Policies
Middletown Public Schools No. 9010
Electrical Device
Electrical Device
In accordance with the Rhode Island Occupational Safety Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-20), applicable Rhode Island Fire Safety Code, and federal OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910), Middletown Public Schools shall provide and maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards that may cause injury, death, or property damage.
Electrical devices used within school facilities present potential risks including, but not limited to, electric shock, fire, electrocution, and system overload. This policy establishes guidelines for permissible and prohibited personal electrical devices in school buildings.
● Prohibited Devices: Personal electrical devices that present unacceptable safety, fire, or infrastructure risks.
● Conditionally Approved Devices: Devices permitted only when specific safety and inspection criteria are met.
The following personal electrical devices are prohibited in all school district-owned or leased facilities due to safety risks, excessive energy consumption, or interference with building systems:
1. Halogen or high intensity lamps
2. Incandescent fixtures (non-LED)
3. Portable Space heaters
4. Popcorn Poppers
5. Toasters or toaster ovens
6. Coffee Makers
7. Personal refrigerators and/or freezers
8. Microwave Ovens
9. Water Coolers (personal units)
10. Floor or high-capacity fans
The following devices may be used only with prior approval and compliance with safety requirements:
1. Electric desk-mounted fans
2. Air purifiers
3. Televisions
4. Electric Radios (battery operated preferred)
5. Media players (e.g., DVD)
6. Power strips and extension cords
● Routine inspections shall be conducted by the Facilities Management Department.
● Unannounced inspections may occur to ensure ongoing compliance.
B. Violations – Prohibited Devices
● A reasonable effort will be made to identify the owner of any prohibited device.
● The owner will receive written notice and must remove the device within 24 hours.
● Failure to comply will result in:
● Removal and storage of the device
● Notification to the Principal and Superintendent
● Stored items must be retrieved by the owner or will be held until the end of the school year.
Note: The district assumes no liability for personal property brought into school facilities.
Middletown Public Schools reserves the right to deny or revoke approval for any device that:
● Interferes with instructional or operational equipment
● Overloads electrical systems
● Conflicts with building infrastructure or safety systems
● Violates any applicable state or local fire or safety code
This policy is aligned with:
● Rhode Island Occupational Safety Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-20)
● Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-28.1)
● OSHA General Duty Clause (29 U.S.C. § 654)
● Applicable National Electrical Code (NEC) standards
First Reading: June 19, 2003
Approved: November 20, 2003
Revised and Approved: June 20, 2013
Review: April 16, 2026
3 Year Review Due: April 2029