The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has added the following section to the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations in response to the large amount of flammable and combustible decorations found in schools:

527 CMR 10.09 (6)

(6) Paper decorations, artwork, student work and teaching material hangings in Educational Use Occupancies, as defined in 780CMR: The Massachusetts State Building Code, shall be permitted on walls only in accordance with 527 CMR 10.09(6).When determining wall areas in accordance with 527 CMR 10.09(6), door and window openings shall be included.

(a)Classrooms. Hanging materials shall not exceed 20% of all wall areas.Hanging materials shall be attached directly to the walls and shall not be permitted to cover an egress door, or be placed within five feet of an egress door.

Exception 1: Paper decorations, artwork, student work and teaching materials contained in fully enclosed viewing cabinets.

Exception 2:Noncombustible hanging materials and/or decorations.

Exception 3: Paper decorations, artwork, student work and teaching materials hangings may cover up to 30% or wall areas in classroom areas within an educational use occupancies that have an adequate sprinkler system throughout the building in accordance with 780 CMR: The Massachusetts State Building Code.

(b)Egress Corridors.Paper decorations, artwork, student work and teaching material hangings shall not be permitted in egress corridors.

Exception 1:Paper decorations, artwork, student work and teaching materials contained in fully enclosed viewing cabinets.

Exception 2.Noncombustible hanging materials and/or decorations.

(c)School Assembly areas. Paper decorations, artwork, student work and teaching material hangings shall not be permitted in school assembly areas, which shall include, but not be limited to: cafeterias, auditoriums, libraries/media centers, gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms and locker rooms.

Exception 1:Paper decorations, artwork, student work and teaching materials contained in fully enclosed viewing cabinets.

Exception 2:Noncombustible hangings and/or decorations, including banners and like items meeting the requirements of 527 CMR 21.00.

Exception 3:Educational occupancies that have an adequate sprinkler system throughout the building in accordance with 780 CMR: The Massachusetts State Building Code, shall be permitted to increase the amount of paper decorations, artwork, student work and teaching material hangings to 10% of the wall area in assembly areas.Hanging materials shall be attached directly to the walls and shall not be permitted within five feet of an egress door.
 


The Princeton Fire Department will enforce these regulations to ensure the safety of your children attending the Princeton Public Schools

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