INTERNAL ONLY: Science Safety Lead (SSL) (LW)

Primary Function

The Science Safety Lead conducts and maintains an accurate inventory of all chemicals stored in each building/chemical storage rooms/classrooms and ensures proper usage, storage and disposal of all chemicals and lab specimens.

Reports To

Immediate Supervisor: Principal or designee

Areas Of Responsibility

• Participate in Training: Complete online training(s) and/or attend a training that covers handling of chemicals and biological waste, organization and storage of chemicals, disposal techniques, and/or emergency procedures as needed (i.e. Chemical Hygiene Officer Safety, Biological Waste training by Science Safety).
• Provide Training and Support: Provide chemical safety training and support, including how to properly store, dispose, and review the SDS for each chemical.
• Record Keeping: Keep a log of staff safety and hazardous materials training as required by school administration. Keep records of all laboratory incidents for as long as required by school administration or law.
• Maintain and update chemical inventory.
• Safety Data Sheets: Maintain Safety Data Sheets and ensure the binder is readily accessible to all employees.
• Maintenance of Safety Stations & First Aid Equipment: Regularly inspect safety stations and first aid equipment. Work with site and district administration to replace used items and report any needed repairs to Maintenance and Operations. Ensure teachers have chemical safety kits available at all times.
• Maintenance and Labeling of Chemicals: Regularly inspect chemicals and other supplies. Annually update the chemical inventory and discard any leaking, damaged, empty, or unlabeled containers according to protocol. Ensure teachers maintain properly marked chemicals at all times.
• Storage of Unused Chemicals: Ensure that chemicals not currently in use are properly segregated and stored. Maintain limited access to chemical storage areas and be sure to display the proper placard and warning signage.
• Removal and Disposal of Outdated/Unused Chemicals: Conduct monthly inspections of chemical/hazardous waste storage areas and arrange for removal and proper disposal of outdated chemicals after labs, etc. Coordinate and follow up with the site department chair and the site Maintenance and Operations person for a yearly disposal schedule. Properly dispose of all chemicals and chemical waste. Consult the label and the SDS for disposal information and always follow appropriate chemical disposal regulations.
• Ongoing Inventory Maintenance: Using the district online inventory document, maintain the chemical inventory that is accessible to the science department.
• Conduct Yearly Inventory: Conduct yearly inventory of all chemicals stored in each school building and chemical storage rooms. Inventory information should include, at minimum: chemical name, quantity, hazard information, and storage location. Inventory and chemical order records are to be maintained by the Chemical Safety Coordinator, Site Administrator, or Science Department Chairperson.
• Knowledge of Chemical Storage: Know the storage, handling, and safety requirements for each chemical used.
• Conduct Monthly Inspections: Conduct monthly inspection of chemical/hazardous and waste storage areas for housekeeping, chemical storage compatibility and request chemical waste pick-up (e.g. auto shop, graphic arts and photography).
• Submit “Monthly Checklist for Safe Handling and Storage of Chemicals” to the Science Department Chair, Classroom Teacher, Site and District administrator.
• Quarterly Meetings: Attend a district meeting every quarter to report on monthly checklist findings, report on progress towards chemical inventory/storage/removal, and provide input on safety guidelines.
• Ongoing Communication: Maintain ongoing communication with the Science Department Chair and administration and notify the administration of any hazardous condition. Communicate with teachers regarding inventory, disposal process and timelines, and hazardous conditions.
• Aid with Development of and Updating of the CVUHSD Safety Lab Guidebook.

Minimum Qualification(s)

• Possess a valid Clear California Teaching Credential in Science
• Must have taught a minimum of 3 years

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working with and maintaining a variety of chemicals used in the high school science classrooms
• Willingness and organizational capability to ensure accuracy of chemical inventory