Speakers: Linda Grimm and David Roberts
 
The discussion centered on the abilities of two different institutions to streamline chemical storage, develop chemical inventories, cleanup/disposal of out dated chemicals, stockrooms and facilities and finally, an institution's legal responsibility and compliance. Questions and the resulting discussions focused on:

Responsibility of the institution to provide a safe working environment when dealing with hazardous chemicals

What makes a good chemical hygiene plan

Who is the Chemical Hygiene Officer for the institution?

The nuts and bolts of managing a chemical waste stream

Development of a rapport with the local fire department

What type of training is necessary to cleanup chemical storage facilities and where do you get it 

The criteria for a chemical waste hauler and disposal facility

Should small institutions develop a staff position to deal with chemical waste management issues?

How would funding be accomplished for such a position?

What would the cost be to the institution if there was a state or federal inspection and it was found to be out of compliance?

This workshop was well attended and the questions were fast and furious. The attendees stopped our presentation 10 minutes in to ask questions that went on for the next hour. Both of us have full time positions and we deal with these issues daily. So the attendees seized the opportunity to ask about our experiences with chemical management.   This seemed to be an issue that many small institutions have not yet resolved judging by the number of comments and the fact that the session last at least 20 minutes after the end time.  I would recommend that this topic appear again at the next CUR meeting.

Linda Grimm