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Fire Safety for Schools

A message from Captain Huck, Yarmouth Fire Department:
Cartoon Graphic of Dog in Fire Fighter Unifrom

Per Mass Fire Code CMR 527 1.00 20.2.4.4.2 Upholstered and molded plastic seating furniture shall be tested in accordance with the provisions of 12.6.3. This standard applies to all furnishings, such as draperies, curtains and rugs. It is commonly called the California Fire Rating. All furniture brought into the schools should adhere to this standard. On annual inspections any items not tagged properly will be have to be removed immediately.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Capt. Huck, YFD

Security

MIIA Bulletins

Message from MIIA regarding Tik Tok Challenge

February 11, 2020
Dear Member,
As you are likely aware, the latest TikTok challenge, the Outlet Challenge, involves partially placing a cell phone charger into an electrical outlet and then dropping a penny between the prongs and the outlet. This causes the outlet to short/ spark. Massachusetts has recently had a few incidents of electrical and fire damage to schools from this.
Hazards from this viral challenge include:
Injury - the short-circuiting of the outlet can cause anyone in proximity to suffer burns-on the face or body, possibly within the lungs; eye damage from the bright arc flash; shock or even electrocution. Clothing can catch on fire.
Property Damage - property damage can include damage within the electrical system itself and fire, smoke, and water damage. Also concerning is that a fire could be burning within the wall, undetected for an extended period of time.
Here is a link to the alert from the state Fire Marshal:
Tik Tok Challenge Tik Tok Challenge 2
We encourage our members to be aware of this, to be vigilant for signs of the challenge and or signs of fire, and to discuss with students if appropriate. Note that some students are facing criminal charges. We also encourage you to reach out to your local fire departments for more information or student education efforts.
Link to the OSHA Safety and Health Topic page for Electrical Safety: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/electrical/hazards.html
Link to NFPA's Public Education page for Electrical Safety: 
 
Sincerely,
The MIIA Risk Management Team
 
Portable Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are a potential source of fire if not used properly. The requirements listed below, applicable code requirements, and manufacturer’s recommendations must be followed to maintain a safe environment.

If a space cannot be adequately heated via the installed building heating system, do the following:

  • Contact Tufts Facilities Operations Desk to report the condition.
  • If the installed system cannot be repaired in a timely manner, Facilities may recommend a temporary space heater meeting the requirements listed below.
  • All heaters must be Underwriters Listed (UL) or Factory Mutual approved for their intended use.
  • Heaters must have a thermostat to automatically shut down the unit when the desired temperature is achieved.
  • Heaters must have a tip over automatic shut down feature.
  • Heaters must be kept at least 3 feet (36 inches) from all combustible materials e.g. file cabinets, desks, trash cans, paper boxes, etc.

If you will be using a portable space heater, ensure you follow these safety tips:

  • Do not place heaters under desks or other enclosed areas.
  • Heaters must be monitored when in operation.
  • Plug heater directly into a wall receptacle. Never plug it into an extension cord.
  • Heaters need to be monitored daily. Those heaters missing guards, control knobs, feet, etc. must be taken out of service immediately and repaired by a competent person.
  • Do not use heaters in rooms that will not be continually occupied.
  • Keep doors and windows closed, including storm windows. This will help prevent freeze-ups.
  • Keep space heaters away from exit ways, walkways and paths of travel.
  • Do not use space heaters in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
  • Do not use portable space heaters if small children are expected in the area.
  • No open-coil space heaters are permitted in any university buildings.
  • Space heaters of any type are prohibited in laboratories.

No open coil space heaters are permitted in any university buildings. Space heaters of any type are prohibited in laboratories.

port spac heat

If any of these conditions cannot be met, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office 617-627-3922 for assistance.
For further information on Campus Fire Safety go to www.campusfiresafety.org