As you return to school after a well-deserved holiday break, January is an ideal time for your custodial staff to review the following safety items. This checklist can help ensure that you're well prepared for the second half of the school year:
Take an inventory of hazardous substances and make sure they are clearly marked and out of reach of students.
Review your Material Safety Data Sheets - make sure they are current and complete for each building and area.
- Check all the locks on external doors and windows.
- Check exterior and interior walkways and entrances to be sure they are not slick and are easily passable.
- Check all emergency exits to confirm they are functional and unobstructed from view.
- Test all fire and smoke alarm systems to make sure that they are in proper working order.
- Check that the heat is working correctly and that the air filters are clean.
- Inspect ceilings for leakage.
- Check all fire extinguishers to make sure they are in proper working order.
- Check your HVAC systems to ensure they are all functioning accurately.
SafeSchools Training offers 50 Environmental Safety courses that provide in-depth coverage for many of the topics listed above and many of these courses are also available in Spanish or as Refresher courses. Here's to a safe and injury-free second half of the school year!
For more information about these and other SafeSchools Training courses, contact Deneen Hansen at dhansen@msbo.org, or email SafeSchools at info@safeschools.com.