Even highly trained and knowledgeable minds can be susceptible to simple, yet costly mistakes when storing dangerous chemicals. A Vermont college was recently cited for a litany of hazmat violations that could leave a blemish on its transcript for decades to come.
While the university contends the bulk of the infractions are from procedural error and not mismanagement, the imposed financial burden remains unchanged. Bennington College is one of the last settings where you would anticipate a hazardous material incident. Small and unassuming, the tiny liberal arts college is nestled in the hills of southern Vermont with a scenic backdrop that would rival any Norman Rockwell painting. So, what exactly transpired at such an idyllic setting that prompted this iconic slap on the wrist at such a prestigious school?
No emergency response plans?
Perhaps the most egregious of the college’s myriad list of infractions is that the university had not yet established response teams with the local fire and police departments. A contingency plan for responding to hazmat incidents should top the priority list of any organization handling small or large quantities of dangerous chemicals. Spills and accidents do happen. How you respond and prepare for these emergencies defines the true character of your business or organization.
U.S. Hazmat Rentals can properly store seemingly harmless materials
Hazardous materials carry an understandably negative, yet misleading connotation. Gasoline, dynamite, solvents, detonator caps and explosives commonly come to mind when the buzzword “hazardous materials” is flashed across a TV screen. The truth is that “hazardous material” can be bit of a misnomer. As in the case of Bennington College, the university was cited for the improper storage of waste from a painting and ceramics studio. While the substances may seem docile and benign, they can unnecessarily pollute and damage the ecosystem. Like other potential toxic substances, these chemicals must be properly stored.
Temporary storage solutions from U.S. Hazmat Rentals could prevent costly fines
Universities and small colleges are like a giant, thriving metropolis. Bustling departments that contain a robust and diverse student body do not just coexist. To classify their happenstance as dichotomy would be of further disservice. Despite their differences, these students and professors, along with their respective departments, are a cohesive force in their quest for higher learning and supreme truth.
A college campus is also like a well-oiled cognitive machine that must work in unison to achieve propulsion and momentum into the future as a research institution. Spills from hazardous materials and dangerous substances can stymie this quest. Temporary storage solutions from U.S. Hazmat Rentals can accommodate any college department, including chemistry classes, art studios, machinery shops or maintenance division.
Non fire-rated storage solutions for the not-so-obvious dangers
Skilled craftsmen and highly-trained professionals contribute to the smooth operations of a dynamic and diverse campus. Several smaller individual ecosystems exist within this this eclectic sphere of academia. Out of respect for their academic endeavors, these departments need separation and space from their neighboring entities, so they won’t disturb their learning experience either.
To ensure separate learning experiences in proximity with one another, U.S. Hazmat Rentals offer a celebrated line of steel storage lockers that can securely store dangerous chemicals and substances so hefty fines and accidents don’t occur.
Knowledgeable building advisors can help with labeling
Bennington College learned the importance of proper labeling of dangerous materials. Although they had not broken any laws in how they stored the chemicals, failing to properly designate them resulted in fines and bad press that could hinder their application rate for incoming students. Our expert storage advisers can guide you to the correct storage locker, so you don’t have to worry about violating any health or environmental regulations.
Why rent?
Many businesses are faced with this question. Why rent a hazmat storage locker when buying one can give you the reassurance of continued stability? Many institutions, such as a college campus or school, like the flexibility offered by renting as opposed to owning a locker. The needs of such a dynamic and diverse institution are always changing. Renting a storage locker affords the ability to adapt while not breaking the bank.
