What are the regulations for burning a candle in a 2 year old preschool classroom?

Question

I am in a situation at a preschool that a teacher burns a candle on the counter by the sink. I know the dangers but I am having a hard time finding a requlation to back me. The candle is in reach of the children. All I find is "do not leave a candle unattended". I need something to back my observation. ty

Answer 1

Call the fire department. I'm quite sure there are some strict regulations about burning candles in children occupied areas. If nothing else, common sense would say you don't burn candles where kids can get to it.

Answer 2

Is this a private preschool or part of a chain (Kindercare, etc)?
If there is more than one child in that classroom at any time, there is a risk that the teacher will be distracted by one, leaving the other exposed to the dangers of an open flame and the hot wax which can cause 2nd degree burns.

Check your state's Department of Health and Human Services website. Also, check with your local Fire Department to learn what the fire code may say about flammable or hazardous materials in a preschool classroom.

It would also be interesting to know what the insurance company that provides the policy on the building would have to say about having a burning candle within reach of children. I would bet big money that this situation is in direct violation of something in the policy, which means that if there is an incident of fire and it can be traced back to the burning candle, the insurance company would be able to fight the claim.

It is unfortunate that some people don't have the common sense that God gave a rock, and that some people will push the boundaries of logic just to see if they can.

The owner is liable for the behavior of the teachers and for the safety of all children. If the owner doesn't address this, file a complaint with your Fire Department.

And if it's the owner of the school who is burning the candle, they should not be permitted to run the school.

You're doing the right thing by being a whistleblower -- the life of a child - or more than one child - may be saved by your concerns.

I'll say a prayer for you!!

Answer 3

Blow it out every time. And then tell the Principal about it. Look her right in the face and ask if she really wants to be tempting fate like that and wait until there is a accident and she is sued. There are alternatives to using candles and she has to realize that it is a class and not her home.

Answer 4

Where is the director? What do the parents say? Talk to your local fire marshall. It's against the law to burn a candle or have any open flame in a classroom.

Answer 5

Find some way to blame the danger on George W. Bush or any Republican. State that you are a Communist and hate God and your country. The candle will be removed shortly there after.

Answer 6

Um I dont think you are alowed to have an open flame in a classroom full of preschoolers. Speak to the schools regulators about it. That is pretty stupid on that teachers part.

Answer 7

This is a very precarious situation, and this person needs to be told, by a superior, in no uncertain terms, that he/she works in a nursery school, not at Bath and Body. The candles need to go, or he/she will have to go.

Answer 8

I am sure the laws vary from state to state...this is for British Columbia
http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/ccf/child/publicat/f_lsafe/index.html
(Says amongst all that no candles or open flames when children are present)

Answer 9

This is a very negligent peson, and if I was in charge of her, I'd tell her to stop with the candles or she'd lose her job. Jeepers.

Oh, p.s.....Little kids LIKE fire. They do, it's fascinating to them.

Answer 10

Call your local fire department. I'm quite sure it is against code, as well as having things like coffee makers and hot plates in the class room.