Glassboro, NJ Fire Code Violations

[NJFFSA16]

GLASSBORO, N.J. (AP) - Several student art projects and various
paper decorations will be removed from the walls of the borough's
three elementary schools because they could create a fire hazard.
Glassboro Fire Chief Ralph Johnson said the schools were
recently given violation notices because there was too much
flammable material covering the hallways and classroom walls, a
violation of the state's uniform fire code. It states that no more
than 10 percent of a structure's interior walls can be covered with
such material.
"People have to understand that the uniform fire code is just a
minimum code and it's there for the protection of the public,"
Johnson told the Gloucester County Times of Woodbury for
Wednesday's editions. He noted that the artwork, decorations and
other items that stretch down an entire hallway could easily help
spread flames during a fire.
"You ignite one, its just like a fuse (and) you've diminished
your escape route," Johnson said, adding that no problems were
found during similar inspections at the district's high school and
intermediate schools.
While teachers and administrators say they understand the
reasoning behind the directive and will abide by it, they add that
it's greatly lowered student morale.
Robin Barry, a longtime kindergarten teacher in the district,
said educators often use teaching tools like word lists and color
charts on the walls to enhance the learning environment.
"When (children) do an art project, they're thrilled when you
hang it up in the hallway, Barry said. "Were devastated (by the
order).

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[SANDSTROMJM]

I know your just the messenger, but what are your thoughts? I talked to my kids, and a squad member who is a grade school teacher, and they definatley are against it. They and I feel, which is also stated in the article, they feel special when they see thier stuff hanging on the wall.
Joe

[Halligan84]

We went through this in our township. The 7 elementary schools have an informal competition with art shows. The show at my son's school is very impressive every year, I'm amazed at what the kids create. The problem that I saw the first year there was whole rooms being tranformed basically with paper, caves, tunnels and various "walk through" displays were in all of the rooms. Our school in particular was built in 1925, although several code upgrades were made, it is still very small and cramped. You can see that one jackass with a lighter could cause a disaster. Last year the township fire marshals began discussing the problem with the school district and met some resistance, but had the fire code on their side. Then "The Station" fire hit and the teachers began to understand, the solution was keeping exit ways open, using paper with a very low smoke production and flame spread value. My station also sent an engine crew that circulated through the building talking to the kids and parents and was very well received by all. The general feedback after every thing was done was that they thanked us for looking out for them. The popular decision isn't always the best. Good Job Chief Johnson.

[EoneTiller]

i think the kids will understand when their school is burning down. also speaking of fire violations the new marshalls being built here in flemington opened up illegally and the fire inspector shut them down.

[NJFFSA16]

....no more than 10 percent of a structure's interior walls can be covered with such material.

There is no gray area here. A violation is a violation...and the school must comply. Especially when children are involved.

I would take the school board to the mat with this one.