1. Restrooms - Operable, Supplied, Clean
Code Regulation: CCR Title 5 - 631, 14030 and E.C. 17576

What to look for:

• Are toilets operable?
• Are the toilets supplied (running water, soap, and paper towels/air dry)?
• Are toilets/restrooms clean?

2. Windows - Operable, Safe and Clear
Code Regulations: E.C. 17593, 32212

What to look for:

• Are windows clear of obstructions?
• Do they open and close with ease?
• Are they broken or cracked?
• Do they provide light and an unobstructed view?
• Are fire bars removable?

3. Electrical, Heating and Ventilation
Code Regulations: E.C. 17593

What to look for:

• Do the schools/rooms have adequate lighting and electrical service?
• Do the classrooms and multipurpose rooms have adequate ventilation?
• Do classrooms and multipurpose rooms have adequate heating?

4. Emergency Fire and Earthquake Drills
Code Regulations: E.C. 32001 and E.C. 35296/35297

What to look for:

Are the drill logs available and current?

Do the elementary and intermediate (5-8) sites have a fire drill at least once a month?

Do the secondary schools have a fire drill at least once a semester?

Is the assembly area designated and posted?

Does the school site have an earthquake emergency procedures system?

Do the elementary schools have a drop and cover procedure at least once a quarter and at least once a semester in the secondary school?

Emergency preparedness plan.

5. Playground Equipment, Landscaping, Litter
Code Regulation: E.C. 17593, CCR Title 5 - 663

What to look for:

• Are the sites free of liter?
• Are there adequate trash receptacles at the school sites?
• Are the school sites maintained?
• Are lawns mowed and watered?
• Is there a landscaping plan, i.e., plants, shrubs, etc.?
• Is the playground equipment well maintained and safe?

6. Graffiti
Code Regulations: E.C. 17593

What to look for:

• Is graffiti present?
• Does there appear to be a regular removal process?
• What process is used for removal?

7. Drinking Water
Code Regulations: Title 5 - 663, E.C. 32241

What to look for:

• Are drinking fountains clean and functional?
• Do the fountains leak?
• Is there moss/mold on the fountains?
• Does the water taste clean?
• Are there any reported lead hazards? Have parents been notified of any results?

8. School Site Safety
Code Regulations: E.C. 35294.1, 35294.2, 49341, CCR Title 8 - 5194, Title 5 - 633

What to look for:

• Does the school have the Comprehensive School Safety Plan?
• Has the plan been developed by the school site council?
• Does the school have a current civil defense and disaster planning guide?
• Is the MOT staff knowledgeable of chemical compounds storage?
• Does the site and building appear to be free of fire hazards?
• Do protrusion, entanglement, pinch, crush, shearing or sharp edge hazards exist?
• Are buildings marked with appropriate HAZMAT symbols reflecting the type of materials in the buildings?
• Are telephones available in classrooms?
• Emergency supplies available.

9. Fire Extinguishers (existing in each building and current inspection)
Code Regulation: CCR Title 8 - 1922(a)

What to look for:

• Is there a fire extinguisher in each building?
• Check the tag on the fire extinguisher to determine whether it is current.
• Are fire extinguishers easily accessible?

10. Egress (Exits Marked, Clear, Illuminated)
Code Regulation: E.C. 32020

What to look for:

• Are the exits and walkways in and out of the school safe?
• Are the exits in the multipurpose rooms marked and illuminated?
• Are exit doors operable?
• Each school which is entirely enclosed by a fence must have a gate of sufficient size to permit the entrance of ambulances, police and fire fighting equipment. Does the gate exist? Does the locking device permit ready entrance?
• Accessibility to special needs.

11. Sufficiency of Maintenance
Code Regulations: E.C. 17593

What to look for:

• Are roofs well maintained?
• Do rooms show signs of water damage from rain?
• Are buildings in good repair (i.e., chipping, peeling paint, unpatched holes)?
• Is there evidence of dry rot?
• Are electrical wires exposed?

12. Safety of Art and Science Rooms
Code Regulations: E.C. 32060

What to look for:

• Are art and science supplies properly labeled and stored?
• Are art and science supplies dated?
• Are supplies sitting on earthquake secure shelves or in secure cabinets?

13. Extra Effort Evident - Creativity

What to look for:

• Signs of Staff and/or Community Support
• Special Projects are Completed/on Display
• Buildings and Sites Show Pride and Personal Care