Classroom demonstrations and student laboratory experiments must be handled carefully. Carrying out such activities without shielding and other precautions can have serious consequences: in some instances, students and teachers have found themselves in hospital emergency rooms.
A good school chemical safety management program can prevent or at least contain such accidents. Labs house by far the largest number of chemicals in schools and should have a chemical safety management program, much of which is required by law.
The vital hands-on learning experiences provided by school laboratories cannot be replicated by a lecture or textbook. While these learning spaces are essential, they do require proper precautionary measures in the form of lab safety plans to remain safe. Flammable liquids, corrosive materials, and other potentially hazardous chemicals required for experiments must be stored and handled safely and in accordance with applicable regulations.
The Public Employees Operating Safety and Health (PEOSH) Laboratory Standard includes requirements for Chemical Hygiene Plans that can keep your lab safe and in compliance with state regulations. The problem is, many school districts are unaware that these regulations exist and may apply to their laboratories.
The PEOSH Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard has been adopted from the U.S. Department of Labor 29 CFR 1910.1450.
Curriculum and Learning Program-Specific Safety
New Jersey mandates proper ventilation, the use of non-toxic materials, and PPE such as gloves and safety goggles. Schools must follow safety protocols to handle 3D Printing materials and equipment safely. Caution should be taken to follow the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
New Jersey State Safety guidelines should be followed for individual curricula and various safety components, including:
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
- CTE – Career and Technical Education
- Biology Lab Safety Guidelines
- 3D Printing, Art Safety, and Specific Tool Safety
- Chemical Hygiene Plan Guidelines.
- Chemistry Lab Safety Guidelines.
- Field Trip Safety Guidelines.
- Fire Safety Guidelines.
- Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines.
- Occupancy Load Regulations.
An Effective Laboratory Guide
The NIOSH School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide presents information about ordering, using, storing, and maintaining chemicals in the high school laboratory. The guide also provides information about chemical waste, safety and emergency equipment, assessing chemical hazards, common safety symbols and signs, and fundamental resources relating to chemical safety, such as Material Safety Data Sheets and Chemical Hygiene Plans, to help create a safe environment for learning. In addition, checklists are provided for both teachers and students that highlight essential information for working in the laboratory and identify hazards and safe work procedures.
Chemical Hygiene Plans should include:
- Standard operating procedures
- Exposure control measures that include engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene practices
- Requirements for properly functioning fume hoods and other protective equipment
- Provisions for medical consultation and medical examinations
- A designated chemical hygiene officer
- The creation of a chemical hygiene committee, a hazard identification system, and a recordkeeping procedure
- and align to OSHA standards.
This document provides a template for employers preparing a Written Chemical Hygiene Plan and includes all required components. Minor modification is necessary to customize the plan to reflect site-specific hazards and employer policies and procedures.
