Fire Marshal Report: Electrical Violations Repeatedly an Issue in Tolland Schools

Fire Marshal Richard Munichiello highlighted the need to fix repeated electrical use violations in Tolland schools in his fire marshal's report, which was discussed in this week's school board meeting.

Munichiello's report, included in the meeting agenda, details fire code issues in Tolland schools, such as improper use of electrical outlets, a damaged fire pump at Birch Grove, storage violations, etc.

The agenda also includes Superintendent William Guzman's response to the report, which notes how many of the issues have been fixed or are being worked into the budget for repair.

Munichiello noted that the electrical use issues occur mainly at TIS and TMS, the older school buildings of the district. He includes pictures of power cords and outlets with numerous wires plugged in, and notes that similar issues have been observed for a number of years now.

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According to the report, these electrical configurations are in violation of the National Electrical Code NFPA 70.

At Wednesday's school board meeting, Guzman said that the district has installed additional power poles and outlets into TIS and TMS, but that the older buildings still have trouble accommodating the level of electronics needed in the classroom.

"I think that is going to be an ongoing concern," Guzman noted. A list of fire code requirements are distributed to school staff each year, Guzman said.

School board Vice-Chairperson Bob Pagoni suggested that those packets also include Munichiello's pictures, so teachers can better avoid the violations.

The full fire marshal report, with photos, can be seen in the school board agenda.