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:
identify potential sources of toxic hazard in cooperation with material suppliers who shall supply the THP Officer with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's);
ensure 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;
maintain a current file of MSDS for all hazardous materials present on District property;
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 at the time of application and for a period of seventy-two (72) hours thereafter.
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 designates the Director of Maintenance as the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO). The CHO, who is qualified by training or experience, will maintain safety standards regarding chemical usage within classrooms and other instructional areas, as well as provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
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 promulgated by the Department of Health and Social Services.
Revised 8/3/15
Revised 12/7/15
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