Chemical Storage Plan

Safe storage and use of chemicals are addressed in several sections of the California Education Code (EC) and California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8. The following is a summary of some of the relevant stipulations in those codes

• Each school that offers laboratory work should designate a trained member of the professional staff as the person “responsible for the review, updating, and carrying out of the school’s adopted procedures for laboratory safety” (EC Section 49341[b]).
  
  
• School districts are encouraged “to take steps to ensure hazardous materials are properly used and stored” (EC Section 49401.5[a]).
  
  
• School districts shall have guidelines “for the regular removal and disposal of all chemicals whose estimated shelf life has elapsed” (EC Section 49411[b]).
  
  
• Employers are required to have a written hazard communication program for employees working in laboratories where the employees may be exposed to hazardous substances, except for those laboratories “under the direct supervision and regular observation of an individual who has knowledge of the physical hazards, health hazards, and emergency procedures associated with the use of the particular hazardous substances involved and who conveys this knowledge to employees in terms of safe work practices.” Such excluded laboratories must also maintain labels and Standardized Safety Data Sheets of “incoming shipments of hazardous substances and ensure that they are readily available to laboratory employees” (CCR, Title 8, Section 5194[b]).

Note: Preparation of a written hazard communication program may not be necessary if the school can show that the required elements of CCR, Title 8, Section 5194 are contained in the school’s chemical hygiene plan, prepared pursuant to the CCR, Title 8, Section 5191 . (See the Chemical Hygiene Plan section and the relevant code sections in the Relevant Legislation section). School districts or school sites should determine the necessity of drafting and implementing a written hazard communication program by examining the extensive excerpts from the CCR, Title 8, Section 5194 , cited in the Relevant Legislation section. The laws noted require schools to establish a chemical storage area that is as safe as possible and to develop a plan that ensures the continued maintenance of the area.

Proper Chemical Storage Area

Schools are required to establish a chemical storage area that is as safe as possible and to develop a plan that ensures the continued maintenance of that area. All chemicals used in classrooms should have a Safety Data Sheet available. An ideal chemical storage area should have the following characteristics:

• The area is clean, orderly, and well-ventilated (≥4 air changes/hour).
• Safety Data Sheets are on file and accessible.
• Chemical inventory is current, listing quantity, location, purchase date, shelf life, and disposal date.
• Emergency phone numbers and procedures are accessible and up to date.
• First-aid and spill kits are available.
• Safety equipment (goggles, aprons, fire extinguisher, eyewash, fire blanket, spill pillows, fume hood, etc.) is functional and accessible.
• Only necessary chemicals are stored, with expected use within one year (except stable items).
• Chemicals are grouped compatibly, properly labeled, and stored in suitable containers.
• No chemicals are stored above eye level or on the floor.
• Shelves/cabinets are securely anchored with earthquake barriers.
• Corrosives are stored in designated separate cabinets (acids/bases).
• Flammables are stored in appropriate cabinets.
• Storage temperature maintained below 25 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Storeroom doors are self-closing and locked.
• Compressed gas cylinders are secured upright with caps; flammable and oxidizers are separated by fire barrier or distance.