The presence of potentially unstable laboratory chemicals in several Colorado schools resulted in the need for emergency responses during 1999. In each case, outdated chemicals, toxic compounds, incompatible storage arrays, deteriorated containers, and inadequate ventilation presented an imminent potential for explosions, fires and the release of toxic vapors. The Department worked with local health departments and emergency response teams to detonate, destroy or remove laboratory chemicals that had become hazardous waste.

These incidents remind us of the importance of chemical management in the laboratories, vocational departments, industrial labs and maintenance facilities of all Colorado schools. Anecdotal reports tell us that a school may unknowingly create a significant potential for injury by saving old laboratory or industrial chemicals or through improper storage practices. Chemicals that have outlived their shelf-lives can take on a life of their own, resulting in the formation of shock-sensitive or explosive compounds.

Awareness and identification of potential chemical hazards are essential to avoid the need for- and expense of a future emergency response. In August 1999, a packet was mailed to all Colorado schools, advising principals and superintendents of the issue and requesting that school administrators and staff review their procedures for the acquisition, inventory, storage, use and disposal of chemicals and chemical products.

Guidance Documents: