TO:Banning Unified School District Employees

MEMORANDUM

TO:Banning Unified School District Employees

From: Mr. Robert T. Guillen, Superintendent

RE:Health & Safety for Instructional Areas

Date: August 8, 2017

In an effort to comply with CAL OSHA, Hazardous Communications Regulations, Uniform Fire Code, California Health & Safety Code, Property & Liability, Williams Legislation, National School Lunch Program, State Department of Pesticide Regulation, etc., we must take immediate steps as follows:

1. Please be advised that there can no longer be any small appliances, such as microwaves, electric coffee pots, toasters and/or toaster ovens, of any kind located or used in any instructional area, especially the classroom with the exception of what is listed in number 2.This includes power air fresheners.

1. For safety and cleaning purposes, refrigerators in the classroom can be allowed within the following precautions: 2008 or newer model, no exposed coils, and there will be a cost associated with having a refrigerator in the classrooms. Currently, there are some full-size refrigerators in the classrooms. No refrigerator into which a small child can climb should be located in an instructional environment. All refrigerators located in classrooms and individual offices (i.e., Business Services) must comply with the following size restrictions and will be charged a yearly fee:

1. Fee Schedule – 1.5 cubic feet refrigerator = $40 per year
2. Fee Schedule – between 1.6 and 2.0 cubic feet refrigerator = $50 per year

1. Paper material and artwork shall cover no more than 20% of the classroom wall surface, must be two feet from the ceiling(which includes the storage of materials), and ten feet from exits (classroom doors). Covering of classroom windows is prohibited. No materials shall be affixed to, or within five feet of exit doors, alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers or exit signs. Do not in any way obstruct doorways or pathways.

Do not use ordinary transparent tape, magic tape, double-stick tape, masking tape, painter tape, nails, glue, etc. on any painted surface or the carpet. Use Wallsaver Poster Tape only after written approval from Maintenance administration.

Nothing is to be hung from the ceiling nor should wire be strung for hanging of objects. Anything found to be out of compliance will be removed without notice.

1. Restrictions of pets and plants in the classroom. It is to be understood that the adult bears full responsibility and liability for the behavior of the animal while on District grounds. To bring animals to school, you must first obtain the written consent of the Site Administrator.

If it becomes necessary, your Site Administrator can approve small potted plants. However, if it becomes necessary to spray the plants for pests or it requires appropriate care treatment, the employee must take the plant home. Air quality is a concern and these types of issues can cause illness in students. All small pots, decorations, and equipment must be safely placed or secured, per earthquake standards.

Regarding allowing aquariums and terrarium in the classrooms, aquarium and terrarium constructed primarily of glass should be avoided. Plexiglas or acrylics are preferred over glass. If glass must be used, it should be coated with a safety film to prevent shattering. Aquarium should not be located near electrical outlets except if the outlets are on ground fault interrupt circuits.

1. Outside food for parties, or otherwise, will be greatly reduced. All parties require prior Principal approval. Parties should be scheduled in the afternoon, so as not to compete with District nutritional services. Food serving areas should be given first consideration for party utilization. It will be the responsibility of teachers to clean-up the classroom or area after the pre-approved party, as animals and insects are attracted to food in the classroom.

1. Hazardous, cleaning, and sanitizing/deodorizing materials are not allowed to be in or stored in instructional/classroom areas. Only authorized individuals, such as custodial staff, who are trained in the proper use of approved cleaning materials, etc., can utilize the materials for the purpose of cleaning the District facilities.

Simple Green may be used by teachers, but must be in original container/well labeled. The Simple Green must be stored in a locked custodial closet, a locked cabinet in the administrative office or taken home with teacher. Air fresheners of any kind may not be used.

Per a clarification issued by the State Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), the use of disinfecting wipes are no longer allowed in standard offices, classrooms and other instructional areas.

1. Junk food (i.e., candy, sodas, nachos, and punch) can no longer be offered or sold to students. The sale of food items by outside vendors on campus is prohibited, unless preauthorized by the Food Service Director.

1. Unless there is a prior approval by appropriate channels of Administration for non-District furniture/property that meets all District specifications, all private furniture/property will need to be removed from the classrooms. All non-District purchased excess materials will need prior authorization from the Site Administrator, and the Director of Maintenance and Operations, and it must be documented and on file in the school office.

1. Classroom teachers must list any special equipment necessary for Science in their lesson plans and these must be approved by their Site Administrator for a temporary, specified time.

1. Staff lounges can have a traditional refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pots for staff use. Please work with your co-workers and Site Administration in properly equipping and the upkeep of your staff lounge.

1. Under no circumstances are any appliances of any type, including lamps, to be plugged into a wall socket with inappropriate, non-approved extension cords, as per Fire Marshall Out-of-Compliance Inspection Reports. All extension cords must be approved by the Director of Maintenance and Operations, and under no circumstances may anycord or power electronic device be extended across the classroom.

1. All BUSD employees must have permission from their supervisor before deviating from this direction. In addition, a “Temporary Use of Personal Property/Animals on School Premises” form must be completed prior to personal furniture or animals being brought onto District premises.