Driving directions and map to the Department of Education

Chemicals in Schools - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CHO = Chemical Hygiene Officer

CHP = Chemical Hygiene Plan

DOE = Department of Education

DOL = Department of Labor

DEP = Department of Environmental Protection

OSHA = Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Question 1 : Do these rules apply to private as well as public schools?

Answer 1 : DOE Rules Chapter 161 apply only to public schools. The CHP and CHO requirements are part of OSHA Regulations (which the State of Maine has adopted for public employees) that apply to all private sector employees. The State will not, at this time, be tracking compliance in private schools.

Question 2: Does a district need a separate plan for compliance with Rules Chapter 161 if all of the required aspects of Chapter 161 are covered in the CHP?

Answer 2: No separate plan is required for Chapter 161 as long as all of its requirements are covered in the district's CHP.

Question 3: What are the minimum training standards for a CHO?

Answer 3: At this time there are no training standards for a CHO. Given the range of tasks they are expected to perform, and the inherent responsibility of those tasks, it is wise to appoint a person who is knowledgeable of the chemical risks and the regulations pertaining to chemical management.

Question 4: Where can I find information about training for CHOs and CHPs?

Answer 4: The Maine DOL offers this training on a regular basis. The DOE, the DEP, and the DOL are trying to increase the opportunity for such training in response to heightened awareness of the issues facing school districts. Check back to this website for more information on training offerings in the future.

Question 5: Where do we send our plans and inventory when they are complete?

Answer 5: Hold on to them at this time. During the summer, the DOE and the DEP will provide further guidance on where and how to submit evidence of compliance.

Question 6: Must the CHO be a district employee or can he/she be a contractor?

Answer 6: The CHO must be a district employee.

Question 7: Will the information regarding chemicals in schools be made public?

Answer 7: Once the DEP or DOE has this information it will be available to the public under freedom of information regulations.

Question 8: Is the form on the web site labeled "Scientific Lab Chemical Inventory" the form we have to use to complete an inventory?

Answer 8: Yes. We will be adding additional chemicals to the list and you may add to the list anything you have in school that is not on the list.

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Driving directions and map to the Department of Education

Chemicals in Schools - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS