Ohio Childhood Safety Act: Together, We Can Make Ohio Schools Safer
The Ohio Childhood Safety Act, signed on October 24, 2024, introduces new statewide requirements that directly impact school facility operations. Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, every K–12 school in Ohio must complete annual inspections of all protective door assemblies to ensure they function correctly during emergencies and security lockdowns. The law aligns with NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, which requires doors to close, latch, and operate properly to support safe evacuation and secure lockdown procedures.
Protective door assemblies include doors equipped with panic or fire exit hardware, door assemblies in exit enclosures, electrically controlled egress doors, and doors with special locking arrangements. These are typically high-priority doors such as main entrances, stairwell doors, and corridor exits. For facilities managers, ensuring these doors work as intended is essential, as malfunctioning doors can compromise lockdowns, hinder evacuation, increase liability, and allow smoke or fire to spread more quickly during an emergency.
The Act requires schools to complete a detailed 13-point inspection of every protective door assembly each year. Inspections must be performed by qualified, credentialed inspectors. Any deficiencies, such as damaged hardware, obstructed paths, or malfunctioning self-closing mechanisms, must be repaired and then re-inspected to confirm compliance. Schools are also required to maintain documentation for each door, and authorities having jurisdiction will review reports to ensure that all standards are met.The Act requires schools to complete a detailed 13-point inspection of every protective door assembly each year. Inspections must be performed by qualified, credentialed inspectors. Any deficiencies, such as damaged hardware, obstructed paths, or malfunctioning self-closing mechanisms, must be repaired and then re-inspected to confirm compliance. Schools are also required to maintain documentation for each door, and authorities having jurisdiction will review reports to ensure that all standards are met.
Schmidt Security Pro is ready to support facilities managers as they prepare for these new requirements. Our certified inspectors can conduct the required inspections, perform repairs, provide documentation, and help establish an annual inspection process that fits seamlessly into existing maintenance routines. For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact Jordan Schaeper at [email protected] or call 419-526-4747.
To learn more about the Ohio Childhood Safety Act and how schools can stay compliant with evolving safety standards, be sure to check out our in-depth school safety webinar. Click here to watch: Ohio Childhood Safety Act Webinar – YouTube. You can also find more informational webinar videos and security insights by visiting our YouTube Channel here: Schmidt Security Pro – YouTube.