Chemicals at School
Deal with the Monster in the Closet!
Step #1: Find out what chemicals are in your school
- Conduct an inventory in every room (custodial closets, science, art, vo-tech classroom, maintenance sheds, etc.)
- Record the chemical name, number of containers, container size and type, and the physical state of the chemical (good/fair/poor)
- Keep your inventory on file, away from where substances are stored
Step #2: Store chemicals properly
- Keep chemicals in their original containers with labels
- Deteriorating or leaking containers area a hazard
- Alphabetical order is NOT the best way to store chemicals...do your homework!
- Incompatible chemicals cannot be stored together
- Sort, store, and secure chemicals in approved containers
Step #3: Clean out the Chemicals
- Conduct the clean out when students are not present
- Use a hazardous waste disposal company to remove toxic chemicals
Step #4: Develop a chemical purchasing policy
- Purchase only what is needed for the current year
- Micro-scale all science experiments
- Hazardous chemicals should be avoided
Created by Montana State University Extension Housing and Environmental Health Program
Contact Myla Kelly at 406-994-6948 or myla.kelly@montana.edu
Download a printable poster (.pdf)