Chemical Hazard Communication Program Manual
Use the Chemical Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program Manual as a guide to launching and managing your chemical hazard communication progam.
Use the Chemical Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program Manual as a guide to launching and managing your chemical hazard communication progam.
In a laboratory setting, researchers and workers may be exposed to formaldehyde vapor emitted from formalin and paraformaldehyde solutions or from contaminated surfaces or materials. Follow the Formaldehyde, Formalin, Paraformaldehyde Safe Work Practices to reduce risk of exposure and know how to respond in the event of a spill or other emergency..
University laboratories and users of formaldehyde complete the Formaldehyde SOP Template (Word) by filling in chemical/lab-specific information.
Broken fluorescent lamps and other broken mercury-containing lamps or bulbs must be cleaned up and disposed of as a hazardous waste.
Mercury spills must be addressed quickly and completely by following safe cleanup procedures. If you are trained to manage a small mercury spill on a smooth surface, such as a thermometer break on a linoleum floor, obtain a mercury spill kit and follow the procedures listed in the Mercury Spill Cleanup Sheet.
University units and researchers using hazardous chemicals can use the Blank Chemical SOP Template (Word) to modify to your specific location and procedures.
Visit the Chemical SOPs page to view and download example SOPs.
The purpose of the personal protective equipment (PPE) program is to protect researchers, employees, students, and visitors from potential hazards in the work environment. However, eliminating hazards through engineering or administrative controls provides better and more consistent protection than relying on PPE alone. If PPE is necessary, it is best used with engineering and/or administrative controls along with good work practices.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides information, resources and tools to meet the requirements of the International Fire Code for proper storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials generally refers to chemicals, compressed gases, and cryogenic fluids that present physical and health hazards.
Caution Signs are required to be posted at the entrance to a space where hazardous materials are stored or used. The Caution sign is based on a location's chemical inventory; it alerts emergency responders and visitors of potential hazards and precautions for entry.
Warning Signs alert personnel and visitors to health and safety hazards beyond those identified in the caution sign. Specific warning signs may be required based on the type of hazard present.
The Incompatible Chemicals Focus Sheet contains a Chemical Compatibility Chart chart adapted from the CRC Laboratory Handbook which groups various chemicals into 23 groups with examples and incompatible chemical groups.
This chart is by no means complete but it will aid in making decisions about storage.
For more complete information please refer to the MSDS/SDS for the specific chemical.