Pittsburgh Public Schools
Science Classroom
Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan
6-9-2015
Page 1 of 14
Table of Contents
Purpose .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Scope............................................................................................................................................................... 3
Topics ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Location .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Principal Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................... 4
ITL Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Science Teachers Responsibilities .................................................................................................................. 5
Student Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................. 5
Safe Operating Guidelines ............................................................................................................................... 5
General Safety Practices ................................................................................................................................ 6
Laboratory Non-Negotiable ........................................................................................................................... 6
Chemical Inventory ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Chemical Procurement Guidelines................................................................................................................. 7
Chemical Storage Guidelines ......................................................................................................................... 7
Emergency Plans for Spills and/or Accidents ................................................................................................ 9
Accident Reporting ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Chemical Waste Disposal ............................................................................................................................. 10
Safety Training Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 10
Teacher Training .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Safety Audits ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Comprehensive Safety Management Concepts ............................................................................................ 11
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................... 12
RESOURCES .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Appendix ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
6-9-2015
Page 2 of 14
Pittsburgh Public Schools Science Classroom
Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan
Purpose
In an effort to maintain a safe environment for all employees and students, Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS)
is committed to managing chemical safety. This Chemical Hygiene Plan sets forth operating procedures and
work policies designed to control chemical hazards. In order to maintain a safe environment, PPS will
employ safe operating procedures, reduce the amount of chemicals purchased, ensure safe storing practices,
record keeping, and provide chemical safety training for all science teaching staff.
The Pennsylvania Worker and Community Right to Know Act (PWCRK) of 1984 requires public sector
employers (including school districts) to provide information on the Act and take various actions. These
actions include completing a hazardous substance survey, maintaining a file of Safety Data Sheets (SDS),
labeling all containers of hazardous substances or mixtures, employee rights, and provide an inventory to
their employees. This manual will provide the basis for compliance to meet the requirements of the
(PWCRK).
Scope
To protect employees and students from health hazards associated with the use of hazardous chemicals. We
will accomplish this through the following:








Identifying hazardous chemicals.
Developing an outline of responsibilities in the district.
Developing safe procedures.
Discussing procedures for procurement, distribution, and storage of chemicals.
Implementing a plan for monitoring safety equipment and storage areas.
Developing a written plan to address accidents involving chemicals.
Establishing a chemical hazard training program.
Developing a chemical waste disposal program.
Topics






Chemical procurement and distribution and storage.
Housekeeping, maintenance, and inspections of the stockrooms and laboratories.
Personal protective apparel and equipment for teachers and students.
Warning signs and container labels to identify hazards.
Spill response procedures.
Training of all science staff.
6-9-2015
Page 3 of 14
Location



Principal’s Office
Custodian’s Office
Facilities Office
This plan will be reviewed annually by the science Instructional Teacher Leader (ITL) who will act as the
school-based Chemical Hygiene Officer in collaboration with the Science Department.
Responsibilities
In order to properly manage all chemicals, the Facilities Department, the Science Department, and the
science ITLs will collaborate to make decisions regarding this plan to sustain its’ relevance and
effectiveness. The school science ITL will act as the school-based Chemical Hygiene Officer.
The science department will provide training for the science ITLs during District-based ITL trainings. These
trainings will occur 4 times a school year, September, October, March, and April. These sessions will cover a
formal review of the Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan which outlines the specific responsibilities of ITL’s.
Principal Responsibilities

Collaborate with the science department, and ITLs to ensure the chemical management plan at the
school level is in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Meet with the science department upon completion of the Safety Audit to discuss audit outcomes.

ITL Responsibilities











6-9-2015
Complete the 7 hour safety course provided by Flinn Laboratory:
http://labsafety.flinnsci.com/Home.aspx.
In subsequent years complete the 1 hour Flinn Laboratory Re-Certification Safety Course.
Familiarization with all aspects of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Report all accidents, injuries, unsafe practices, and unsafe conditions to administration and science
department immediately.
Ensure all teachers follow the proper chemical storage according to the Flinn Scientific Chemical
Suggested Storage Pattern.
Participation in all training programs provided by the school district.
Purchasing the minimum amount of needed chemical supplies. The following should be considered
prior to purchase:
o Chemicals should not be purchased in bulk.
o Chemical inventories must justify need prior to purchasing additional chemicals.
o Update Flinn's Online Chemventory™ upon receipt of new supplies.
Contact person for distributing information involving chemical safety.
Resource for teachers and Administration on matters involving the use of chemicals.
Advising the school based Administration of any chemicals that may pose any risks to health or
safety.
Maintaining electronic and hard copies of chemical inventories.
Page 4 of 14


Maintaining hard copy and electronic copies of the SDS sheets for all chemicals in the building.
Collaborate with teachers to develop a school-based plan inclusive of details for prevention,
containment, cleanup, and reporting of chemical spills. Response plans should be shared with
Administration and the science department. These plans are to be reviewed and updated annually.
 Coordinate the disposal of unwanted chemicals with science department. Notify the science
department immediately if in possession of any chemicals found on Appendix A.
If there are any questions regarding chemical procurement or safety, the science ITL will notify the science
department. The science department will then consult with the District’s Environmental Specialist to provide
a solution.
Science Teachers Responsibilities
 Complete the 7 hour safety course provided by Flinn Laboratory:
http://labsafety.flinnsci.com/Home.aspx.
 In subsequent years complete the 1 hour Flinn Laboratory Re-Certification Safety Course.
 Participation in all training programs provided by the school district.
 Maintaining a centralized classroom chemical inventory.
 Consulting the science ITL prior to ordering any chemical(s).
 Maintaining proper storage according to the Flinn Scientific Chemical Suggested Storage Pattern.
 Familiarization with all aspects of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
 Ensure easy access and consistent utilization of SDS when using chemicals.
 Model all chemical hygiene habits.
 Report all accidents, injuries, unsafe practices, and unsafe conditions to ITL, school Administration,
and the science department.
 Providing safety training for all students participating in school laboratories.
 Ensure the lab/classroom is equipped to handle any potential accidents. (E.g. glass breakage,
chemical spill, chemical burn etc.) Report the lack of any safety resources to the science ITL.
 Working collaboratively with District and School-based administrators to ensure safe environments
for students.
 All students must sign a laboratory safety contract prior to conducting a laboratory investigation.
(Contracts are available in the K-12 Science Instructional Handbook)
Student Responsibilities
 Students are required to sign a safety contract prior to conducting any science laboratory
investigations.
 Adhere to all safety procedures and exhibit proper chemical hygiene habits.
 All accidents must be reported to your teacher immediately.
Safe Operating Guidelines
Science teachers and the science ITL will work collaboratively to ensure general safety practices are
followed.
6-9-2015
Page 5 of 14
General Safety Practices
 Electronic and hardy copies of the SDS will be maintained and readily accessible to all.
 All SDS must be entered into the Flinn's Online Chemventory™, an electronic data base of
SDS for all chemicals at the school and district level. Paper copies of the SDS are to be
organized and maintained in the chemical storage area in addition to the custodian’s office.
 Appropriate personal protective equipment is to be worn to avoid contact with chemicals.
 Chemical splash goggles must be worn any time chemicals, glassware, or open flame are used in the
laboratory.
 Ensure that all laboratories have chemical spill clean-up kits, fire blankets, and broken glass
receptacles.
Laboratory Non-Negotiable
 The school principal and the science department will be contacted if any accident occurs.
 In event of an accident (emergency and non-emergency) the teacher completes an accident report
before the end of the school day.
 Emergency telephone numbers shall be posted in the chemical storage area.
 Discard/recycle all chipped, etched or cracked glassware.
 Teach students how to use the eyewash station and shower.
 Appropriate fire extinguishers are readily accessible.
 Employees and students shall be knowledgeable of evacuation routes.
 Drinking from lab glassware or other lab vessels is strictly prohibited.
 Eating or drinking is prohibited in the lab.
 Cosmetics shall not be applied in laboratories.
 Any and all chemical containers used to store chemicals including water, even temporarily, must be
appropriately labeled.
 Know the hazards and precautions before using any chemical.
 Follow proper disposal procedures of all chemicals.
 All exits, emergency equipment, and master utility controls shall remain clear and unobstructed.
 Fume hoods must be used for handling all hazards chemicals or chemicals that are likely to generate
hazardous airborne contaminants.
 No chemicals shall be stored in the fume hood.
Chemical Inventory
Flinn's Online Chemventory™ will be used to track the procurement and storage of chemicals. In addition,
SDS need to be organized in a binder that is readily available and kept in the chemical storage area, the main
office, and the custodian’s office.
Flinn's Online Chemventory™ tracking system is required to be used at all schools. Each school must
complete a chemical inventory annually. For the 2015-16 school year, a chemical inventory must be
completed by September 30, 2015. A copy of the inventory tracking sheet is available in the appendix.
Please note that each record represents a SINGLE CONTAINER of a chemical (rather than just the chemical
itself).
6-9-2015
Page 6 of 14
The following tracking fields are recommended:
 Chemical name as printed on the container and as it appears on the SDS, if different from that on
the container.
 Molecular formula.
 Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number.
 Date received Source (i.e., chemical manufacturer, and if known, supplier).
 Type of container Hazard classification (for storage, handling, and disposal).
 Required storage conditions.
 Room number (for larger institutions with multiple storage locations).
 Location within the room (i.e., shelf #1, acid cabinet).
 Expiration or “use by” date.
 Amount of the chemical in the container.
 Name of the person who ordered or requested the chemical.
Chemical Procurement Guidelines
Before ordering chemicals:
 Teachers shall not purchase any chemicals contained on the Substances with Greater Hazardous
Nature than Educational Utility. (See Appendix A)
 Assess all the hazards and physical properties of the chemical using the SDS; evaluate both short
and long term risks.
 Consider the worst case scenario(s) in the event that the substance is mismanaged, spilled, or
causes personal injury.
 Determine whether a safer, less hazardous chemical can be used.
 Order minimum quantities that are consistent with the rate of use and determine whether lesser
amounts of a chemical can be used to conduct the experiment.
 Order only what will be used within a year or less.
 Determine whether the appropriate facilities are available for the proper storage of the chemical
and the ventilation is sufficient.
 Determine whether the proper personal protective equipment and safety equipment is on hand for
using the chemical.
 Establish whether the chemical or its end product will require disposal as a hazardous waste.
 Ensure that the budget will allow for the appropriate and legal disposal of the chemical and/or its
end product.
 Have a mechanism in place to dispose of the chemical and the end products legally and safely.
 If possible, order reagents in polyethylene bottles or plastic coated glass bottles to minimize
breakage, corrosion, and rust.
 Make sure the hazardous properties of the chemical do not exceed the educational utility. When in
doubt don’t purchase the chemical.
Chemical Storage Guidelines
 All chemicals must be properly labeled at all times.
 All chemicals must be kept under lock and key.
 All laboratories must be locked when not in use.
6-9-2015
Page 7 of 14
 Chemicals must be checked out from the Chemical Storage Room by teachers only.
 An inventory of all chemicals must be conducted annually.
 When needed, a listing of all expired, excess and unwanted hazardous chemicals must be prepared
for proper disposal.
 Chemical containers must be inspected during the annual inspection for container integrity and
proper labeling.
 Always store flammable materials in a flammable storage cabinet, well away from oxidizers.
 Do not store combustible materials inside or on top of flammable material storage cabinets.
 Store corrosive materials in corrosion-resistant containers and cabinets.
 Store acids and bases separately.
 Do not store chemicals in a laboratory hood, on bench tops or under sinks. They interfere with the
airflow in the hood, are more easily knocked over and could potentially spill into a drain.
 Do not store flammable chemicals in a regular refrigerator. This could result in an explosion and
fire. If flammables must be refrigerated, store them in a designated explosion-proof or flammable
material refrigerator.
 Do not store food in a designated chemical refrigerator.
 Flammable and volatile chemicals should always be stored tightly capped to keep their vapors
from interacting and to reduce the potential for human exposure.
 Store oxidizing acids, such as nitric acid and perchloric acid separate from other acids.
 Liquids, corrosive chemicals, and glass containers should not be stored on shelves above eye level.
No chemicals be stored above eye level.
 Store heavier containers at a level that is consistent with its size and anticipated use. For example,
five-gallon buckets with handles could be stored on a pallet on the floor, while smaller heavy
products should be stored on a shelf at waist height to minimize bending and twisting while lifting,
which could lead to back or shoulder strain. Secondary containers or totes should be used to
minimize the flow of material in the event of a spill or container leak. The materials should be
segregated by hazard category.
 Do not overcrowd the chemical storage area, which would require you to handle several different
containers to reach desired product.
Please Note: Mercury compounds, apparatus and thermometers are PROHIBITED in all PPS schools.
If any such items are found, properly secure them in a container and in a safe location in the chemical
storage room. Notify the Science Department immediately to request proper disposal.
For additional information about mercury visit http://www.mercuryinschools.uwex.edu/home.htm
Consult Flinn Scientific Laboratory Design Course and the Seven Step Plan to Clean up Chemical Storage
Area for specific details.
 Chapter 9: Safety and Design of Chemical Storage Area:
http://labsafety.flinnsci.com/CourseDetails.aspx?CourseCode=HDS
 Seven Step Plan to Clean Up Chemical Storage Area:
http://labsafety.flinnsci.com/Assets/Documents/Chemical%20Storage%20Area%20Clean%20Up%20
Plan.pdf
6-9-2015
Page 8 of 14
Emergency Plans for Spills and/or Accidents
The District will provide a spill kit accessible to each chemistry and middle grades laboratories. This kit
includes:
 Neutralizing agents for acid spills.
 Neutralizing agents for alkali spills
 Spill absorbing materials such as sand, kitty litter, or other spill control materials.
 Quantities of cleanup materials shall be sufficient for the largest anticipated spill.
Chemical Spills Prevention and Clean-up Guidelines
Administrative Controls
 Spend time educating students about potential spills and how they will be managed in your specific
area or classroom.
 Avoid purchasing chemicals in bulk-sizes, glass containers, and in excess minimizing the probability
of spills.
 Routinely conduct an inspection of chemical containers and storage locations to identify potential
leaks, degraded container conditions, or other deficiencies that can lead to leaks or spills.
 Prevent negligent student behavior including inattentiveness, carelessness, or general horseplay in lab
work areas.
 Develop a school-base plan that details the prevention, containment, cleanup, and reporting of
chemical spills. Response plans must be updated annually. These plans are kept in the main office,
science classroom, and the custodian’s office.
Cleanliness & Physical Controls
 Maintain housekeeping in all areas and avoid clutter.
 Keep containers closed, except when adding or removing contents.
 Ensure chemicals are properly stored in appropriately-sized containment during long-term storage
and during transport between areas or classrooms.
Chemical Spill Clean–Up
 Inform the students of the hazards of the chemicals stored and used in a particular work area or
classroom.
 Ensure that students understand how to protect themselves and their peers during when using
chemicals and during a spill.
 Inform the school nurse of ALL chemical types stored in your laboratory, work area, classroom, and
storage closet. Clear communication can ensure that the nurse is prepared to treat any injury that
results from a spill. These include broken glass cuts, chemical burns, or extreme temperature
exposures (e.g. boiling water or liquid nitrogen exposure).
 Ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment such as goggles, aprons, and gloves are
available for all students handling chemicals, there is an adequate supply, and that students are
properly trained on how to use it safely.
 Ensure that you and your students are ready, equipped, and trained, to manage a spill.
Consult Flinn’s Scientific Laboratory Design Course
https://www.flinnsci.com/media/396147/chemicalspillcontrol.pdf Chemical Spill Control
6-9-2015
Page 9 of 14
Accident Reporting
The science department will establish and maintain documentation of:
 Any accidents and incidents involving chemicals.
 Comprehensive inventory of hazardous chemicals.
 Annual inspections of storage areas.
 Annual inspections of general laboratory supplies such as rubber tubing, bunsen burners, hot plates,
heat screens etc.)
Chemical Waste Disposal
The science ITL will notify the science department of expired, excess and unwanted hazardous chemicals
that need to be disposed. The Science Department will collaborate with the environmental specialist in
Facilities Department to have the hazardous chemicals removed.
Safety Training Requirements
Teacher Training
The District will be requiring all high school science teachers to complete the 7 hour safety course and all
middle grades science teachers to complete the 6 hours safety course both courses found on:
http://labsafety.flinnsci.com/Home.aspx
 This requirement will start with 2015-16 school year.
 Electronic records will be kept by the school-based ITL and sent to the science department in May of
each year.
 Subsequent years, the teachers will be required to update their safety credentials annually by
completing the Flinn Laboratory Safety Re-Certification Course.
o These safety courses may be completed during TIP time, common planning time, and teacher
preparation time. Records will be kept at the school level and sent to the science department
in May of each year.
 ITL’s will receive safety training at the ITL meetings scheduled for September, October, March and
April.
Flinn’s Laboratory Safety Course includes the following topics:
 General Laboratory Safety
 Steps You Can Take to Prove You're a "Responsible" Science Teacher
 Overcrowding in the Science Laboratory
 Flinn Scientific's "Ideal" Student Safety Contract
 Where and Why Science Accidents Occur
 Right to Know Laws and Hazard Communication Standard
 Safe Science: Be Protected
 Ventilation
6-9-2015
Page 10 of 14








Goggle Safety
Practical Solutions to Reduce your Liability
Helping Students Comply with Safety Rules
Ideas to Get Students to Wear Their Goggles
Field Activities and Safety
Dissection Safety Tips
Animals in the Classroom
Bunsen Burner & Hot Plate Safety
Teachers can find additional safety information at http://www.flinnsci.com/teacher-resources/safety/generallaboratory-safety.aspx and https://www.flinnsci.com/teacher-resources/safety/
Safety Audits
Annual safety audits will be conducted by the science department. The audits will evaluate all aspects of the
program with special emphasis on the quality, as well as, the quantity of safety and health activities at every
level. The basic goal of an audit is to verify that health and safety activities comply with institutional
policies, federal, state, and local regulations. An audit will consists of two parts: data collection and data
evaluation. A safety audit is a structured, methodical assessment and evaluation of how workplace activities
affect safety and health. It serves as a report card on the success of safety and health programs,
environmental programs, and process safety management. The outcomes of the audit will be shared with
school-based administration when completed. (See Appendix B)
Comprehensive Safety Management Concepts
The organization and administration of every school safety program requires that management makes a
complete and competent effort to provide a safe place for learning. The importance of a safe physical
environment cannot be overemphasized.
The following list provides a framework for developing evaluation criteria:
 Identification, Control, and Monitoring of Potential Hazards
 Emergency Preparedness
 Maintenance of Safe Working Conditions
 Medical and First Aid Systems
 Safety, Health, and Environmental Record Keeping
 Safety Rules, Regulations, and Procedures
 Safety Training and Education
6-9-2015
Page 11 of 14
REFERENCES
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection School Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3)
Chemical SafetyAudits. Retrieved from
http://files.dep.state.pa.us/waste/Bureau%20of%20Waste%20Management/WasteMgtPortalFiles/SolidWaste
/HazardousWaste/SC3/The%20Chemical%20Safety%20Audit_2015%20PASBO%20Conference.pdf
Safety in the Science Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.nsta.org/safety/
file:///C:/Users/rgraham1/Downloads/School_Chemical_Safety_Manual%20(1).pdf
Welcome to Flinn Lab Safety. Retrieved from http://labsafety.flinnsci.com/Home.aspx
Sample chemical hygiene plan created by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Retrieved from
http://www.google.com/search?q=Sample+chemical+hygiene+plan+created+by+the+Ohio+Bureau+of+Wor
kers%E2%80%99+Compensation%2C+2009.&oq=Sample+chemical+hygiene+plan+created+by+the+Ohio
+Bureau+of+Workers%E2%80%99+Compensation%2C+2009.&aqs=chrome..69i57.511j0j7&sourceid=chr
ome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl
6-9-2015
Page 12 of 14
RESOURCES
E-Z Pour Chemical Spill Control Kit
Flinn Catalog Number: SE102
Price: $47.45
Product Description
The first countertop spill control kit that will handle a 2.5 liter acid spill! Kit contains sand, Super
Sorb® absorbent and acid neutralizer (sodium carbonate) to handle any spill emergency. Packaged in easyto-use plastic bottles with a sturdy handle and lid, this spill control kit ensures quick and safe responses to
dangerous lab spills. Individual bottles of sand, Super Sorb, and acid neutralizer are also available.
Spill Control Center
Flinn Catalog Number: AP6448
Price: $216.95
Product Description
Everything you need to handle most laboratory spill emergencies in one convenient location. Contains sand,
Super-Sorb® absorbent and acid neutralizer in easy-to-use plastic bottles with flip-top lids. Pull-out plastic
bin holds absorbent pads, biohazard spill kit, acid-resistant gloves, and goggles. A counter brush and dust
pan and laminated instructions complete the center. All components are easily replaced after use. This
furniture-quality center is made from rugged and durable exterior-grade plywood and finished with chemical
resistant Super Chem-Tuff™ paint-virtually indestructible. Can be hung on a wall or placed on a countertop.
Place all your spill control needs at your fingertips with the Flinn Spill Control Center. Cabinet dimensions
17½" W x 15" H x 9" D.
6-9-2015
Page 13 of 14
Appendix
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
6-9-2015
Substances with Greater Hazardous Nature than Educational Utility List
Chemical Inventory Template
Safety Audit Checklist
Middle School Safety Course Overview
High School Safety Course Overview
Middle School Laboratory Safety Contract
Middle School Laboratory Safety Assessment
High School laboratory Safety Contract
High School Laboratory Safety Assessment
Page 14 of 14