Safety in the Classroom

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Safety in the Classroom

• John Lutz
• LCESC
• Safety Officer

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A neat, supervised classroom is a safe classroom.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Material Data Sheet (MSDS)
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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

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Bug Sprays or Deodorizers

• Dont 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.

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Shelves

• Dont 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.

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TV Stands Carts

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

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Folding Tables

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

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Food

• If having a snack or party, be aware of food
  contents students may have allergies to peanuts,
  peanut oil, peanut butter, etc.
• Dont depend on a student to tell you about their
  allergies.
• See the students emergency medical form or ask
  parents for this information when planning to
  provide food.

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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.

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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 students Emergency Medical Form should list
  the individuals approved to pick up a child.

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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.

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Lice

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

http//www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/facts
ht_head_lice.htm
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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!

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Hazards

• Always be on the look out for potential safety
  hazards.
• Report any hazards to the Principal and/ or
  Custodian.
• Protect you students!

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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.

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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.

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Report of Occupational Injury Or Illness
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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Contact Me

• John Lutz
• Special Education Supervisor, Safety Officer,
  Transportation and Maintenance Contact
• Licking County Educational Service Center
• 675 Price Road
• Newark, OH 43055
• Ph. [phone] Cell 740-404-4150
• Fax [phone]
• E-Mail jlutz_at_laca.org