Existing stocks of outdated, unknown, excessive, or unnecessarily hazardous chemicals are present in many schools. These chemicals can pose safety and health risks to students and staff, and a number of widely reported incidents involving such chemicals have resulted in school closures and costly clean-ups. In some cases, bomb squads have been called in to remove shock sensitive chemicals from schools.

Identifying and removing these chemicals from schools is a key step in preventing accidents. Once a school has removed its unnecessary chemical hazards and good purchasing and management practices are in place, periodic cleanouts can be a final touch in ensuring a chemically safe school environment. It is important that chemical inventories be conducted prior to cleaning out chemicals from schools. All chemical inventories and cleanouts should only be undertaken by those with the technical qualifications to identify potential dangerous situations and properly handle the chemicals.

Information

Facilities that are licensed for the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste in Michigan