PREPAREDNESS FOR TOXIC HAZARDS

PREPAREDNESS FOR TOXIC HAZARDS

po8431Adopted July 1, 2023Revised May 20, 2024

8431 - PREPAREDNESS FOR TOXIC HAZARDS

The Board of Education is concerned for the safety of the students and staff members and will attempt to comply with all Federal and State statutes and regulations to protect them from hazards that may result from industrial accidents beyond the control of school officials.

TOXIC HAZARDS

These hazards exist in chemicals, pesticides, and other substances used in the school setting such as in laboratories, science classrooms, kitchens, and in the cleaning of rooms and equipment.

The Board will appoint an employee to serve as Toxic Hazard Preparedness (THP) Officer. The THP Officer will:

  1. identify potential sources of toxic hazard in cooperation with material suppliers who shall supply the THP Officer with Safety Data Sheets (SDS's);
  2. require that all incoming materials, including portable containers, are properly labeled with the identity of the chemical, the hazard warning, and the name and address of the manufacturer or responsible party;
  3. maintain a current file of SDS for all hazardous materials present on District property;
  4. design and implement a written communication program which:
     
    1. lists hazardous materials present on District property;
    2. details the methods used to inform staff and students of the hazards;
    3. describes the methods used to inform contractors and their employees of any hazardous substances to which they may be exposed and of any corrective measures to be employed;
  5. conduct a training program for all District employees on such topics as detection of hazards, explanation of the health hazards to which they could be exposed in their work environment, and the District's plan for communication, labeling, etc.;
  6. require that any individual who applies pesticides on District property is certified in accordance with State law. In the event of pesticide application, notice of such application shall be posted by the individual who applies pesticides in accordance with State law 

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the THP Officer may enlist the aid of county and municipal authorities and, if possible, the owners or operators of identified potential sources of toxic hazard.

The Board may, in its discretion, appoint and charge an ad hoc committee of community representatives to assist the THP Officer.

In accordance with Federal law, the District will designate a Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) to maintain safety standards regarding chemical usage within classrooms and other instructional areas. The CHO, who is qualified by training or experience, will provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.The Board authorizes the District Administrator to designate the CHO. 

Nothing in this policy should be construed in any way as an assumption of liability by the Board for any death, injury, or illness that is the consequence of an accident or equipment failure or negligent or deliberate act beyond the control of the Board or its officers and employees.

The District will comply with any lead-screening requirements developed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

© Neola 2023