The issue of hazardous materials in schools is receiving national attention. There are many areas within a school where hazardous chemicals can be found. These include the art rooms, science rooms and laboratories, wood and metal shops, photography rooms, graphic arts and printing rooms, the custodial departments (cleaners, pesticides, boiler chemicals) and even sports facilities such as natatoriums. Nurses' offices may still contain mercury thermometers or mercury blood pressure measuring devices.

Conducting a thorough chemical inventory at your school will give you an idea of the types and condition of chemicals in storage. A good inventory will help schools plan for the cost of removing unwanted chemicals. Schools may be able to lower disposal costs by joining with other schools in their areas for ‘group' removals. In addition, conducting an inventory will provide information on whether adequate storage, handling, and purchasing procedures are in place.

Proper on-site management helps you reduce the risks associated with chemicals brought into a school system. Proper management includes labeling and storage of chemicals, inventory maintenance, transporting chemicals within a school, collection, treatment, and disposal. It also includes identification and labeling, storage, collection, treatment, disposal, monitoring, and reporting of wastes and hazardous wastes generated from the use of chemicals.

Managing Chemical Inventories - Institute Inventory Control

• Conduct a school-wide inventory to identify where chemicals are located.
• Designate a centralized place for chemical storage and another for waste storage, with spill containment.
• Organize your chemical and waste storage systematically to keep like chemicals together.
• Adopt a standard labeling procedure for chemicals and waste, using labels that are colorfast and permanent.
• Designate who is responsible for labeling and inventory control.
• Use tags, bar codes, or some other system to establish a computer tracking of chemicals.
• Use a first-in/first-out policy.
• Return expired material to supplier.
• Perform regular inventory audits to identify chemicals that aren't being used.
• Provide a simple regular listing to chemical users on available chemical stocks, location, and point-of-contact.

Information

Mercury Phase Out in Schools

Related Links

School Chemical Cleanout Campaign

Managing Chemical Inventories