OCDEL Issues Hazardous Waste Handling, Storage, and Disposal Advisory

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning has issued an announcement regarding the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and biological contaminants.

Learn More

The advisory, released by OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services, includes an update on federal requirements by the U.S. Department of Human Services’ Office of Child Care. 

The announcement gives guidance on what must be done to maintain compliance with requirements for handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous material and biological contaminants. The announcement’s effective date is Oct. 1.

The announcement applies to:

• All DHS certified school-age programs providing care exclusively to school-age children

• Early Learning Resource Centers

• OCDEL staff

Requirements

All DHS certified child care programs must ensure that cleaning and toxic materials are:

• Kept in an area or container that is locked or inaccessible to children

• Stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content

• Stored away from food, food preparation areas, and child care spaces

• Used in a way that does not contaminate play surfaces, food, food preparation areas, and does not constitute a hazard to children

Trash must be removed from facilities at least once per day and from the facility grounds at least once per week.

More requirements are listed on the Pennsylvania Key’s website.

More Details

A prerecorded, on-demand webinar is available for certified child care providers. The webinar provides an overview of the announcement. 

Any questions about the announcement should be directed to regional child care offices:

• Central Region: 800-222-2117

• Northeast Region: 800-222-2108

• Western Region: 800-222-2149

• Southeast - North Region: 800-346-2929

• Southeast - South Region: 800-346-2929