PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF DR. STEVE GALLON III
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES ITEM H-19, REVIEW AND INSPECTION OF CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION DEVICES AND RELATED SAFETY PROCEDURES
October 12, 2018
At the October 10, 2018 the Board unanimously approved Board Agenda Item H-19, an item calling for the inspection of carbon monoxide detection devices, proffered by School Board Member Dr. Steve Gallon III.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the second most common cause of non-medicinal poisonings death. According to the CDC, more than 10,000 people are poisoned by carbon monoxide needing medical treatment each year and more than 438 people in the U.S. die annually from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Yet, Florida still remains one of the states that does not require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in schools, although schools must comply with other applicable building and fire codes. Despite this, the District has taken a positive and proactive approach by installing carbon monoxide detectors in its school cafeterias.
This item directed the Superintendent to review and inspect the operability of carbon monoxide detection devices in schools and district facilities, as well as training and preparedness of schools and related staff to report and respond to a hazmat occurrence. Specifically, it directs the Superintendent to: conduct an inspection of carbon monoxide detection devices in schools and district facilities, where installed, to ensure proper functioning and operability and determine if additional installations in other locations are warranted; review procedures with related and responsible school and district staff regarding procedures for reporting and responding to a hazmat incidence; provide appropriate information and training, where needed; and provide an update to the Board no later than November 30, 2018.
