Key Takeaways Complete preventive maintenance early. Check alignment, tires, brakes, hydraulics, lights and other critical components before severe weather arrives. Verify plow attachments. Follow manufacturer requirements and make sure mounting hardware, connections and the blade are secure before operation. Know…
Key Takeaways Keep mobile cooking equipment beneath the appropriate automatic suppression-system nozzles. When you move equipment, you can put it outside the system’s intended protection area. Use breakaway gas valves on movable gas-fired equipment. If equipment is pulled away and…
Key Takeaways Grease-producing cooking equipment requires protection. Any piece of equipment that produces grease-laden vapors should be protected by a properly designed ventilation hood and automatic fire suppression system. Inspection and cleaning are just as important as installation. Regular inspections,…
Key Takeaways Anchoring equipment prevents injuries and accidents. Properly secured pedestal and bench equipment are less likely to tip, slide or shift during operation, helping protect students, staff and visitors. Stable machinery performs better and lasts longer. Anchored equipment experiences…
Key takeaways Machine guarding is a leadership responsibility. Proper guards, safety procedures and supervision help reduce the risk of serious injuries in school shops, STEAM labs and maintenance areas. Training and PPE are essential safeguards. Students and staff should receive…
Key Takeaways Avoid makeshift repairs and shortcuts. Improvised tools, modified equipment and non-approved replacement parts can significantly increase the risk of injuries, fires and property damage during school-based vehicle restoration and vocational projects. Hot work activities require strict controls. Welding,…
Key takeaways: There’s no question fire suppression systems are vital for schools — but they should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure they can continue to keep students and staff safe. Schools can accomplish monthly inspections of their…
Key takeaways: Apiaries, or bee habitations, are becoming increasingly common in schools. It’s important that districts with apiaries create policies establishing clear rules. Parental permission is key for students who are participating in a beekeeping program. Parents or guardians need…
Key takeaways: Some of the biggest risks in theater prop storage areas include fire, falls and falling objects. Staff and students should work to minimize clutter that can cause both a trip-and-fall hazard and a risk of fire. To prevent…
Key takeaways: School greenhouses have the potential to become dangerously hot and humid. That’s why they should have a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature meter. If students and staff are harvesting food in the greenhouse, they need to inspect it before…