemical hazards to help you understand how to protect yourself and use them properly.

www.osha.gov

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Chemical manufacturers and distributors are required to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) contain information on chemicals related to:
  • Health, safety and proper handling
  • Warnings and dangers
  • Contents/ingredients
  • Care for exposure
  • Proper storage
  • Environmental hazards

Hazardous Chemicals Commonly Found in Schools

• Toner and inks
• Soap, cleaning products
• Aerosols
• Glues and adhesives
• Paints, varnishes and stains
• Paint thinners
• Solvents
• Developers and fixers
• Fertilizers and pesticides
• Degreasers
• Oils, grease and lubricants
• Gas cylinders
• Laboratory reagents
• Water treatments

District/School Staff Responsibilities

• Follow all procedures and policies relating to chemicals.
• All employees must complete the Hazard Communications: Right to Understand (GHS) SafeSchool course.
• Refrain from operations involving hazardous chemicals without proper instruction and/or authorization.
• Seek out and request information; talk to your supervisor.
• Read all chemical product labels and SDS before use.
• Original labels on containers in which the material was received are not to be removed.
• Make sure all containers holding chemicals are properly labeled.
• If a different material is placed in a secondary container other than what the label designates, the incorrect label is to be removed or covered, and a new label designating the correct material is to be applied.
• Use and dispose of chemicals properly.
• Report accidents immediately, even minor injuries or exposures.
• All chemicals that are brought into any TCSD building must have the proper SDS sheet supplied with them and placed in the binder in the building and online.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Safety Data Sheets and Product Labels

The SDS will contain the following sections:

• Product identification
• Hazard identification
• Composition/information on ingredients
• First aid measures
• Fire-fighting measures
• Accidental release measures
• Handling and storage
• Exposure controls/personal protection
• Physical and chemical properties
• Stability and reactivity
• Toxicology information
• Pictogram – there are 9. They are used to convey the various health, physical and environmental hazards

Product labels are often the best source of safety information.

SDS Binders and Website

Departments that furnish and/or use chemicals must maintain hardcopy binders of printed SDS for those products, accessible within the areas of use, for example:

• Custodial
• Science department
• CTE shops
• Art department
• Nutrition

TCSD has an online SafeSchools SDS program, available at: Coming soon

• Bookmark this site, or create a desktop shortcut
• No username or password required
• Quickly search for a specific SDS by using a keyword
• This SDS library will continue to grow
• Easily print labels for chemical bottles or containers
• Print posters to hang around the building for quick online SDS access, using a QR Code or link

Anyone using chemicals must have unimpeded access to applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS) at all times.

For more information, contact your supervisor or TCSD Operations Director.

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

Emergency Preparedness Plan Resources
School Rule Requirements R277-400

TCSD Safety Data Sheets eBinder

Printable SECONDARY School Level Emergency Compliance and Assurance Form 

Secondary School Level Emergency Compliance and Assurance Form

Updated 07/2019
Date:

UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Construction and Facility Safety
250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200

SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL EMERGENCY COMPLIANCE AND ASSURANCE FORM

Schools should certify to the School District Administration/Charter School Board Chair that the Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan (“Plan”) has been developed and customized to the specific needs and requirements of the facility and has been practiced at the school level, presented to and reviewed by its teachers, administrators, students and their parents, local law enforcement, and public safety representatives consistent with Utah Code Section 53G-4-402(18) and Administrative Rule R277-400.

School Name:
☐ Check box if Charter School

Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Grades Housed:

 

1. The Plan has been practiced at the school level, presented to and reviewed by its teachers, administrators, students and their parents, local law enforcement, and public safety representatives.
   ☐ Yes  Date:
   ☐ No

2. School has appointed a committee to prepare, modify, or adjust the existing Plan to meet individual school needs and features; to satisfy Rule; to include governmental agencies and bodies vested with responsibility for directing and coordinating emergency services on local and state levels.
   ☐ Yes
   ☐ No

3. A copy of the Plan has been sent to the LEA superintendent's office or charter school director's office for filing.
   ☐ Yes
   ☐ No

4. At the beginning of each school year parents and staff have received written notice of relevant sections of the Plan, applicable to the school.
   ☐ Yes  Date:
   ☐ No

5. School shall designate an Emergency Preparedness/Emergency Response week each year before April 30th.
   ☐ Yes  Date:
   ☐ No

6. The Plan contains measures that assure students receive reasonable, adequate educational services and supervision during school hours during an emergency and for education services in an extended emergency situation.
   ☐ Yes
   ☐ No

7. Plan shall include evacuation procedures that provide reasonable care and supervision of students until the student is released to a responsible party.
   ☐ Yes
   ☐ No

8. School staff shall not release a student who is under 15 years old unless a parent or other responsible person has been notified and assumed responsibility for the student.
   ☐ Yes
   ☐ No

9. The Plan shall include procedures to address access to public school buildings by students, community members, lessees, invitees and others. Plan shall also include procedures regarding access during identified time periods and possession and use of school keys by designated administrators and employees.
   ☐ Yes
   ☐ No

10. The Plan shall include resources and materials available for emergency training for employees.
    ☐ Yes
    ☐ No

11. The Plan shall provide procedures for students to receive age appropriate emergency preparedness training including: rescue techniques, first aid, safety measures appropriate for specific emergencies, and other emergency skills.
    ☐ Yes
    ☐ No

12. School has established a parent and student reunification plan. A summary of parental expectations and notification procedures related to the plan is provided annually at registration and enrollment and the summary is published on the school’s website.
    ☐ Yes
    ☐ No

13. Fire Drills and Other Emergency Drills:
    Secondary schools shall conduct all fire drills in accordance with Section 15A-5-202.5.

Each school shall have an emergency evacuation drill for fire conducted at least every two months, to a total of four emergency evacuation drills during the nine‑month school year.

• The first emergency evacuation drill for fire shall be conducted within 10 school days after the beginning of classes.
• The third emergency evacuation drill for fire, weather permitting, shall be conducted 10 school days after the beginning of the next calendar year.
• The second and fourth emergency evacuation drills may be substituted by a security or safety drill to include shelter in place, earthquake drill, or lockdown for violence.

Note: Schools that include both elementary and secondary grades in the school shall comply with the elementary emergency drill requirements.

Drill Log:

• 1st Drill: Drill Type:
• 2nd Drill: Drill Type:
• 3rd Drill: Drill Type:
• 4th Drill: Drill Type:
• 5th Drill: Drill Type:
• 6th Drill: Drill Type:
• 7th Drill: Drill Type:
• 8th Drill: Drill Type:
• 9th Drill: Drill Type:
• 10th Drill: Drill Type:
• 11th Drill: Drill Type:
• 12th Drill: Drill Type:

14. In addition to drills required under Utah Code R277-400-6 and 15A-5-202.5, school conducts at least one annual drill for school emergencies no later than October 1st.
    ☐ Yes  Date:
    ☐ No

15. School shall develop student assistance programs such as care teams, school intervention programs, and interagency case management teams.
    ☐ Yes
    ☐ No

16. School has a policy for the appropriate coordination between school and governmental entities, which may include cooperative agreements to provide support during emergencies. School’s Plan has procedures for assessing and providing school facilities, equipment and personnel to meet public emergency needs.
    ☐ Yes
    ☐ No

17. The Plan delineates communication channels and lines of authority with the LEA, city, county, and state.
    The Superintendent is the chief officer for emergencies involving more than one LEA, or for state or federal assistance. A local governing board, through its superintendent or director, is the chief officer for LEA emergencies.
    ☐ Yes
    ☐ No

18. The Plan shall include procedures to notify students, to the extent practicable, who are off campus at the time of a school violence emergency.
    ☐ Yes
    ☐ No

19. School ensures that a carbon monoxide detection system has been installed and maintained consistent with International Fire Code. School shall replace a carbon monoxide detection system that becomes inoperable or begins to produce end‑of‑life signals.
    ☐ Yes
    ☐ No

Name of Individual Preparing Report:
Title:
E-Mail:
Signature:

Please submit this form to the School Construction email:
SchoolConstruction@schools.utah.gov

For additional questions call: (801) 538‑7939

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.

• 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.

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