Door mats Reducing the amount of dust and dirt that gets carried into schools on shoes makes it easier to keep a school clean with less effort. Door mats should be located at every entrance and should be long enough to allow five full steps for people entering the building. Mats should be cleaned daily, vacuuming the surface at least once in each direction using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum.
Fire extinguisher Fire extinguishers in schools should be of an approved type, placed in appropriate locations and checked regularly. Choose combination fire extinguishers that can be used on more than one type of fire. An ABC type extinguisher can be used on any fire.
Water fountain Water fountains and the areas around them should be regularly checked for leaks or damp spots. Leaks or drips from water fountains can cause mold growth on surfaces around or on the floor under the water fountain, especially if the floor is carpeted. Splashboards behind water fountains help prevent walls from getting wet. Water quality information can be obtained from your public water utility. If your water comes from a school well, it must be tested regularly.
Recycling bin Recycling saves energy, money, raw materials and the environment and is easy for schools to do. Recycling bins should be clearly labeled so they aren’t used for other types of trash. They should be placed in convenient locations and should be emptied often. To keep pests away, do not keep recycled goods such as beverage containers, cans, paper, cardboard, etc., near the kitchen or food supply areas.