This school unit shall comply with all applicable Maine and federal laws and regulations concerning chemical hazards. The Superintendent is responsible for developing and implementing a hazard communication program, training programs and any other procedures necessary to ensure that the school unit is in compliance with this policy and applicable laws/regulations.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

        A. The school unit will obtain MSDS for all hazardous chemicals utilized in the school unit. Copies
             of the MSDS will be available for inspection during regular business hours in each building
             where the chemicals are used.

        B. MSDS will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

        C. MSDS for new products put into use in the school unit will be reviewed and the employees
            who may be exposed to the product shall receive appropriate training as necessary.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND INFORMATION PROGRAM

        A. All employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals shall be given a list of hazardous
            chemicals utilized in the school unit and a copy of this policy.

        B. All employees whose work involves hazardous chemicals are required to attend a training    
            program before commencing work. Training will also be provided whenever a new chemical
            the employees have not been trained on is introduced into their work area. Employee
            attendance at each required training program must be documented.

        C. The school unit's training program shall be conducted in compliance with applicable
             laws/regulations and include the following elements at a minimum:

            1. An explanation of applicable laws and/or regulations;

            2. Identification of work/storage areas where hazardous chemicals are present;

            3. Description of methods for detecting the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in
                work/storage areas;

            4. Explanation of potential health problems associated with hazardous chemicals in the
                workplace;

            5. Explanation of how to read the MSDS, product labels and other documents related to
                hazardous chemicals and where in the facility the MSDS may be found.

            6. Explanations of methods to protect employees from hazardous chemicals, including the
                purpose, proper use and limitations of personal protective equipment; and

            7. Explanation of emergency procedures.

PRODUCT LABELING AND DISPOSAL

All regulated chemicals and products shall be labeled as required by law/regulations. Containers that are not properly labeled shall not be allowed in the school unit. The school unit shall dispose of hazardous chemicals properly. When required by law/regulations, hazardous chemicals shall be disposed of through an agency licensed by the State. When it is necessary to store hazardous chemicals prior to removal from school property, storage shall be in an approved tank or building.

OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS

The school unit shall inform all outside contractors of hazardous chemicals they could be exposed to in the course of their work, along with appropriate protective measures. The school unit shall also request outside contractors to provide notification about their use of hazardous chemicals.

ANNUAL REVIEW

This policy shall be reviewed by the Superintendent/designee on an annual basis.

Note: This sample policy does not encompass, nor is it intended to encompass, all of the chemical hazard or other health and safety issues that may arise in the school unit. Boards and administrators should emphasize employee training and allocate the resources necessary to maximize workplace and school safety.

Legal Reference: 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200 26 M.R.S.A. § 565
                          Code of Me. Reg. Ch. 2 § 12-179

                          Cross Reference: EBCA -Crisis Response Plan

DATE ADOPTED: July 1, 2003