SCHOOL SAFETY

Each facility should maintain a copy of the APS School Safety Manual. The manual discusses general procedure and includes sections which are designed to comply with specific laws and regulations. The manual can be used by safety committees to inspect premises and arrange training.

A variety of governmental regulations apply to safety and health. These laws are changed and modified periodically. Risk Management is responsible for monitoring these laws and assuring schools and various operations to come into compliance.

Periodic instruction is required by OSHA laws for particular hazards. Site managers will schedule time training, orientation and safety topics. Risk Management is available to make inspections and to discuss safety topics with safety committees, or staff.

Dangerous or High Risk Activities:

The following activities are prohibited:

1. Bonfires (Fire code violation),
2. Car caravans (Auto liability),
3. Buy-out assemblies (discrimination issue),
4. Overnight sleep-overs on school property (Fire code Violation) Emergency provisions are permitted. Schools may be used as disaster shelters,
5. Ditch days,
6. Pony rides,
7. Trampolines,
8. Hazing,
9. Aircraft on school facilities - this includes helicopter and hot-air balloons (this does not include hot air balloons sponsored and insured by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta participating in the annual Albuquerque Aloft event),
10. Students transporting students without parent permission. For insurance and liability questions, contact Risk Management,
11. Loft structures in classrooms,
12. Extension cords as permanent wiring (fire code violation),
13. Personal electrical appliances in offices or classrooms, e.g. microwaves, toaster ovens, coffee makers, space heaters. (fire code and electrical infrastructure issue)

Stoves are allowed in teachers lounges and kindergarten classrooms, however fire codes require they only be used for warming food. Stoves used for frying and cooking, such as those in kitchens or home economic rooms must be vented to the outside and must also be installed with an appropriate fire suppression system.

School Safety Committee

The negotiated agreements require that all schools have Safety Committees. The members of the Safety Committee may be chosen by the school faculty or appointed by the principal at the beginning of each school year. Responsibilities and membership of the committee is detailed in the school safety manual.

References: Board Policy E.01

Science Safety Manual

Lab Safety Chemical Hygiene Plan

State Vocational Safety Guide

Safety Checklist, Home Economics

Safety Checklist Business Education

APS School Safety Manual

NSBA/NEPN Classification: EB

Revised: May 1995

Revised: April 1996

Revised: June 1997

Revised: June 16, 1999

Revised: September 2005