School Safety Tips

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Slips/Trip/Falls

  • Keep walkways and stairs clear of clutter.
  • Clean up spills immediately. Block off contaminated areas and continue to use caution signs while the floor is drying.
  • Be careful on freshly waxed and polished floors.
  • Cover or secure cords, cables, wires, or hoses and keep them away from high traffic areas.
  • Keep floors around your desk/workspace free of cords, boxes, materials, papers, and other objects.
  • Make sure rugs at entrances and exits are in good condition, lie flat, and are secured.
  • Repair or replace any damaged flooring, breaks in concrete, or potholes in the parking lot as needed.
  • Take extra time and pay closer attention when walking in/on rain, snow, and ice.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings, look where you are going, and pay attention to slip and trip hazards.
  • Wear appropriate footwear, such as nonskid, slip-resistant shoes.
  • Report or resolve any unsafe slip, trip, and fall conditions.

Lifting/Material Handling

  • Utilize the Six “Ls” of lifting:
    • Load – Check the load.
    • Legs – Lift with your legs.
    • Lungs – Exhale when lifting.
    • Low back – Do not slouch shoulders.
    • Lever arm – Keep load close to your body.
    • Look up – Look up before you lift.
  • Ensure items/boxes are of manageable size and weight.
  • Use dollies and carts.
  • Team lifting when possible.
  • Make multiple trips. Although tempting, don’t try to make it all in one trip.

Ladder Safety

  • Use secure step stools and ladders. Do not use a rolling chair.
  • Get help when needed.
  • Don’t overreach when on step stools and ladders.
  • Take your time and don’t take shortcuts.
  • Make sure footwear and ladder rungs are clean and dry.
  • Face the ladder at all times.
  • Maintain three points of contact.
  • Place your foot on the step or rung under the ball of your foot.
  • Inspect ladders before using.
  • Set up ladders or step stools on firm, solid ground.
  • Use the right height ladder for the job.
  • Do not stand or sit on the top step of a step ladder.

Electrical Safety

  • Don’t overload outlets.
  • Make sure electrical breaker boxes are accessible at all times. Boxes need to be accessible in case of emergency or quick shutoff.
  • Do not store items in electrical rooms and on the floor in front of electrical breaker boxes.
  • Always give a 3-foot clearance around the breaker box for access.
  • Breaker boxes should be covered, and doors should be closed.
  • There should be no missing breakers in the panel box that would allow you to come in contact with the “energized” bus bar. Knockouts should be put in place.
  • Electrical tape or any tape should not cover a breaker. The breaker should never be secured in the open position.
  • Label all breakers on the inside cover of the breaker box. This lets you know which breaker controls a certain area of your facility or house.
  • Practice lockout/tagout procedures to block the flow of energy from power source to the equipment (maintenance and custodial staff).
  • Inspect all extension cords to make sure they are in good condition (no cut insulation, exposed wiring, missing grounding pin, etc.).

Hazard Communication

  • Make sure all chemicals are properly labeled.
  • Safety Data Sheets must be kept on file for all chemicals that are being used.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when working with chemicals.
  • No mixing of chemicals.
  • Flammable and combustible liquids should be properly stored.

Safety Devices

  • Fire Extinguishers:
    • Make sure all extinguishers are not blocked and are easily accessible.
    • All fire extinguishers must be properly hung on the wall.
    • Service all fire extinguishers on an annual basis.
    • Inspect fire extinguishers monthly and document on the inspection tag.
    • How to use a fire extinguisher (P.A.S.S. technique):
      • Pull the pin.
      • Aim at base of fire.
      • Squeeze
      • Sweep side-to-side at base of fire until fire appears out.
    • Eyewash Station/Shower:
      • Make sure the station is regularly inspected and maintained on a regular basis.
      • The eyewash station should not be blocked and should be easily accessible.
      • Make sure the eyewash is clean and free from dirt and debris.
    • Automated External Defibrillator (AED):
      • Make sure the AED is not blocked and is easily accessible.
      • Inspect and service (if needed) the unit on a monthly basis. This needs to be done to make sure the AED is functioning properly and ready to go in case of an emergency.

 

KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision, or manufacturers’ instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warranty that you will be in conformity with any laws or regulations nor does it ensure the absolute safety of any person, place, or object, including, but not limited to, you, your occupation, employees, customers, or place of business.

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