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Learn more about

Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3)
U.S. EPA Web Site

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Waste Management
Educational Tools Page
   

Waste Management Educational Tools:

Idaho Chemical Roundup
 
Overview
Chemical Roundup Success Stories
Fact Sheets
Teacher Resources
Links to More Information
 
 Overview

Science class is one of the first places kids formally learn about our natural world. Who can forget the first time they combined vinegar and baking soda to create their own "volcano"? Hands-on learning is key to a meaningful education. It is imperative that the laboratory and classroom be a safe and secure environment.

However, many classrooms and laboratories contain old, unwanted, and potentially hazardous chemicals. Spills, leaks, accidental releases, and improper management of chemicals pose risks to human health and the environment.

Idaho Chemical Roundup is DEQ's program to assist schools in adopting best practices for managing laboratory chemicals and wastes.

 
 Chemical Roundup Success Stories
Has your school successfully cleaned out your science laboratory?  Help other schools do the same by sharing your story.  Fill out this form and email it to Joanna Pierce at DEQ.
> Idaho Falls School District 91
> McCall Outdoor Science School
 
 Fact Sheets
To assist schools in understanding and implementing best management practices for managing and disposing of chemicals, DEQ has developed a series of fact sheets. Link to and print the documents below in pdf format.
› Managing Radioactive Materials
› Pollution Prevention for School Science Labs
› Chemical Storage
› Chemical Inventory — Best Management Practices
› Waste Management and Disposal at Schools
› Formaldehyde and Formalin
› Best Practices for Mercury
› Resources for Eastern Idaho Schools
› Resources for North Central Idaho Schools
› Resources for Northern Idaho Schools
› Resources for South Central Idaho Schools
› Resources for Southeastern Idaho Schools
› Resources for Southwest Idaho Schools
 
Teacher Resources
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Bonneville Joint School District 93 Chemical Hygiene Plan (pdf 172 kb, 61 pages)

Chemical Hygiene Plans are written programs which set forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, and work practices that are capable of protecting students, teachers, and staff from health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals.  For more information about Idaho safety requirements in school laboratories or chemical hygiene plans, contact the Division of Building Safety School Safety Staff at (208) 332-7138 or log on to the U.S. Department of Labor's Web site.

›

Chem Info Net

The Chem Info Net is designed as a chemical health and safety resource for teachers, administrators, and service personnel.

›

Conduct a Mercury Audit in Your School (8th - 12th grades)
(DEQ Lesson Plan, September 2008: pdf 103 kb, 23 pages)

Students conduct an audit to determine what mercury-containing items exist in their school.
› Reduced Scale Chemistry
›

Rehab the Lab Program, King County, Washington

›

Database of School Chemicals

This database describes over 900 chemical's risk and education utility and provides guidelines for storage, purchasing, and disposal.

›

Least Toxic Chemical Labs

Fully scripted lesson plans for least toxic chemistry labs.

 
 Links to More Information
›

Elemental Mercury Collection and Reclamation Program

(Bowling Green State University Web site)

› EPA Spills, Disposal, and Site Cleanup (EPA Web site)
›

Hazardous Chemical Lists

Visit the following sites for lists of chemicals whose risks exceed their educational utility:

›

King County Hazardous Waste Management Program-Excessive Risk Chemical List

› Colorado Department of Public Health: One Hundred Most Commonly Found Explosive and Shock-Sensitive Materials
›

Health School Environments Assessment Tool (HealthySEAT)

Designed for district-level staff to track and manage information on environmental conditions at schools.

›

Idaho Chemical Roundup: Helping Schools Manage Chemical Wastes, Keep Kids Safe, and Prevent Pollution

(DEQ Brochure, August 2007: pdf 148 kb, 2 pages)

›

Idaho Division of Building Safety School Safety Web Site

Administers safety and health standards as they apply to public schools, students, staff and the public. Division staff provide consultation services and training on safety and health standards and issues.

› Link to IDBS School Safety Checklist (pdf)

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