NJDEP-Compliance and Enforcement

School Chemical Management
A Compliance Assistance Project

REDUCING HAZARDS, IMPROVING HEALTH & SAFETY

OUR FINDINGS in schools inspected under this program:

•	48% of inspected schools are storing incompatible chemicals together

•	64% of inspected schools are not labeling chemical containers with the date they were received

•	40% of inspected schools maintain more than 2 years of chemical supply in storage

picture of assorted chemicals

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

A cost-free, compliance assistance program conducted by county health inspectors to educate school personnel on best management practices for chemical safety, inventory reduction, and all applicable regulations that apply to the generation, transport, storage, and proper disposal of hazardous waste.

WHY YOUR SCHOOL SHOULD GET INVOLVED TODAY:

		Free site visits by county health departments
		Address Best Management Practices for chemicals, pesticides, and universal waste
		Receive a Compliance plan with detailed findings
		Assistance with identifying hazardous waste and storage, handling, and disposal requirements
		Reduce costs through effective purchasing
		Reduce hazards & improve student, teacher, and staff health & safety
		Reduce school liability

8 STEPS TOWARDS STORAGE SAFETY

(1) Dispose of chemicals more than 7 years old
(2) Maintain no more than a 2 year supply
(3) Store chemicals by compatibility
(4) Label all containers and storage cabinets
(5) Post emergency numbers and emergency action plans
(6) Substitute toxic chemicals for less hazardous
ones
(7) Secure chemical cabinet
(8) Train personnel in chemical waste management

For more information, or to find out how to get your school involved, contact:
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Local Environmental Management
(609) 292-1305