Why inspections are essential for risk management
Key takeaways:
- CM Regent offers several online resources to help schools manage the many kinds of inspections they need to conduct.
- While several kinds of inspections only need to take place annually, staff members should regularly inspect school sidewalks for hazards.
- Schools also should regularly inspect playground areas and equipment.
Inspections are a tedious but necessary part of school administration. To appropriately manage risks, leaders need to make sure equipment is functioning well, materials haven’t fallen into disrepair, and systems are in top shape.
CM Regent offers a handy Inspection Cheat Sheet school administrators can pass along in times of transition. This list helps account for some tasks that could be otherwise forgotten. We have also compiled workplace hazard criteria for schools, delineated by common spaces and school-specific operations. Schools can use these criteria to create individualized inspection checklists.
Here, we highlight a few of the most important inspections and how you can accomplish them.
Depending on the types of performances that take place in a school auditorium, a stage curtain can take quite a bit of abuse over the course of a year. To reduce the risk of fire in the facility, schools should take the following steps:
- Annually inspect the auditorium curtains for damage, dust accumulations and other potential nearby hazards or ignition sources. The inspections should be documented so the school can keep clear records.
- Maintain flame resistance by verifying during annual inspections, by a qualified inspector, that the flame-resistant rating is provided for each curtain, and how long this rating is effective.
Schools use laundry dryers for a variety of purposes, including family consumer science classes, culinary arts programs and custodial operations. These machines should be inspected at least once a year to check that:
- The dryer uses a compatible fuel source. Schools should only use a natural gas compatible dryer with natural gas as the fuel source, and a liquified petroleum gas (LPG) compatible dryer with LPG as the fuel source.
- Electrical components are properly installed. If they aren’t, this could lead to a Class C electrical fire.
- There is no accumulated lint debris. The exhaust duct to the outside should be cleaned to remove this debris.
- There is no buildup of carbon monoxide. Inspectors should make sure the exhaust vent flap opens fully when the dryer is operating. Carbon monoxide buildup could lead to a serious safety issue.
Winter weather can cause sidewalks to fall into disrepair. To stay ahead of hazards, school districts should develop a sidewalk inspection program. This program should include:
- A regular schedule of staff members who walk all sidewalks and note problems.
- A repair and maintenance procedure policy. If there are budget limitations, school districts should concentrate on the most obvious problems and high traffic areas.
- A clear record of all inspections, the areas that were inspected, any issues discovered and what will be done about them.
Chemicals in science labs, vocational classrooms or maintenance storage areas can be a major hazard if schools don’t take proper steps. On a regular basis, they should:
- Inspect chemical containers, labeling and other concerns in the area, and address issues promptly.
- Complete an annual chemical inventory of each work area where chemicals are stored. The inventory will also help reduce quantities of chemicals on-site and promote proper disposal practices.
While schools should hire a professional to complete annual playground equipment inspection, they should also be performing regular, smaller inspections themselves. The most important areas to inspect include:
- Surfacing – There should be adequate depth of cushioning to absorb falls, and there shouldn’t be any trip hazards like rocks or roots.
- Entrapment – There should not be any gaps that can cause head or limb entanglement, or protruding bolts that can catch clothing.
- Equipment – Schools should look for loose/missing bolts, rust, cracks, sharp edges and worn chains, as well as equipment that may have been moved into the use zones of playground equipment (benches, riding toys, playboards, etc.).
Inspections are a vital part of a school’s risk management program. Executed properly, they can prevent many kinds of injuries and damage to property.
Check out additional inspection resources to help maintain your equipment, grounds and buildings.
Questions about inspections
Q: Why are inspections an important part of a school’s risk management program?
A: They help school leaders identify hazards early, ensure equipment and systems are functioning properly, and reduce the likelihood of injuries or property damage.
Q: What should schools look for during annual auditorium curtain inspections?
A: They should check for damage, dust buildup, nearby ignition sources and confirm flame-resistant ratings are clearly documented and still valid.
Q: What are key safety concerns when inspecting laundry dryers in schools?
Inspectors should verify the correct fuel source, ensure electrical components are properly installed and check for lint or carbon monoxide buildup.
A: Why are regular playground inspections necessary in addition to professional inspections?
Routine checks help schools quickly identify loose parts, unsafe surfacing or entrapment hazards before they lead to student injuries.
