Middletown Public Schools

Electrical Device Policy

POLICY DEFINED – Middletown Public Schools is required, by federal regulations, to provide and maintain a workplace “…which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious harm to his employees." Among the recognized are electric fans and space heaters, halogen lamps, coffee makers, personal refrigerators and microwave ovens. The hazards associated with these appliances are electric shock, electrocution, fire, and explosion.

Devices designated as “Prohibited” are listed for the following reasons:

A. Potential hazard

B. Excess energy consumption

C. Heat production that interferes with the operation of the building’s HVAC system.

A. Devices Prohibited – The following personal devices are expressly prohibited from use within any owned or leased Middletown Public School facility due to the likelihood of creating a hazard:

1. Halogen or “High Intensity” lamps

2. Incandescent fixtures

3. Portable Space heaters

4. Popcorn Poppers

5. Toasters

6. Coffee Makers

7. Refrigerators and/or freezers

8. Microwave Ovens

9. Water Coolers

10. Floor fans

A. Devices Conditionally Approved – The following devices are approved subject to the conditions listed under “Implementation”:

1. Electric desk mounted fans

2. Air purifiers

3. Televisions

4. Electric Radios (battery operated radios are encouraged)

5. VCR/DVD

6. Power strips and extension cords

Implementation – In order to implement this procedure, routine inspections will be conducted by the Department of Facilities Management in all Middletown Public School facilities.

Devices Prohibited

1. Devices designated as “Prohibited” are listed for the following reasons:

a. Potential hazard

b. Excess energy consumption

c. Heat production that interferes with the operation of the building’s HVAC system.

2. If a Prohibited Device is found in a Middletown Public School facility, a diligent attempt will be made to discover the identity of the owner. The owner of the device will be given an explanation of the potential hazard and asked to remove the device from the facility. This warning will be documented with copies to the Principal of the School and the Superintendent of Schools.

3. If the Prohibited Device is not removed by the owner within 24 hours of written documentation or is subsequently found in operation following documentation, it will be removed and stored (Article VIII D) until the owner retrieves it for personal use outside of the school facilities or until the end of the school year, whichever comes first.

4. Middletown Schools shall not be the insurer of stored personal property.

B. Devices Conditionally Approved

1. Devices listed as Conditionally Approved must meet the following conditions:

a. Display the manufacturer’s label;

b. Display a label stating that the device has been certified by a recognized national testing laboratory (e.g. Underwriters Laboratory (UL));

c. Have an original, properly grounded power cord;

d. Be inspected by Middletown Public School Facilities personnel and tagged as Conditionally Approved.

C. Middletown Public Schools reserves the right to deny the use of any personal item that draws electricity because of:

a. Possible interference with curriculum-based energy consuming devices

b. Possible interference with the operations of the facilities.

Approved: November 20, 2003

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