Avery County Schools Policy Policy Code: 7265

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN SCIENCE LABORATORIES

It is the policy of the Avery County Board of Education to comply with federal regulations and state statutes regarding hazardous chemicals as set forth in the Federal Register, 29 CFR §1910.1450 and the North Carolina Administrative Code, 13 NCAC 7F .0101, by attempting to limit occupational exposure of employees to hazardous chemicals or other potentially hazardous materials that could cause injury or death.

A. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

    Universal precautions will be in force at all times. Because few laboratory
    chemicals are without hazards, the school system shall establish general
    precautions for handling all laboratory chemicals. Additional precautions
    consistent with state and federal standards shall be established for the handling of
    known hazardous chemicals and unknown substances. The program standards for
    the control of hazardous chemicals as outlined in the Occupational Safety and
    Health Act (OSHA) rule, “Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in
    Laboratories” (standard 1910.1450), the North Carolina Administrative Code,
    and/or the most current standards available will be followed.

B. SCHOOL DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS

    The superintendent will ensure that:

    1.      a Chemical Hygiene Plan is developed in accordance with OSHA-issued
            regulations or the most current available federal and/or state standards
            issued and that all elements of a Chemical Hygiene Plan are met,
            including, but not limited to, standard operating procedures for handling
            hazardous chemicals such as the use of personal protective equipment and
            hygiene practices; control measures to reduce employee exposure to
            hazardous chemicals; standards for laboratory protective equipment;
            identification of laboratory procedures and activities requiring prior
            approval; proper employee training; and the assignment of a Chemical
            Hygiene Officer;

    2.      bulk elemental mercury, chemical mercury compounds, and bulk mercury
            compounds are not used as teaching aids in science classrooms;

    3.      labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or
            defaced, all material safety data sheets received with incoming shipments
            are maintained and readily accessible to employees, and a current
            inventory of chemicals is in use and maintained;

    4.      all employees are trained and apprised of the hazards of chemicals present
            in their work area and understand how to report unsafe conditions and how

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    5.      all employees have access to a copy of the Hazardous Chemicals Policy
            and Chemical Hygiene Plan;

    6.      science laboratories comply with the OSHA Right-to-Know legislation,
            bloodborne pathogens regulations (see policy 7260, Occupational
            Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens), laboratory standards as provided by
            the Chemical Hygiene Plan and other safety rules and guidelines of the
            profession;

    7.      records are established and maintained of any measurements taken to
            monitor employee exposures and any medical consultations or
            examinations required;

    8.      the Chemical Hygiene Plan is reviewed annually by a committee
            appointed by the superintendent and updated as necessary;

    9.      this policy is reviewed annually and, as needed, updated annually; and

    10.     a copy of the Chemical Hygiene Plan is submitted to the State Board of
            Education by January 31 of each school year.

C. TESTING

    Whenever an event such as a spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence resulting in
    the likelihood of a hazardous exposure takes place in the work area, the employee
    exposed to the hazard may receive a medical examination at the school district’s
    expense.

Legal References: 29 C.F.R. 1910.1450; G.S. 115C-47(49); 13 N.C.A.C. 7F .0101; State Board of Education Policy SCOS-017 Cross References: Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (policy 7260)

Other Resources: Safe, Orderly and Caring Schools Assessment Inventory, Safety Provisions – Science Education (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Division of School Improvement)

Adopted: 02/05/07 Revised: 9/8/15; 4/28/17

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