School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 4: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems

Chapter 4.E. Using Information from Hazardous Materials Rating Systems for Product Selection Introduction The information found in the NFPA and HMIS symbols can help to compare the hazardous properties of products to find the least toxic one. The National Cleaning for Healthier Schools and Infection Control Workgroup recommends that schools establish a Health and Safety Cap* that determines acceptable ratings for products before purchase and the criteria for evaluating and accepting products that exceed that rating cap. Workgroup recommendations for selecting an acceptable rating for a product 0 to 1 Rating – Selection of products with a rating of 0 would be ideal; however, it may be necessary to use products with a rating of 1 in one or more of the other categories when no other alternatives are available. 2 Rating – Although products with ratings in the 2 range can be considered, alternatives should be sought whenever possible. 3 to 4 Rating – Products with ratings of 3 or 4 in any category should be avoided, if possible. These products are dangerous, and often there are safer products available that can perform the same services with less risk to an employee or the environment. Workgroup recommendations for PROHIBITING the purchase or use of products with the following hazard ratings. Note that many chemicals will fall into more than one category : ‰ Chemicals that require use of a respirator Respirator use requires a formal respirator program, including medical monitoring and fit testing. Realistically, this is not going to occur in the school environment. ‰ Chemicals with special storage requirements Consider the cost of the equipment (e.g., explosion-proof refrigerator), space requirements, and other storage issues. ‰ Chemicals with special requirements for emergency response equipment An example is flammable metals that require a class D fire extinguisher, which would not be needed for any other products. ‰ Chemicals with a regulatory designation of “extremely hazardous substance” These materials can change a school’s regulatory status to a more stringent one. ‰ Chemicals with a Flammability or Reactivity rating of 4 ‰ Chemicals with a Health rating of 4 These materials are generally fatal at very low exposure levels. ‰ Chemicals with a Health rating of 3

*The Health and Safety Cap concept was developed by Hilary Eustace of the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety, and modified by Lynn Rose of the Massachusetts Facilities Administrators Association.

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