Question: Can decorations, plants and teaching materials be displayed or attached to the lay-in-tile ceilings of a classroom?
Answer: No. The hanging and displaying of decorative materials is prohibited form acoustical (lay-in) ceiling systems that are part of a fire resistance rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly according to article 703.3 of the 2002 edition of the NC Fire Prevention Code.
Question: Can the extra space in the boiler, mechanical and electrical rooms be utilized for storage of school teaching supplies, files or equipment?
Answer: No. Combustible materials can not be stored in boiler, mechanical or electrical equipment rooms according to article 315.2.3 of the 2002 edition of the NC Fire Prevention Code.
Question: Can student evaluation and tutoring stations be placed in corridors outside of classrooms? Also, what about vending machines used to supplement school revenues?
Answer: Chapter 10 Means of Egress, of the 2002 edition of the NC Fire Prevention Code states that: “1011.2 Reliability, Required exit accesses, exits or exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency.” Truly this comes down to a “common sense” approach. Tables, chairs, benches, vending machines and the like obviously take up space and create “obstructions” in exit corridors. Vending machines should not be located in exit corridors or by an exit or outlet door as this creates an egress hazard. This type of equipment should be located in designated break rooms or concession / cafeteria type areas. Student desk, chairs and the like also create “obstructions” when left unattended. A practical solution would be to utilize media centers, cafeterias (when empty), conference rooms and the like to avoid placing furniture in exit corridors.
Question: During the year we like to brighten up our school by decorating our corridor walls and doors, is this acceptable?
Answer: The decorating of classroom doors and corridor walls is a common issue through out the state. Though imaginative and attractive this practice does create a potential hazard to the overall fire safety picture with respect to the classroom. The addition of a combustible material (i.e. paper, cloth and/or plastic) to an egress door not only degrades the effectiveness of the doors fire resistance rating, but also has the potential for introducing flame directly into the room (or face) of whomever opens it. Section 803.1.2 Fire-retardant coatings & 803.3.2 Artwork, of the 2002 edition of the NC Fire Prevention Code address this as follows: “Fire-retardant coatings shall be maintained so as to retain the effectiveness of the treatment under service conditions encountered in actual use.”
“Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls or corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.” With this said, the decorating of classroom doors is not allowed and walls should be kept to the above code or less. As an option (obtain prior approval of your school system Maintenance Director first) walls of corridors can be painted (with appropriate water based paint) with decorative scenes or murals.
Question: During the school term classrooms and offices sometimes get cold. During these times I use a portable space heater. Is that a problem?
Answer: Yes. Though not specifically banned by the fire codes, their use in a classroom or office is definitely a fire hazard. The reasons these units are problems are many. First, these devices produce a heat source capable of igniting many combustible materials found in offices and classrooms. Secondly, often times the devices are left un-attended while still on. Third, a lot of them are being used improperly such as with, undersized, un-grounded or un-approved extension cords, to close to combustibles or placed under desk, tables and the like. Fourth, some older (and newer) models do not have the required automatic “tip-over” shut off switches. Fifth, the energy consumption requirements and strain placed on building electrical systems. Should it be necessary to have supplemental heat in an office or classroom, the school system Maintenance Director should be contacted for heating corrections, or the proper installation of temporary supplemental heating.
Question: I like the effects of aroma and fragrance candles in my classroom, are there problems with using them?
Answer: Yes. Open flames are a real hazard, especially in the classroom setting. The 2002 edition of the NC Fire Prevention Code addresses this in 308.3 Open Flame as well. This section states: “A person shall not utilize or allow to be utilized, an open flame in connection with a public meeting or gathering for the purpose of deliberation, worship, entertainment, amusement, instruction, education, recreation, awaiting transportation or similar purpose in assembly or educational occupancies without first obtaining a permit in accordance with section 105.6.”
The reason for this is that they are lit and at times left un-attended, placed to close to combustible materials, placed on un-stable surfaces or in areas where they can be easily disturbed. Some have even been found lit on lower shelves of bookcases. In any of these situations a major hazard to life and property exist from fire.
Question: I know we need to keep MSDSs, but how do I get them?
Answer: The best way to make sure you always have the most current MSDS is to either request an MSDS before ordering the product or to include one of the following statement in your Check Request (in the “Materials Required” section) or Purchase Order (in the “Description” section) when you order supplies (1) “SEND MSDS W/PRODUCT AND SHIP PRODUCT DIRECTLY TO (your name/address);” (2) “SEND MSDS TO (your name/address)” or (3) “SEND MSDS WITH PRODUCT.”
Here are some good websites form which you can print out or request MSDSs. All the internet addresses below were correct as of March 2005.
Search for a manufacturer name (not a product name) to connect to the manufacturer’s MSDS website.
Question: How is workers’ compensation premium discount calculated?
Answer: ALICAP uses the Nebraska insurance industry standard which uses the following size-of-risk discount table:
| First | $5,000 | 0% |
| Next | $95,000 | 10.9% |
| Next | $400,000 | 12.6% |
| Over | $500,000 | 14.4% |
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