Mechanicsburg Exempted Village School District
Bylaws & Policies
 

8431 - PREPAREDNESS FOR TOXIC HAZARD AND ASBESTOS HAZARD

The Board of Education is concerned for the safety of the students and staff members and will attempt to comply with all Federal and State statutes and regulations to protect them from hazards that may result from industrial accidents beyond the control of school officials or from the presence of asbestos materials used in previous construction.

TOXIC HAZARDS

These hazards exist in chemicals and other substances used in the school setting such as in laboratories, science classrooms, kitchens, and in the cleaning of rooms and equipment.

The Superintendent shall appoint an employee to serve as Toxic Hazard Preparedness (THP) Officer. The THP Officer is responsible for:

 

A.

identifying potential sources of toxic hazard in cooperation with material suppliers who shall supply the THP Officer with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's);

   
 

B.

verifying that all incoming materials, including portable containers, are properly labeled with the identity of the chemical, the hazard warning, and the name and address of the manufacturer or responsible party;

   
 

C.

maintaining a current file of MSDSs for every hazardous material present on District property;

   
 

D.

designing and implementing a written communication program which:

   
 

1.

lists hazardous materials present on District property,

   
 

2.

details the methods used to inform staff and students of the hazards, and

   
 

3.

describes the methods used to inform contractors and their employees of any hazardous substances to which they may be exposed and of any corrective measures to be employed;

 

E.

conducting a training program for all District employees to include such topics as detection of hazards, explanation of the health hazards to which they could be exposed in their work environment, and the District's plan for communication, labeling, etc.

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the THP Officer may enlist the aid of county and municipal authorities and, if possible, the owners or operators of identified potential sources of toxic hazard.

APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES

Any staff member or contractor who applies pesticides on District property shall meet the requirements of AG 8431A in addition to the requirements established by law.

Written notification shall be provided each year, prior to any pesticide application when school is in session, to those parents, adult students, and employees requesting prior notification of scheduled pesticide applications:

 

A.

that a pesticide is to be applied;

   
 

B.

the type of pesticide and its potential side effects;

   
 

C.

the location of the application; and

   
 

D.

the date of the application.

The method and type of prior notifications and signage shall be determined by the District (AG 8431A).

If circumstances arise that prevent prior notification from being provided, regarding such emergency application of pesticides to control organisms that pose an immediate health threat, the District shall provide notice as soon as possible. In addition to the information specified above, the notice shall provide the reasons why advance notice was not provided.

ASBESTOS

In its efforts to comply with Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the Ohio Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and the Ohio Public Employment Risk Reduction Act (PERRA) the Board recognizes its responsibility to:

 

A.

inspect all District buildings for the existence of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials;

   
 

B.

take appropriate actions based on the inspections;

   
 

C.

establish a program for dealing with friable asbestos, if found;

     
 

D.

maintain a program of periodic surveillance and inspection of facilities or equipment containing asbestos;

   
 

E.

comply with EPA regulations governing the transportation and disposal of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.

The Superintendent shall appoint a person to develop and implement the District's Asbestos-Management Program. Said individual will be responsible for the District’s proper compliance with Federal and State laws and the appropriate instruction of staff and students.

The Superintendent shall also verify that, when conducting asbestos abatement projects, each contractor employed by the District is licensed pursuant to the Ohio Department of Health Regulations.

Nothing in this policy should be construed in any way as an assumption of liability by the Board for any death, injury, or illness that is the consequence of an accident or equipment failure or negligent or deliberate act beyond the control of the Board or its officers and employees.

40 C.F.R. 763.92
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA)
15 U.S.C. 2601, 20 U.S.C. 4022, 20 U.S.C. 4014, 20 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act of 1990, 20 U.S.C. 4011
Public Employee Risk Reduction Act (PERRA) R.C. 4167.01  et seq.
R.C. 921.01 et seq.
A.C. 901:5-11 et seq., 3701-34-06

Revised 4/11/11