Safety in the Classroom

John Lutz

LCESC

Safety Officer

A neat, supervised classroom is a safe classroom.

Electricity Avoid use of extension cords. If you must use one, use a HEAVY DUTY

CORD; do not overload. Place cords where no one will trip over

them.

Space Heaters

If you must use a heater, place it away from anything that might catch fire.

Be sure it is turned off when not in use (better yet… unplug it)

Always unplug at the end of the day.

Ladders

If you need something out of reach, never stand on a chair, desk or window sill.

Ask the custodian for a ladder. Be cautious about having a student climb

to obtain something overhead.

Spray Cleaners

Do not bring any kind of spray or cleaner into the classroom.

Students might have allergies, asthma, etc.

Ask the custodian for spray cleaners. The custodian will know if there are any

harmful chemicals in the cleaners used in the building.

Material Data Sheet (MSDS)

OSHA requires that a Material Data Sheet (MSDS) be on file for any cleaner used in the school.

If you insist on bringing something in, tell your custodian so that he can obtain an MSDS for that item.

Lock up anything you bring in.

Material Data Sheet (MSDS)

MSDS Lists:

Section 1: Manufacturer/ Name Section 2: Hazardous Ingredients Section 3: Physical Data Section 4: Fire and Explosion Hazard Data Section 5: Reactivity Data Section 6: Health Hazard Data Section 7: Precaution for Safe Handling and

Use Section 8: Control Measures

Bug Sprays or Deodorizers

Don’t bring them into the classroom. Ask the custodian to spray for you. You would not want a child to have a

reaction or become ill due to a spray you brought in.

Shelves

Don’t overload. If it is bowing, it is overloaded.

An overloaded shelf can fall and injure a child.

If you are hanging a shelf close to the ceiling, OSHA regulates distance between the sprinkler and items on the shelf.

TV Stands & Carts

Be careful about allowing students to move TVs on carts. Students have been killed by falling TVs.

Folding Tables

Folding tables can be dangerous if not set up properly. Be cautious of allowing students to move them or set them up.

Food

If having a snack or party, be aware of food contents; students may have allergies to peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, etc.

Don’t depend on a student to tell you about their allergies.

See the student’s emergency medical form or ask parents for this information when planning to provide food.

Classroom VolunteersParents Visiting the

School Check your district policy on volunteers and visitors in the classroom.

Do not share confidential information with volunteers and visitors.

Student Pick - Up

Be aware of who is permitted to pick a student up from school.

Examine notes carefully; if in doubt call the parent.

The student’s Emergency Medical Form should list the individuals approved to pick up a child.

Administering Medication

Check the district policy on administering medication, inhalers, etc.

Be cautious of allowing students to use hand cream or lotions which could trigger an allergic reaction.

Some students have extremely sensitive skin.

Lice

Know your district policy on dealing with Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis).

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/factsht_head_lice.htm

Tornado and Fire DrillProcedures

Post Tornado and Fire Drill Procedures. Review the procedures with classroom aides

and students. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE the drill. Teach students how to line up, exit the room and

the building safely and in an orderly fashion. Take your grade book with you. Check for missing students. Whenever a new student or staff member joins

your class, go over these procedures with them. Make sure you know your building procedures!

Hazards

Always be on the look out for potential safety hazards.

Report any hazards to the Principal and/ or Custodian.

Protect you students!

New Staff and Students

Always cover your classroom procedures and routines with new students and staff.

Save a copy of the letter that you send home at the beginning of the year. You will want to share the same information with students who join your class later in the year.

Reporting Injuries

Your district should have a procedure for reporting any injuries that take place at school.

Check with your building principal to see if there is a form that you need to use.

Report ofOccupational Injury Or Illness

Lifting & Sitting

When lifting, lift with your legs. Learn the proper posture for setting at

your desk (sitting improperly for years can cause irreparable harm and discomfort).

Elbow and hand placement on the computer keyboard is important to avoid injury.

Bullying

Stop Bullying when you see it. You can make a difference to a

child who is being bullied. Make school a happy place for all

students!

Bullying

160,000 children miss school each day because they are afraid (Fried & Fried,1996)

Former school bullies are 4 times more likely to be convicted of serious crimes by the time they are 24 (Olweus, 1993)

Know the characteristics of targets and bullies.

Terrorism

Be aware of anything unusual or suspicious in the building or on school grounds – it could be a bag, box or person.

Your district and building should have a school safety plan.

Contact Me

John LutzSpecial Education Supervisor, Safety Officer,

Transportation and Maintenance Contact

Licking County Educational Service Center

675 Price Road

Newark, OH 43055

Ph. (740) 349-6101 Cell 740-404-4150

Fax (740) 349-6107

E-Mail: jlutz@laca.org