18 Essential Inspections for a Safe Back-to-School Season

As school leaders gear up for the upcoming academic year, ensuring a safe learning environment is a top priority. With numerous facilities and equipment to manage, conducting thorough inspections is crucial. This blog outlines 18 critical inspections every school district should conduct before the start of the school year. These inspections cover a wide range of areas, from fire safety to equipment checks, and are essential to ensure a safe and secure back-to-school experience for students, staff, and visitors.

1.      Aisles and Passageways:

One of the primary safety considerations in schools is the unobstructed movement of students and staff. Start the school year on the right foot by inspecting aisles and passageways. Ensure they are clear of any obstructions to facilitate safe movement throughout the school premises.

2.      Auto Shop Vehicle Lifts:

For schools with auto shops, inspecting vehicle lifts is paramount to ensure they meet safety standards and provide a secure environment for students and instructors.

Per the American National Standards Institute, all vehicle lifts must be inspected annually by a qualified lift inspector. The lift inspection is a thorough evaluation of the operating mechanism(s), safety system(s), maintenance, structural integrity, and field modifications of a lift in order to identify any risks which may affect the ability of that lift to operate in a safe and reliable manner.

3.      Bleachers:

Safety should extend to sports facilities too. Inspect bleachers for structural integrity, seating capacity, and general safety to prevent accidents during sports events. If you have telescopic or retractable gymnasium bleachers, they should be inspected prior to each usage.

4.      Boiler (External Inspection):

Boilers are critical for maintaining a comfortable learning environment. Inspections to identify any signs of wear, leaks, or potential hazards, must be conducted by a qualified inspector.

5.      Elevator Inspections and Tests:

For multi-story buildings, elevators are essential for accessibility. Regular inspections and tests guarantee their proper functioning, reduce the risk of malfunctions, and ensure compliance with ADA.

During inspections, they should check for proper operation of doors, emergency buttons, and safety sensors. Additionally, they must verify that elevator certificates are up-to-date and that all necessary maintenance has been conducted as per manufacturer’s recommendations.

6.      Emergency Lights:

Emergency lights play a crucial role during power outages or emergencies. Regularly inspect and test them to ensure they are operational when needed.

Per code, emergency lights must be inspected and tested annually, with the lights being operated on emergency power for the full minimum of ninety (90) minutes, to verify that they are in good condition and the battery circuits are operational. Because this annual test takes the place of the monthly required test, the lamps should be inspected for condition as per usual.

Documentation of emergency light testing is also required by code. Therefore, the test form must be available at all times to regulatory agencies and district administration.

7.      Eyewash Stations & Emergency Showers:

Safety in science labs and workshops is paramount. During inspections, school district leaders should check for things like adequate water flow and temperature, clear access to the stations, proper signage, and cleanliness. These thorough inspections are essential to comply with safety regulations and prevent potential risks, creating a safe and prepared environment for students and staff.

8.      Fire Extinguishers:

Properly functioning fire extinguishers are vital for fire safety. Inspect all extinguishers to confirm they are in good working condition and within their expiration dates. NFPA shares that the minimum requirements for an inspection include:

• Make sure it is located in its designated place
• Make sure the extinguisher is visible or that there is signage indicating where the extinguisher is located
• Make sure you can easily access the extinguisher
• Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position
• Make sure it is full, this can be done by just lifting the extinguisher or you can weigh it
• For wheeled extinguishers, make sure the condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle are acceptable
• For nonrechargeable extinguishers, operate the push-to-test pressure indicators

9.      Fire Extinguishers (Annual Recharge):

Once inspected, schedule fire extinguishers for recharge per the manufacturer recommendations to maintain their effectiveness. This should be completed by a skilled professional.

10.   Fume Hoods:

In science labs, fume hoods are used to protect students and staff from harmful fumes. Inspect these hoods to ensure they are properly ventilated and functioning correctly.

11.  Hand and Portable Powered Tools:

OSHA requires regular inspections of hand and portable powered tools for maintenance and custodial staff safety. These inspections play a vital role in identifying defects and hazards, ensuring compliance with safety standards. By adhering to OSHA requirements, school districts can create a safer working environment and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries related to these tools.

12.  Kiln:

Regular inspections of kilns are crucial to ensure they are in proper working condition and meet safety standards. The most common risks with kilns include fire hazards, electrical malfunctions, and improper ventilation, which can lead to harmful fumes. By conducting thorough inspections, schools can ensure proper functioning and minimize the risk of accidents, providing a safer environment for students and staff working with kilns in art or science classes.

13.  Laboratory Safety:

Science labs require special attention to safety. Conduct thorough laboratory safety inspections to ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations. This can include ensuring chemicals are properly stored and labeled, and that safety data sheets are up to date.

14.  Playground and Equipment:

For elementary schools, playground safety is essential. Inspect all playground equipment to ensure it is safe for use. You’ll also want to check things like the condition of protective surfacing, ensure there aren’t trip hazards or clothing entanglement hazards, and that there is proper drainage.

15.  Portable Ladders:

Ladders pose a huge safety risk. So much so that some construction companies have policies banning ladders usage and opt for building temporary scaffolds or using cherry pickers instead. Regular inspections of portable ladders are essential to identify signs of wear, damage, or instability. Check for missing or loose rungs, bent or corroded parts, and proper functioning of locks and hinges. Proper maintenance and inspection help ensure the safe use of portable ladders, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries for maintenance staff and students.

16.  Safety Checklists by School Staff:

Empower school staff to help build a culture of safety by distributing and ask school staff to review safety issues applicable to their workplace. This process provides feedback to district administration regarding safety hazards in the schools, while at the same time providing school staff with an awareness of safe work practices, safe job procedures, and safety regulations.

17.  Safety Inspection (by Central Staff):

Designate a central staff team to conduct comprehensive safety inspections throughout the district to ensure consistency and adherence to safety standards. These inspections should cover fire and emergency exits, electrical systems, ventilation, staircases, and other critical infrastructure. By carrying out regular safety assessments, schools can proactively address any issues, ensuring the well-being and security of students, staff, and visitors.

18.  Theater Stage Inspection:

For schools with theaters or auditoriums, stage safety is critical. Regular inspections of theater stages are critical for identifying and mitigating the most common hazards. These may include faulty lighting fixtures, unstable rigging systems, damaged props or scenery, uneven flooring, and inadequate emergency exits. By addressing these potential risks proactively, schools can create a safer environment for performers and audience members alike, fostering a positive and secure theater experience.

As school leaders gear up for the back-to-school season, conducting these 18 essential inspections will help create a safe and secure learning environment for everyone. From fire safety to equipment checks, each inspection plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth start to the new academic year. By prioritizing safety, school leaders can build a foundation of trust, confidence, and support within the entire school community.