MAKE SAFETY TOP PRIORITY
IN YOUR CLASSROOM

 The safety inspectors from the District’s Safety Department regularly encounter several safety issues in school classrooms that are in direct violation of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Codes, Florida’s State Rule 69A-58, and/or Florida’s State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF).  The Safety Department’s goal is to promote the well-being of all students and staff by insuring their safety in the District’s teaching and learning environments.  Please help by keeping the following safety issues in mind and OFF of your school’s Annual Comprehensive Safety Inspection Report. 

1. ARTWORK ON WALLS OR HANGING FROM CEILINGS: In buildings with no fire sprinklers, a maximum of 20% covering per wall is permitted.  By using fire rated paper, this amount may be increased to 40%.  40%  is allowed per wall in buildings with fire sprinklers.  Please do not hang any materials from ceilings or ceiling tile frames.
   

2. EXTENSION CORDS: The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that approximately 3,300 residential fires originate from damaged extension cords, their misuse or the overloading of extension cords.  For this reason, extension cords are not permitted except on a temporary basis.  If an extension cord must be used on a temporary basis, the cord should be a six-foot, appliance type cord with a three-pronged plug. Do not run extension cords across floors (tripping hazard) or under floor coverings.
   

3. HALOGEN LAMPS: Halogen lamps are not permitted to be used in classrooms.  Not only are many of these lamps unstable but the halogen bulb emits a great amount of heat.  These bulbs have been responsible for starting fires.
   

4. EXITS BLOCKED BY DESKS, COMPUTERS, CUBBY CONTAINERS, ITEMS ON LEDGES:
   Areas directly in front of emergency escape windows and doors must be kept clear to allow for exiting in an emergency.  Primary exits must not be locked by desks or any other obstructions or be within the clear width of the door on both sides.  Maintain a clear path to the exit between desks.
   

5. DOOR STOPS:  Classroom doors must remain closed to contain fires and to protect corridors from fire and/or smoke.  Do not use doorstops to keep doors from closing. 
   
6. CHEMICALS IMPROPERLY STORED UNDER SINKS AND IN CABINETS: Cleaning supplies are used in classroom areas in a effort to keep students germ free.  However, do not store chemicals such as glass cleaner, disinfectants or other cleaning supplies in unlocked cabinets where they are accessible to students.  No storage of these items are permitted in science room cabinets where the gas shut off valves are located.  Also, only School Board Approved cleaning supplies/chemicals are permitted to be used in the District.