Iowa Public Television

What is the problem?
Throughout the state, schools are finding unwanted chemicals in classrooms and storage rooms. Often old chemicals are discovered that have been hidden in the back of cabinets for decades. These may include radioactive materials, potential impact explosives, and other hazardous chemicals that were once used in classrooms, but are considered far too dangerous for school use and pose significant safety and liability issues.

Most dangerous chemicals are located in the science laboratory. Many schools also have unwanted hazardous chemicals in the art rooms, custodial closets, industrial technology shops, and maintenance garages. Rehab the Lab can assist with management, education and disposal options for all of these chemicals.

Why do I need this service?
Rehab the Lab assists administrators, teachers and custodial staff in addressing safety concerns, proper chemical storage and disposal methods. Rehab the Lab assists schools in reducing liability and danger to students, staff and communities. Rehab the Lab also assists schools in preventing future chemical stockpiles. Metro Waste Authority and EMC Insurance Companies work together to provide technical resources for chemical management and disposal.

The Details!
Schools signing up for participation in the Rehab the Lab program receive the following services:

• Chemical Management Training
• Chemical Resource Packet
• On-site Assessment Visit by Trained Professionals
• Assistance with EPA Compliance
• Access to Discounted Disposal Rate
• Follow-up Support, Including Regulatory Compliance Assistance
• Ongoing Resources to Help Prevent Future Chemical Management Problems
• Final Comprehensive Report for Schools

Session Related Web sites:

• Rehab the Lab (www.emcins.com/guest/default.asp?Category=rtlu) - Learn more about the Rehab the Lab program and register for this event.

Registration deadline for this event is 10 days prior to the event date.

Cost for the Program:

• Beginning June 1, 2004, EMC Insurance Companies, with the assistance of MWA, will provide qualifying schools the Rehab the Lab program as a value added service from EMC. The cost of this service is now included in the school insurance program. To qualify, K12 schools must have their general liability insurance through the IASB Insurance Program and have not previously registered for Rehab the Lab.
• The disposal of all chemicals and all associated disposal costs remain the responsibility of the school. Those costs can be significantly reduced by participation in Rehab the Lab since participants receive substantial discounts from the disposal contractors working with Rehab the Lab. A quotation for the disposal of chemicals will be provided by a disposal contractor after EMC or MWA professionals perform an on-site assessment and produce an inventory of old and hazardous chemicals that need disposal.

Four separate ICN sessions are held each day. You may register for only the times you need. They are:

• Custodial Maintenance Building and Grounds 9:00-10:00
• Administration Business Managers/Art and Photography (alternate days) 10:15-11:15
• Industrial/Vocational Technology 11:30-12:30
• Science 1:00-3:00

To register for these events, please contact Steven Shaffer at EMC Insurance, and provide the following information:

• Name of contact person
• E-mail address
• Phone number
• School mailing address
• ICN node number
• Session date and times desired