NJFFSA16
05-07-2003, 05:31 AM
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.)
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.)