BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
There are minimal quantities of hazardous materials used by, and minimal quantities of bio-hazardous medical waste generated by, Hillcrest Educational Centers.
Hillcrest students and clients are relatively free from any serious medical or physical problems. Hazardous substances that are used by the agency are used primarily by the Housekeeping and Maintenance Departments, and these are minimized and relatively routine and common substances (e.g., cleaning solutions, surface finishes such as paints and varnishes). Similarly, the Nursing Department generates relatively little bio-hazardous medical waste, and most typically that associated with blood tests (e.g., lancets).
Additionally, all Hillcrest programs provide relatively high staff-to-student ratios for supervision and support, including awake overnight staff at residential programs. These high staff-to-student ratios help to insure student and staff safety with regard to protection from and avoidance of exposure to hazardous substances, including accidental release.

Despite the relative absence of hazardous materials/waste, and the high level of supervision and support provided to Hillcrest students, however, Hillcrest manages such substances with the utmost care and safety.