POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

Welcome to the Policies and Procedures page for Hernando County School Board.

Your district requires that you READ everything on this page and that you DOWNLOAD and SIGN several documents.  You must BRING IN the signed documents to the district so make sure to do this!!

All documents are in PDF format and require Adobe Reader which is available free from www.adobe.com if you cannot view them.

 

YOUR REQUIREMENTS
1.) Download and sign the GENERAL Acknowledgement below.

General Acknowledgement

2.) Read the Toxic Substances: RIGHT TO KNOW information below and download and sign the associated acknowledgement:

 Acknowledgement - Toxic Substances

3.) Click the link below to download a copy of the Acceptable Use Agreement with regards to Network/Internet usage.  Print, read and sign the acknowledgement.

Agreement - Network/Internet Usage

4.) Click HERE to read the Florida Code of Ethics information for educators.  Then download and sign the associated acknowledgement.

Acknowledgement - Florida Code of Ethics

5.) Read extra information Bloodborne Pathogens below.  Nothing to sign for this.

Bring ALL FOUR SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS to the district offices along with your Sub-Hub completion Certificates.

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TOXIC SUBSTANCES: Florida's Right to Know Law
Florida requires employers to provide employees with access to information about any toxic substances which they may be exposed to at work as well as how to handle these substances and emergency procedures which may be needed if they become exposed.  This includes everything from things which seem relatively minor such as dry-erase markers to things which seem obviously hazardous such as chemicals used in laboratory experiments. 

If you need to report an exposure incident or a violation of safety regulations, you may contact the Toxic Hotline - 1-800-367-4378

What is an MSDS?
As part of your education regarding toxic substances, you should know how to use a Materials Safety Data Sheet or MSDS.  An MSDS is a required document created for any hazardous substance.  MSDSs for hazardous substances are maintained for 30 years.  The document includes the following information:

  • Manufacturer's name and address

  • What type of chemical it is (unless this is protected as a trade secret)

  • What specific hazards it presents (hazardous ingredients)

  • Specific physical and chemical characteristics of the substance

  • The appropriate First Aid or antidotes in the event of improper exposure

  • The proper and safe handling and storage of the substance

  • The health effects of exposure to the substance

  • The procedures for cleanup of spills or leaks and proper disposal

  • Incomparability with other substances (can't switch one chemical for another)

  • The potential for flammability (catching fire) or explosion

  • Reaction information/stability of chemical (what causes chemical to react)

  • Protection measures (protective equipment such as masks, ventilation, etc. needed)

Click the link below to open a sample MSDS.  Review the sections of it; you will see that each section presents the information from the bulleted list above.  You don't have to be a scientist or trained professional to be able to read an MSDS and get important information about your safety from it.

Sample MSDS

Select Least Toxic Option
When you are planning to use any substance to perform a task, you want to select the least toxic option available to you.  However, some products will always be toxic and may never be replaced by a non-toxic version or they will no longer work.  An example would be spirit-duplicating fluid.

For Your Safety - Become an avid LABEL READER. Check ingredients, uses, temperature conditions, care around humans, pets, plants, etc. and proper disposal.

Where would I find an MSDS at my school?
You would find these in the OFFICE of any school in the district.

How do I get a copy of an MSDS for my work area if I want one?
You may always request these from Safety and Security.  When you need an MSDS you have 5 days to request one and if it is not provided the district has 5 days to prove that they attempted to provide it to you.
 

Bloodborne Pathogens
Though you learn general safety practices regarding Bloodborne Pathogens in the Substitute Teaching 101 course, there is information you need to know specific to the Hernando County Schools.

  • If you must dispose of waste which has contacted blood or other human body fluids, you should use special BAGS provided by the school and dispose of the material in the special RED CONTAINERS found throughout the school but always in the school CLINIC.  This might include used latex gloves, bloodstained clothing or sharp objects with fluids on them such as broken glass.

  • Hernando County School Board does provide you the OPTION of getting the Hepatitis B VACCINE at no cost to you.  If you decide NOT to take this option, you must sign the DECLINATION FORM which will be provided directly to you by the district.