Safety Guide - General and Specialized Classrooms

1.Administrative Roles
2.School Nurse Responsibilities
3.Instructor Responsibilities
4.Student & Parent Responsibilities
5.General Safety Recommendations

1.Internal General Building
2.External General Building
3.Specific Building
4.General & Specialized Classrooms
5.Playgrounds/Outdoor Areas

1.Routine Emergency Care
2.Emergency Preparedness Plan

Section II: Safety Guideline Checklist (cont.)

General and Specialized Classrooms
This General and Specialized Classrooms section addresses safety in the following areas: general classrooms, science, agriculture, family and consumer science, trade and industrial/technology education, graphic design/art, and computer labs and library. Emphasis is placed upon the safe use of machines, chemicals, and personal protective equipment.
Because the checklist items in the “General Classrooms” area are broad and affect safety in all types of classrooms and classroom laboratories, they should be assessed in addition to specific building areas or specialized classrooms. This will ensure a comprehensive assessment. Corrective actions for potential problems in these areas may be located through the safety resources agencies listed in the Resources section of this guide.

A. General Classrooms	OK	Potential Problem	Recommended Action/Plan for Improvment	Date Corrected
Satisfactory housekeeping
Appropriate lighting
Floor in good condition
No protruding objects or potential hazards such as extension cords or improper grounding
Exits clearly illuminated with exit signs
Aisle widths and other paths of travel meet ADA accessibility requirements, especially in regard to entrance and exit
Emergency procedures with ADA guidelines are clearly posted
Furniture is in good repair
Light fixtures securely mounted, in good condition, and clean
Equipment is secure and in good condition
Operational fire alarm system (audio & visual)
Electrical outlets have safety caps (elementary schools)
Other
Signature of evaluator:				Date:

B. Science	OK	Potential Problem	Recommended Action/Plan for Improvment	Date Corrected
Restricted areas are clearly marked
Appropriate Chemical Management: • Stored in chemical families • Safe storage facilities (acid cabinets, flammables cabinets, secure and lipped shelving, no chemicals above eye level, etc.) • All chemicals labeled with hazards, date of purchase, etc. • Documentation of legal chemical disposal • Current chemical inventory list





Lab rules posted; safety orientation has been provided and signature indicating understanding is on file
Properly sanitized personal protective equipment (including Z87 safety eyewear) is provided
Class size appropriate for room space, number of laboratory stations, and activities
Functioning sinks and eye wash stations are readily accessible to all students, and inspected quarterly
Functioning lab shower provided, readily accessible to all students, and checked at least quarterly
Easily accessible 5ABC fire extinguisher with current inspection
Fire blanket is provided and easily accessible
Appropriate ventilation is provided for activities in the laboratory and the storeroom
Heavy items are stored on lower shelves
Chemical spill kit is readily accessible
Biological hazards are identified, labeled, and disposed of according to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
First aid kit is adequately stocked and readily accessible
Exit lights illuminated and have secondary power source
Electric outlets located outdoors or within 6’ of a water source are protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
Master shutoff valves readily accessible for gas, electricity, and water
Material Safety Data Sheets are readily accessible
Other
Signature of evaluator:				Date:

C. Agriculture	OK	Potential Problem	Recommended Action/Plan for Improvment	Date Corrected
Number of students appropriate for activities
Lab rules posted; safety orientation has been provided to students and signature indicating understanding is on file
Proper storage of chemicals and herbicides; Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are readily accessible
Properly sanitized personal protective equipment is provided
Proper handling, storage, and disposal of flammable and/or combustible liquids
Appropriate ventilation for activities
Functioning sinks and eye wash stations are readily accessible and inspected quarterly
First aid kit is adequately stocked and readily accessible
Proper exhaust/intake for activities
Chemical spill kit is readily accessible
Tools in good condition and stored properly
Ladders in good condition provided where necessary and proper instruction is provided by instructor
Heavy items are stored on lower shelves
Other
Signature of evaluator:				Date:

D. Family and Consumer Science	OK	Potential Problem	Recommended Action/Plan for Improvment	Date Corrected
Cooking units clean and free of grease
Number of students appropriate for activities
Lab/kitchen rules posted; safety orientation has been provided to students and signature indicating understanding is on file
5ABC fire extinguisher with current inspection properly mounted near exit
Appropriate ventilation for activities
Proper exhaust/intake for activities
Gas and electrical shutoff valves are readily accessible
Properly sanitized personal protective equipment is provided
First aid kit is adequately stocked and readily accessible
Clean-up kit is provided
Handwashing signs with proper handwashing technique are posted
Heavy items are stored on lower shelves
Other
Signature of evaluator:				Date:

E. Trade and Industrial	OK	Potential Problem	Recommended Action/Plan for Improvment	Date Corrected
A comprehensive safety program is in place and includes demonstrations, written tests, and performance assessments for the safe operation of each machine
Documentation of parental safety authorization
Student safety records and accident report forms are maintained for each student
Equipment with guards secured and in good condition
Lab rules posted; safety orientation has been provided to students and signature indicating understanding is on file
Number of students appropriate for activities
Multipurpose 5ABC fire extinguisher with current inspection properly mounted near exit
Safety zones marked near equipment
Compressed gas cylinders properly secured by drain or nesting
Appropriate ventilation for activities
Proper exhaust/intake for activities
Proper storage of flammable and/or combustible liquids
Tools in good condition and stored properly
Wires, plugs, and connectors are in good working order
Hoses and valves are in good working order
Welding curtains in welding areas
Properly sanitized personal protective equipment is provided
Gas and electrical shutoff valves are readily accessible
First aid kit is adequately stocked and readily accessible
Ladders in good condition provided where necessary
Heavy items are stored on lower shelves
Storage area is neat and clean
Proper disposal of waste materials
Other
Signature of evaluator:				Date:

F. Technology Education	OK	Potential Problem	Recommended Action/Plan for Improvment	Date Corrected
A comprehensive safety program is in place and includes demonstrations, written tests, and performance assessments for the safe operation of each machine
Student safety records, accident report forms, and parental safety authorization forms are maintained for each student
Properly sanitized personal protective equipment is provided
Lab rules are posted
Power machines are properly lubricated, guarded, and in good condition
Safety zones identified for each piece of stationary or portable equipment
Cutting edges are sharp and in good working order
Wires, plugs, and connectors are in good working order
Hoses and valves are in good working order
Automated equipment: cables are neat, wires are not frayed, limit switches and emergency switches are operational and unobstructed
Hand tools are sharp, properly stored, operational, and free of dirt and grease
Oily rags are disposed of in self-closing, noncombustible containers
Pressurized cylinders secured and canned properly
Welding curtains in welding area
Multipurpose 5ABC fire extinguishers with current inspection are readily accessible
Number of students appropriate for activities
Signs enforcing safe operation of machines are posted (i.e., jewelry removal, hair management)
Proper storage of flammable liquids
A noise assessment and reduction plan is in place
First aid kit is adequately stocked and readily accessible
Proper ventilation for activities; proper ventilation for toxic vapors
Ladders in good condition provided where necessary
Heavy items are stored on lower shelves
Storage area is neat and clean
Proper disposal of waste materials
Other
Signature of evaluator:				Date:

G. Graphic Design and Art	OK	Potential Problem	Recommended Action/Plan for Improvment	Date Corrected
Number of students appropriate for activities
Chemicals and art materials are handled, stored, and disposed of properly
Properly sanitized personal protective equipment is provided
Guarded equipment and tools are stored securely when not in use
Eye wash stations and sinks are readily accessible and inspected quarterly
Adequate ventilation for activities
Spills are cleaned immediately
Proper cleanup after activities (i.e., dusty or chemical-oriented activities)
First aid kit is adequately stocked and readily accessible
Other
H. Computer labs and library	OK	Potential Problem	Recommended Action/Plan for Improvment	Date Corrected
Books properly shelved; shelves are adequate for load
Electrical loads are placed on power strips (surge protectors)
Electrical cords are in good repair and do not obstruct aisles
Bookshelves and vertical cabinets are properly secured
Furniture appropriate for computer use
Other
Signature of evaluator:				Date: