What is facility management, and why is proper facility management important?

Facility management in the GGHS program addresses the management practices of several chemicals and other materials in schools. Pesticides, radon, asbestos, mercury, lead-based paint, and other chemicals can sometimes be found in schools across our state of Georgia, and the goal of this assessment area is to ensure the proper handling, storage, and disposal of these materials. Improper management of any of these materials can pose a health risk to the students, teachers, and environment.

Across the country, EPA estimates that nearly 33,000 middle and high schools have outdated or improperly stored chemicals onsite in maintenance closets or classrooms. The ultimate goal of any school chemical cleanout campaign is to create a safe school environment in which chemicals are purchased wisely, stored safely, handled by trained personnel, used responsibly, and properly disposed.

Understanding the importance of these issues is the first step towards a brighter and safer future for the state of Georgia. Along with students and our communities, we can make a difference in the health of Georgia’s environment.

How will this assessment help our school?

This GGHS assessment is specifically designed to get students thinking critically about the management of chemicals and other materials in their school. The questions in this assessment address factors that might be compromising the environmental integrity of their school. Once students have completed this assessment, they can reflect on what areas might need improvement. Level 2 will provide a deeper look into ways they might be able to reduce the amount of energy their schools!

How do we complete this assessment?

We encourage students to do as much of the assessment as possible, with teacher guidance. This assessment will help students see where improvements can be made to help their school be part of the pollution solution!

Please note that while some of this information is helpful in determining water usage practices, some questions may not be applicable or the answers may not be attainable. Some of the questions may require assistance from school administrators, building facility managers, or principals.

PLEASE PRINT THIS DOCUMENT, have students complete it in groups (or individually), and save it for your records. This document should not be submitted to GGHS.

Please remember that some or all of these questions may require the assistance from a school facility manager, principal, or other appropriate school personnel.

School Pest Management

1)Pesticides at our school are applied by:

___ outside contractor

___ school district personnel

___ school staff (custodians, etc.)

2)Please fill out the following table regarding the pesticide use in your school.

YES / NO
Our school uses pesticides inside our school building.
Our school uses pesticides on the school grounds.
The staff, students and parents are notified of pesticide use prior to its application.

3)Does your school have a management plan that includes specialized training for pesticide application, storage, and handling? ______

School Chemical Management

Please fill in the following table regarding the chemical management practices in your school. Remember, chemicals may be found in various places throughout your school such as classrooms, science labs, custodial closets, kitchens, pool, auto/tech labs, maintenance areas, art rooms, and more.

4)Has your school ever conducted an inventory of chemicals on-site[1]?

  1. If yes, please list the date of the most current inventory: ______
  2. If yes, is the chemical inventory kept current (updated annually)? ______

5)Are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) readily accessible for all chemicals? ______

6)Do students and staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment when using chemicals (such as gloves, goggles, etc.)? ______

7)Does your community have a chemical collection program to encourage the proper disposal of chemicals? ______

Radon, Asbestos, Mercury, and Lead-based Paint

8)Has your school been tested for radon?

  1. date of inspection: ______
  2. was radon detected? ______

9)Has your school been tested for lead-based paint?

  1. date of inspection: ______
  2. was lead-based paint detected?: ______
  3. If yes, where was the lead-based paint? ______
  4. If yes, was the paint properly removed? ______

10)Has your school been tested for asbestos?

  1. date of inspection: ______
  2. was asbestos detected in your school?: ______
  3. If yes, where was the asbestos discovered? ______
  4. If yes, was the asbestos properly removed? ______

Mercury can be found in many products in schools and can cause many environmental problems if handled and disposed of improperly.

11)Does your school have a mercury spill kit? ______

12)Are there any mercury-containing thermostats in your school? ______

13)Have the thermometers in your school been updated or replaced with models that do not contain mercury? ______

14)Most fluorescent bulbs contain mercury. When fluorescent bulbs burn out at our school, how are they disposed? ______

GGHS (facilities mgt.)- 1 -January 2009

[1]For guidance on how to conduct a school chemical inventory,: *EPA’s Healthy School Environments Web Portal -