Bulk Chemical Dispensing System
Lunenburg Correctional Center

Department of Corrections

implemented this best practice in December 1997

Qualifying under the Best Practices catalogue:
3 Provide Capabilities
31 Manage resources and capabilities
312 Deliver products and services to customers

Best Practice Summary
(how it works, how you measure it)

Lunenburg developed a proportional/dispensing system for cleaning chemicals. This system replaced the standard method of diluting these chemicals with water by manual mixing. Inmates and Officers who do not necessarily understand pre-dilution requirements, and who tend to believe more is better were doing most mixing. Consequently, staff and inmates were wasting products and exposing themselves and others to stronger than necessary concentrations of hazardous materials when cleaning. The proportional/dispensing system involves mechanical mixing of chemicals with water through a pump device. This system has been installed in each inmate housing unit and other areas where chemicals for cleaning are dispensed. Access to these systems is restricted to staff and the systems are maintained under locked conditions.

Impact on the Process Organizational Performance (OUTCOMES)

This system has enabled the institution to purchase many cleaning chemicals in 55 gallon bulk containers, instead of smaller and more expensive containers. Bulk purchasing results in annual savings of $ 20,000. System cost was $ 2,000; costs were recovered within the first two months of system implementation. Also, the system reduces by approximately 5,000 the number of one-gallon containers introduced into the secure perimeter; this helps to control against inmates producing and storing mash. This reduction also reduces the amount of waste introduced at landfills. An additional $20,000 in annual savings was recognized by purchasing cleaning/floor care products that do not require diluting in bulk containers too. The total savings associated with this combined approach are approx. $40,000 annually. Correct dilution of these cleaning products provides much better cleaning action from the products. This has enhanced the state of sanitation at Lunenburg Correctional Center. Staff and inmates are now only exposed to the diluted form of these products, eliminating most of the safety hazards.

Best Practice Qualification

This practice represents an innovative application of readily available technology to the important function of cleaning and maintenance of public health. This practice saves a considerable sum of taxpayer's money and delivers an improved result with reduced risk to staff, inmates and the general public. This practice has been adopted at several other prisons and has been endorsed and recommended to all institutions by each of the Department of Corrections Environmental Health Specialists.

For Additional Information

Department of Corrections
Lunenburg Correctional Center
Post Office Box Y, 285-P
Highway #49
Victoria, VA 23974-0650

C. D. Larsen
Warden, Lunenburg Correctional Center
(804) 696-2045

John Britton, Manager
Certification, Planning, and Research Unit
Virginia Department of Corrections
(804) 674-3268
brittonjt@vadoc.state.va.us

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