CHEMICAL
HYGIENE
PLAN
LABORATORY SAFETY
AND
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL GUIDE
1
Prepared by
University at Albany
State University of New York
Office of Environmental Health & Safety
Updated Spring 2009
2
Table of Contents
Preface............................................................................. page 5
Resources ........................................................................ pages 6-7
Responsibilities.................................................................. page 8
I. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
A. Emergency Phone Numbers.................................................................. page 10
B. Medical Emergency Procedures.............................................................. pages 11-14
C. Evacuation Procedures........................................................................ page 15
D. Radiation Contamination or Exposure Incident............................................ page 16
E. Chemical Spill Procedures.................................................................... pages 17-18
II. FIRE SAFETY
A. Fire Protection.................................................................................. pages 20-22
B. Physical Properties of Common Flammable Liquids...................................... page 23
C. In the Event of a Fire........................................................................... page 24
D. Fire Extinguisher Usage....................................................................... page 25
III. SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR LABORATORY OPERATIONS
A. General Safety Procedures.................................................................... pages 27-29
B. Housekeeping................................................................................... pages 30-31
C. Transportation of Hazardous Materials...................................................... page 32
D. Fume Hood Practices.......................................................................... page 33
E. Distillation Procedures........................................................................ page 34
F. Electrical Safety................................................................................ pages 35-36
G. Approval.........................................................................................page 37
H. Respiratory Protection.........................................................................pages 38-39
I. Medical Consultation and Medical Exam................................................... page 40
J. Provisions for Employee Information and Training........................................page 41
IV. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
A. How to Read and Understand an MSDS....................................................pages 43-44
B. Toxic Chemicals................................................................................ page 45
C. Categories of Relative Toxicity.............................................................. page 46
D. Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL's)....................................................... page 47
and Threshold Limit Values (TLV's)
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd.)
V. SAFE CHEMICAL STORAGE
A. Chemical Storage Guidelines:................................................................ pages 49-55
In Relation to New York State Fire Code Requirements....................................
including Flammable Liquid and Compressed Gases Storage Guidelines................
B. Storage of Chemicals.......................................................................... page 56
C. Suggested Shelf Storage Pattern............................................................. page 57
D. Compatibility Chart............................................................................page 58
E. Incompatible Chemicals....................................................................... pages 59-62
VI. SAFE PROCEDURES FOR GENERAL CATEGORIES OF CHEMICALS
A. Carcinogens.....................................................................................page 64
B. Compressed Gases............................................................................. pages 65-70
C. Cryogenics.......................................................................................page 71
D. Ethers and Peroxidizable Materials..........................................................page 72
E. Mercury.......................................................................................... pages 73-74
F. Acids and Alkalis...............................................................................pages 75-76
G. Alkali Metals.................................................................................... page 77
H. Nontoxic, Noxious Odors..................................................................... page 78
VII. LABORATORY WASTE DISPOSAL
A. Hazardous Waste Disposal Program......................................................... pages 80-81
B. Hazardous Waste Definitions................................................................. pages 82-84
C. Hazardous Waste Label........................................................................ page 85
D. Empty Chemical Container and Glassware Disposal Policy............................. page 86
E. Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste....................................................... pages 87-88
F. Handling Procedures for Sharps, Glass and Biohazardous Autoclaved Waste........ page 89
VIII. APPENDICES
A. Reactive Chemicals............................................................................ pages 91-94
B. Glove Selection Chart......................................................................... page 95
C. PEL List......................................................................................... page 96
D. OSHA 1910.1450.............................................................................. page 97
E. University at Albany Laboratory Safety Checklist........................................ page 98
F. EPA Hazardous Waste Numbers............................................................. pages 99-113
G. Materials Liable to Form Peroxides in Storage.............................................page 114
H. Waste Minimization Policy................................................................... page 115
I. Identification, Control and Procedures for Handling of Extremely
Hazardous Chemicals - Designated Areas.......................................... pages 116-118
J. Formaldehyde Policy........................................................................... pages 119-120
4
PREFACE
Safety is a serious subject - especially when dealing with chemical and hazardous materials. Safe practice
requires that users of chemicals and hazardous materials have a knowledge of potential hazards and a
readiness to maintain safe conditions. It demands mutual responsibility and the full cooperation of
everyone in the area. This cooperation means that each student, instructor, principal investigator,
researcher, teaching assistant, graduate assistant, etc., must observe ALL safety precautions and
procedures.
The University at Albany has had a long and continuous commitment in providing a safe and healthful
environment for all its community members. To further promote this strong commitment, members of the
Office of Environmental Health & Safety have prepared this manual with assistance from the
Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Fine Arts, Geology, and Physics, and the Office for Research to
serve as a guideline for safe practices and procedures in the University's laboratories, art studios, and all
other areas where chemicals and hazardous materials are used or stored.* This manual is the Chemical
Hygiene Plan as mandated by OSHA 29CFR 1910.1450.
The safety and well being of individuals working, learning and conducting research in these areas is
directly dependent upon the information contained within this manual. Adherence to these guidelines will
contribute greatly toward achieving a safe and healthful environment.
The information contained in this manual has been compiled by sources believed to be reliable. However,
no warranty, guarantee, or representation is made by the University at Albany as to the correctness or
sufficiency of any information herein; nor can it be assumed that all necessary warnings and
precautionary measures are contained in this manual, or that other additional information or measures
may not be required or desirable because of particular or exceptional conditions or circumstances, or
because of new or changed legislation.
When in doubt, because of particular or exceptional conditions or circumstances, contact the Office of
Environmental Health & Safety in Chemistry B73 at 442-3495.
THE NYS RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW & THE FEDERAL HAZ-COM STANDARD
The University at Albany, State University of New York adheres to Chapter 551 of the Laws of New
York State, commonly referred to as the Right-To-Know Law and 29CFR 1910.1200, entitled, The
Hazard Communication Standard. Both pieces of registration require employers to institute certain safety
training programs for employees and giving employees rights pertaining to information on toxic
substances used in the workplace. Contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety, if you have
concerns regarding those laws.
* Guidelines covering the safe handling and disposal of radioactive materials can be found in the Radiation Safety Manual.
Please contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety in Chemistry B73 - 442-3495.
5
FOR UNIVERSITY POLICY REGARDING:
ANIMAL WELFARE Adrienne Bonilla
HUMAN SUBJECTS RESEARCH Research Compliance Officer
BIOSAFETY Office of Research
MSC 312
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT Vincent T. Franconere
MEDICAL WASTE Director of Environmental
AIR EMISSIONS Health and Safety
EMERGENCY PLANNING Chemistry B73
CHEMICAL SAFETY Lisa A. Donohue
CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN Assistant Director of EH&S
BIOSAFETY Chemistry B73
CODE ADMINISTRATION William H. Dosch
Director of Code
Administration
Chemistry B73
FIRE SAFETY Karl G. Kilts
CODE COMPLIANCE Code Compliance
Manager/Fire Protection
Supervisor
Chemistry B73
HAZARDOUS AND UNIVERSALWASTE Nayan Gosai
Hazardous Waste Specialist
Chemistry B73
RADIATION SAFETY Eric R. Call
RADIOACTIVE WASTE Radiation Safety Officer
LASER SAFETY Chemistry B73
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY Nora Baynes
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS Occupational Health and
Safety Specialist
Chemistry B73
SYRINGE USAGE Christian P. Olsen
GLASSWARE DISPOSAL Technical Services
Chemistry 109
6
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
AND SAFETY
DIRECTOR
Vincent T. Franconere, Chem. B73
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/CHEMICAL SAFETY OFFICER
Lisa A. Donohue, Chem. B73
HAZARDOUS WASTE SPECIALIST
Nayan A. Gosai, Chem. B73
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SPECIALIST
Nora Baynes, Chem. B73
RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER
Eric R. Call, Chem. B73
CODE ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR
William H. Dosch, Chem. B73
CODE ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Tonia Gross, Chem. B73
BUILDING CODE SPECIALIST
Karen Guastella, Chem. B73
CODE COMPLIANCE MANAGER/FIRE PROTECTION SUPERVISOR
Karl G. Kilts, Chem. B73
FIRE PROTECTION TECHNICIAN/LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR
Gregory P. Amyot, Chem. B73
SECRETARY/MSDS COORDINATOR
Andrea Downey, Chem. B73
OFFICE'S MAIN PHONE #.......................... 442-3495
EHS WEBSITE....................................www.albany.edu/ehs/
7
RESPONSIBILITIES
Each principal investigator shall be responsible for controlling hazards in his/her research laboratories.1
Specifically, this shall include: following the safety procedures, practices, policies and rules set forth by
this manual, developing specific safety procedures to be followed when working in a laboratory with
particularly hazardous substances, following all state and federal regulations, training employees in safe
practices, correcting work errors and defective conditions, encouraging a safety attitude in the laboratory,
and investigating the circumstances surrounding an accident if it occurs.2
Each laboratory worker shall be responsible for complying with the safety procedures, practices, policies
and rules set by the principal investigator, state and federal governments and this manual, and shall report
all accidents to the principal investigator.
Each instructor shall be responsible for controlling hazards in his/her teaching laboratories. Specifically,
this shall include: following the safety procedures, practices and rules set forth by this manual, training
students in safe practices, correcting work errors and defective conditions, encouraging a safety attitude in
the laboratory, and investigating the circumstances surrounding an accident if it occurs.2
Each student shall be responsible for complying with the safety procedures, practices and rules set by
their instructor and this manual, and shall report all accidents to their instructor.
All University community members are responsible for reporting any perceived health or safety hazards
on campus, as well as any suspected work-related illnesses or health problems to the Office of
Environmental Health and Safety.
1
A laboratory in this manual shall mean any place where hazardous materials or chemicals are used or stored.
2
In all cases of personal injury/accident, a "Supervisor's Report of Employee's Alleged Accident" - Form PS-1 for
faculty/staff or a "Report of Student/Public Accident or Public Injury" - Form LP-5 for students/visitors must be filled out.
The employee accident form is available on-line at http://hr.albany.edu/content/empacc.doc Both accident reports are available in
the Department Chair's Office or at the EH&S Office in Chem. B73.
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I. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
9
A. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
FIRE - POLICE - MEDICAL: 911
(If using a cell phone on campus, dial 442-3131 for UPD*)
IN CASE OF FIRE:
Pull alarm box at nearest exit.
Evacuate building.
If no alarm box, dial 911
*UPD ?University Police Department
EMERGENCY BLUE LIGHT PHONES CAN ALSO BE USED TO
CONTACT UPD. Just pickup the receiver and UPD will respond.
10
B. MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY:
1. Give immediate First aid or CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). See below.
2. Call 911.
If indicated, an ambulance will be summoned.
3. Speak slowly and clearly.
4. Give the nature of the emergency.
5. Give the location of the emergency.
6. Give the number and condition of victims.
7. Give the phone number you are using and your name.
8. Hang up last, after the dispatcher does.
IN CASE OF CHEMICAL POISONING:
1. Follow the same procedures as for Medical Emergency above.
2. Take MSDS* with victim.
FIRST AID
The emergency phone number on campus is:
911 for FIRE ?POLICE - MEDICAL
(Dial 442-3131 for University Police Department, if using a cell phone on campus)
*Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
11
MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (Cont'd.)
GENERAL FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS
In the event of an injury or other emergency, it is important to summon professional assistance
immediately. The following instructions are intended only as guidelines for untrained people in providing
assistance to the victim during the first few minutes, until professional assistance arrives. It is preferable
to have a person trained in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External
Defibrillators (AEDs) providing assistance during the first few minutes. The Office of Environmental
Health and Safety urges each department to consider having several people trained in First Aid, CPR and
AEDs . Contact Employees Benefits Office at 437-4700 for First Aid , CPR and AED training.
1. Effect rescue only if it can be safely done and it is necessary to prevent victim from further injury while
summoning an ambulance. Otherwise, do not move the victim or allow him/her to move until the
injuries have been assessed.
2. Ensure an adequate airway.
3. Ensure adequate breathing (give mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose respiration, if necessary).
4. Check for circulation by feeling for a pulse at the neck or wrist, if absent begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation), if you are trained to do so.
5. Control severe bleeding by the use of direct pressure.
THERMAL BURNS
1. Submerge the burned area in cold water (except for third-degree burns). This will significantly reduce
both swelling and pain. A third-degree burn is one in which tissue damage has occurred.
2. Apply a dry sterile dressing.
3. Do not break any blisters.
4. Do not use any commercial sprays or home remedies (butter, etc.).
5. Seek medical attention (University Health Center or Hospital.)
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MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (Cont'd.)
CHEMICALS IN THE EYE
1. Flush the eye with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes being careful not to wash the
chemical into the other eye. Use an eyewash fountain if one is available. Another person should assist the
victim by holding open the victim's eye while it is being flushed.
2. Seek medical attention and have the chemical's MSDS accompany the victim.
CHEMICAL BURNS
1. Brush any chemicals off the skin with a clean cloth, gloved hand, etc. Flush the affected area with
copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. If necessary, cut off or use tweezers to remove
chemically soaked clothing; avoid touching contaminated areas of clothing. Continue to flush skin for
several minutes more after clothing has been removed.
2. Apply a sterile dressing.
3. Seek medical attention and have the chemical's MSDS accompany the victim.
4. All chemically contaminated clothing must be thoroughly washed prior to re-wearing.
*Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
NOTE
In the event of an accident or injury, always notify the principal investigator, instructor, supervisor or
other person in charge as soon as possible. In all cases of personal injury/accident, a "Supervisor's Report
of Employee's Alleged Accident" (Form PS-1 for faculty/staff) or a "Report of Student/Public Accident or
Public Injury" (Form LP-5 forstudent/visitor) must be filled out. The employee accident form is available
on-line at http://hr.albany.edu/content/empacc.doc These forms are also available in the Department Chair's
Office or in the EH&S Office in Chem. B73.
13
MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (Cont'd.)
POISONING BY MOUTH: IF VICTIM IS CONSCIOUS
1. Call for medical assistance (911)
2. After medical help has been summoned, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
3. Save the label or container of the suspected poison for identification and for possible transportation
with the victim to a medical facility. Also, take the MSDS to the medical facility. If the victim vomits,
save the vomited material for analysis.
POISONING BY MOUTH: IF VICTIM IS UNCONSCIOUS
1. Maintain an open airway, adequate breathing. Give artificial respiration or CPR (Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation) if indicated.
2. Call for medical assistance (911).
3. After medical help has been summoned, call the Poison Control Center at 1-914-366-3000.
4. DO NOT give liquids to an unconscious or convulsing victim.
5. Save the label or container of the suspected poison for identification and for possible transportation
with the victim to a medical facility. Also, take the MSDS to the medical facility. Save all vomited
material.
NOTE: Instructions on labels for treatment of poisoning may be outdated or incorrect and
should only be followed after consulting a physician.
*Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
*POISON CONTROL CENTER*
HUDSON VALLEY POISON CONTROL CENTER
1-914-366-3000
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C. EVACUATION PROCEDURES
University buildings are to be evacuated immediately under the following conditions:
a) Fire alarm;
b) Power outage affecting chemical fume hoods;
c) When notified by a senior physical plant representative, University Police Department or person of
authority in the building;
d) Treat to life and health as determined by individual good judgment, e.g., hazardous material spill,
dangerous gas leak, explosion, natural disaster, etc.
If you are asked to evacuate the building or hear a fire alarm, do the following:
a) Stop work immediately;
b) Put out all flames or heat sources;
c) Rapidly proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly manner and close all doors behind you;
d) NEVER USE ELEVATORS;
e) Principal investigators and instructors check to see that employees and students have vacated their
workplace, if conditions permit;
f) Reconvene outside and away from the building to insure everyone has left the building;
g) If you know of someone who is having trouble leaving the building, REPORT it immediately to
someone in authority who is handling the emergency;
h) NEVER re-enter the building until a senior physical plant representative and/or building fire marshal
has given the okay.
TREAT ALL ALARMS AS THE REAL THING.
ASSUME NOTHING!!
15
D. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR A RADIATION
CONTAMINATION OR EXPOSURE INCIDENT
I. Injuries Involving Radiation Hazards
A. Notification (day or night)
1. Call 911, University Police Department
2. Tell the person who answers:
a. Someone has been injured in __________ Building, Room __________.
b. Radioactivity and/or radiation exposure is involved.
c. Your name.
d. Telephone extension being used.
B. Care of the Injured
1. Apply first aid, if necessary.
2. Measure exposed skin and clothing for contamination.
3. Remove significantly contaminated clothing and, if necessary, clothe individual in an
uncontaminated laboratory coat.
4. Stay with individual with assistance arrives and advise on the extent of the
contamination.
C. Contamination control procedures while awaiting assistance:
1. For a localized non-volatile liquid spill:
a. Cordon off or guard spill area against re-entry; drop absorbent paper onto spill.
b. Assemble potentially contaminated persons in one location of the laboratory and
monitor them for contamination.
c. Require everyone possibly involved to wait until the Radiation Safety Officer or
designee arrives.
2. For a release of powdered material, volatile liquid, or gaseous activity:
a. Evacuate personnel immediately, turning off any equipment that normally needs
constant attention, if time permits.
b. Assemble personnel immediately outside the room and instruct them to stay in
one location, to prevent the spread of contamination.
c. Close and, if possible, lock the room doors to prevent re-entry. If the hood fans
are off, try to seal accessible openings into the laboratory to prevent further
escape of airborne activity to the corridor.
d. Isolate the adjacent corridors against traffic and spectators.
e. Wait for the Radiation Safety Officer or designee to arrive.
II. Contamination Incident Without Injury
A. Notification (day or night)
1. Call 911, University Police Department
2. Tell the person who answers:
a. Radiation contamination incident in __________ Building, Room __________.
b. Your name.
c. Telephone extension being used.
B. Contamination control procedures while awaiting assistance: SEE I.C. above.
16
E. CHEMICAL SPILL PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY SPILLS - VOLATILE, FLAMMABLE, FUMING OR TOXIC MATERIALS
1. Leave the bottle, carton, etc., right where it falls.
DO NOT attempt to handle the substance with bare hands
2. Alert room occupants, turn off all ignition sources, and immediately evacuate the area.
Close the door behind you to prevent further building contamination.
3. Pull the building fire alarm box at the nearest exit to alert other building occupants and to summon aid
(University Police Department and Power Plant).
Leave the building and call 2-3444. Give your name, building name, room number of spill and nature
and extent of the spill. State if medical aid is needed.
4. As soon as possible, notify the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 2-3495.
Give the name of the chemical spilled, the amount spilled, manufacturer and any other pertinent
information available.
5. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will supervise cleanup by properly trained and
equipped personnel.
6. No one is to enter the area for general housekeeping cleanup until the EH&S Office has declared the
area to be decontaminated and safe.
NON-EMERGENCY SPILLS
1. Leave the bottle, carton, etc., right where it falls.
2. DO NOT attempt to handle the substance with bare hands.
3. Alert room occupants to the spill. If flammable liquid is involved, turn off ignition sources.
4. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 2-3495.
5. Give the name of the chemical spilled, manufacturer, the amount spilled, and any other pertinent
information available.
6. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will advise on the correct cleanup procedures.
In special instances, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety may perform minor cleanup
procedures in the interest of safety. These cleanup procedures will be performed in conjunction with the
personnel involved.
*Spill cleanup kits for small spills are available through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
17
CHEMICAL SPILL PROCEDURES (Cont'd.)
CHEMICAL SPILL FIRST AID PROCEDURES
If an individual becomes contaminated with a spilled chemical, particularly if the words TOXIC, ACID,
CAUSTIC or CORROSIVE appear:
1. Brush any dry chemicals off the skin and clothing with a clean cloth, gloved hand, etc.
2. Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, using the nearest safety
shower, or in the case of eye contamination, the nearest eye wash fountain. If necessary, cut off or use
tweezers to remove chemically contaminated clothing, being careful not to touch contaminated areas.
Continue to flush skin for several minutes after clothing has been removed. NOTE: You may have to
bodily hold the individual under the running water. If the individual's eyes are affected, you may have to
hold their eyes open while they are being flushed.
DO NOT BECOME CONTAMINATED YOURSELF!
3. Seek medical help by calling 911 or by taking the individual to the University Health Center.
4. Later, have the individual fill out a personal injury/accident form, LP-5 form for students/visitors and
PS-1 form for faculty/staff. These forms are available in the Department Chair's Office or in the EH&S
Office in Chemistry B73. The employee accident form is available on-line at
http://hr.albany.edu/content/empacc.doc
5. All contaminated clothing must be thoroughly washed before being worn again.
*Always read a chemical's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before using.
The MSDS will review chemical spill first aid procedures.
18
II. FIRE SAFETY
19
A. FIRE PROTECTION
One of the more serious problems that can confront an individual in a laboratory is the spectra of a fire.
Electrical equipment, open flames, static electricity, burning tobacco, lighted matches and hot surfaces
can all cause ignition of flammable materials. Flammable liquids, powders of combustible solids,
compressed and liquified gases are always prevalent; and therefore, caution should be exercised whenever
an open flame is required for any particular experiment.
Fire falls into four main classes:
Class A - ordinary solid combustibles, such as paper, wood, textiles, etc.
Class B - flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, solvents, etc.
Class C - A fire where an electrical current is present, or where a shock hazard could be a reality
Class D - burning metals, such as sodium, potassium, metal hydrides, etc.
Each type of fire requires an extinguisher specifically applicable to controlling that particular fire:
Class A - water extinguisher or an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher
Class B - carbon dioxide, BC dry chemical or ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher
Class C - carbon dioxide, BC dry chemical or ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher
Class D - met-1-x fire extinguisher (available on the second and third floors of Chemistry)
Flammable substances are those that readily catch fire and burn in air. A flammable liquid does not itself
burn; it is the vapors from the liquid that burn. The rate at which different liquids produce flammable
vapors depends on their vapor pressure, which increases with temperature. The degree of fire hazard
depends also on the ability to form combustible or explosive mixtures with air, the ease of ignition of
these mixtures, and the relative densities of the liquid with respect to water and of the gas with respect to
air. These properties can usually be found on a chemical's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
These concepts can be evaluated and compared in terms of a number of properties:
Flash Point:
The lowest temperature, as determined by standard tests, at which a liquid gives off vapor in
sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid within
the test vessel. Many common laboratory solvents and chemicals have flash points that are lower
than room temperature.
20
FIRE PROTECTION ?(Cont'd.)
Ignition Temperature:
The minimum temperature required to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion independent of
the heat source.
Limits of Flammability:
a) Lower Flammable Limit (Lower explosive limit LEL) is the minimum concentration (percent
by volume) of the vapor in air below which a flame is not propagated when an ignition source is
present. Below this concentration, the mixture is too lean to burn.
b) Upper Flammable Limit (Upper explosive limit UEL) is the maximum concentration (percent
by volume) of the vapor in air above which a flame is not propagated when an ignition source is
present. Above this concentration, the mixture is too rich to burn.
Autoignition:
Takes place when a substance reaches its ignition temperature without the application of external
heat. Materials susceptible to autoignition include oily rags, dust accumulations, organic materials
mixed with strong oxidizing agents (such as nitric acid, chlorates, permanganates, peroxides, and
persulfates), alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, finely divided pyrophoric metals, and
phosphorus. See Appendix A.
The basic precautions for the safe handling of flammable materials include the following:
1. Flammable substances should be handled only in areas free of ignition sources.
2. Flammable substances should never be heated by using an open flame. Preferred heat sources include
steam baths, water baths, oil baths, heating mantles, and hot air baths.
3. Before lighting a flame, remove all flammable substances from the immediate area. Check all
containers
of flammable materials in the area to ensure that they are tightly closed.
4. When transferring flammable liquids in metal equipment, static generated sparks should be avoided by
bonding from container to container and the use of ground straps. The grounding straps must go to an
earth ground. Be sure the clamps on all straps are hitting metal and not just the paint on the containers.
5. Notify other occupants of the laboratory in advance of lighting a flame.
6. Store flammable materials properly. Use a flammable liquid storage cabinet whenever possible.
Flammable liquid storage cabinets can be requested through the Office Environmental Health &
Safety. See Section V.A. for guidelines on the proper storage of flammable liquids.
7. When volatile, flammable materials may be present, use only non-sparking electrical equipment.
8. Ventilation is one of the most effective ways to prevent the formation of flammable mixtures. An
exhaust hood should be used whenever appreciable quantities of flammable substances are
21
FIRE PROTECTION ?(Cont'd.)
transferred from one container to another, allowed to stand in open containers, or handled in any other
way.
Compressed or liquified gases present hazards in the event of fire because the heat will cause the pressure
to increase and may rupture the container. Leakage or escape of flammable gases can produce an
explosive atmosphere in the laboratory. Acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and carbon
monoxide are especially hazardous. When a liquified gas is used in a closed system, pressure may
buildup, so that adequate venting is required. If the liquid is flammable (i.e., hydrogen), explosive
concentrations may develop. Any, or all, of the three problems, flammability, toxicity, and pressure
buildup, may come serious.
Suspensions of oxidizable particles (such as magnesium powder, zinc dust, or flowers of sulfur) in the air
constitute of powerful explosive mixture. Care should be exercised in handling these materials to avoid
exposure to ignition sources. See Appendix A.
22
B. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF COMMON
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Flammable Limit % by
Volume in air
Flash Boiling Ignition
Chemical Class Point Point Temp Upper Lower
(癈) (癈) (癈)
Acetaldehyde 1A -37.8 21.1 175 4 60
Acetone 1B -17.8 56.7 465 2.6 12.8
Benzene 1B -11.1 80 560 1.3 7.1
Carbon disulfide 1B -30 46.1 80 1.3 50
Cyclohexane 1B -20 81.7 245 1.3 8
1A -45 35 160 1.9 36
Diethyl ether
Ethyl alcohol 1B 12.8 78.3 365 3.3 19
n-Heptane 1B -3.9 98.3 215 1.05 6.7
n-Hexane 1B -21.7 68.9 225 1.1 75
Isopropyl alcohol 1B 11.7 82.8 398.9 2 120
Methyl alcohol 1B 11.1 64.9 385 6.7 360
Methyl ethyl ketone 1B -6.1 80 515.6 1.8 10
Pentane 1A -40 36.1 260 1.5 7.8
Styrene 1B 32.2 146.1 490 1.1 6.1
Toluene 1B 4.4 11.06 480 1.2 7.1
p-Xylene 1C 27.2 138.3 530 1.1 7
23
C. IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE,
FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES
1. Notify laboratory occupants to evacuate.
2. Pull the building alarm box at the nearest exit.
Evacuate the building.
DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
Close all doors behind you.1
If no alarm box, dial 911
3. Notify the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 2-3495 as soon as possible regarding the
nature of the fire and materials involved.
4. If a person's clothing should catch fire, douse the individual with water (use a safety shower if one is
readily available) or have the individual drop to the floor and roll. If necessary, physically restrain the
person and roll them around the floor to smother the flames.
5. Learn the location and the use of the nearest fire extinguisher, types of fire extinguishers available and
the procedures for exiting during a fire. Look in building corridors for appropriate evacuation routes.2
Only use a fire extinguisher after you have established a safe exit route and you feel you are capable of
putting out the fire.
PLAY IT SAFE! Know your limitations; do not compromise you life in a hazardous situation.
6. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for any problems concerning fire safety
related items at 2-3495.
1
The doors within a building, especially in stairwells and in corridors, are required to meet State Fire Code. Doors in
stairwells must never be propped open. Open doors will allow the spread of smoke and fire to the exits, rendering them
useless. Doors in corridors are smoke partitions; they separate areas limiting the spread of smoke, fire, or fumes to
adjacent areas. This serves two purposes: limiting damage and/or contamination and extending escape time. Do not
prop them open.
2
Building corridors and stairwells are fire exits. NO material shall be placed in any exitway. This includes furniture,
equipment, boxes, etc.
24
D. FIRE EXTINGUISHER USAGE PROCEDURES:
1. Pull the alarm box - this will evacuate the building and summon aid.
2. Fight a small fire only (rule of thumb-no larger than a small trash can) and only use a fire extinguisher,
if you have been trained and feel confident in using one. Always place the fire extinguisher between you
and the fire. If the fire gets large, get out! Close doors to slow the fire spread. Stay between the fire and
an exit. Do not let fire block your escape path in case it goes out of control.
3. Make sure you use the correct type of fire extinguisher (see page 20). Make sure you do not use one
type extinguisher on another type fire; it may make the fire worse.
4. Learn how to PASS.
P ULL
Pull the pin. Some units require the releasing of a lock latch, pressing a puncture lever, or
other motion.
A IM
Aim the extinguisher nozzle (horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
S QUEEZE
Squeeze or press the handle.
S WEEP
Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out. Shut off the extinguisher.
Watch for reflash and reactivate the extinguisher, if necessary. Foam and water extinguishers
require slightly different action. Read the instructions.
25
III. SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR
LABORATORY OPERATIONS
26
A. GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES
1. New York State Education Law Section 409-A requires the use of eye protection when working in a
laboratory. Chemical splash goggles should be worn wherever chemicals are used or stored. Contact
lenses are prohibited. Particulate matter, liquids, vapors, and gases can lodge behind contact lenses and
cause considerable eye damage before they can be washed out with water from an eyewash fountain.
Visitors must wear eye protection while in laboratories.
2. Adult visitors in laboratories must be accompanied by a faculty or staff member or a graduate student.
Children are PROHIBITED in all laboratories. All laboratories must be locked when unattended.
3. Avoid unnecessary exposure to all chemicals. Wear lab coats or aprons and gloves to protect clothing
and skin. Lab coats are preferable to aprons as they cover your arms. Outside of the laboratory, except
when transporting chemicals and/or hazardous materials, lab coats and gloves serve no purpose, could
spread contamination and should be left behind in the laboratory. Shorts, cut-offs, halter tops and sandals
MAY NOT be worn in the laboratory area.
4. Label all containers of chemicals, including waste chemicals. Include your name, the chemicals used,
their concentrations and date prepared on the label of all solutions. Put the opening date and disposal date
on all materials that degrade such as peroxides and ethers. Never use any substance from an unlabeled or
inadequately labeled container.
5. Use laboratory fume hoods when handling flammable, toxic, or noxious agents. Before conducting any
work in a fume hood, first check to see if the fume hoods is operating.*
IF NO AIR MOVEMENT IS EVIDENT,
IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE POWER PLANT AT 2-3444.
6. Eating, drinking, and smoking are PROHIBITED in the laboratory areas.
7. Know the location of the nearest safety shower, eyewash station, fire extinguisher and spill kits. Keep
them clean and unobstructed.
8. Mouth suction must NEVER be used to fill pipettes, start siphons, or for any other purpose.
9. Never perform experimental work in the laboratory alone, or at least without another person within
easy call. Make sure that person knows you are working alone and have that person check up on you
periodically. No undergraduate laboratory work is to be carried out in the absence of an instructor.
Perform only authorized experiments. Unapproved variations are prohibited. Research people who are
responsible for their own experimental programs should inform others working in the area of the
chemicals being used and the possible hazards involved. All reactions are to be attended or made fail-safe
if left alone or overnight. Reactions should be labeled with the name and phone number of the contact
person in case of an emergency.
*Vaneometers are available through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
27
GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES (Cont'd.)
10. Work with materials only when you know their flammability, reactivity, corrosiveness and toxicity.
Before working with any chemical, review the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) (for
additional information contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety - Chemistry B73). Read all
labels thoroughly.
11. All known poisons and known carcinogens should be handled with extreme care and kept under lock
and key.
12. A women who works in a laboratory while pregnant should be especially careful to avoid contact with
chemicals, particularly those that are embryotoxic or teratogenic. If there is any possibility that you may
be pregnant or considering pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult with your physician concerning
possible hazards from exposure to chemicals in the laboratory.
13. Apparatus attached to a ring-stand should be positioned so that the system's center of gravity is over
the base and not to one side - the lower the better, but with adequate room for removing burners or baths.
14. Provide a vent for chemicals that are to be heated. Prior to heating a liquid, place boiling stones in
vessels (other than test tubes). Use a thermometer in a boiling liquid if there is the possibility of
dangerous exothermic decomposition, as in some distillations. This will provide warning and may allow
time to remove the heat and apply external cooling.
15. Fire polish all glass tubing and rods. Use the proper techniques for inserting and removing a glass tube
from a stopper. Shortcuts can lead to a severely punctured hand. Protect hands with gloves, towel, or
tubing holder when inserting or removing tubing from stoppers. Lubricate the tubing with water or
glycerine. Keep hand on tubing close to the stopper and out of line with the end of the tube.
16. NEVER look down the opening of a vessel unless it is empty.
17. Use beaker covers to prevent splattering when heating liquids on a hot plate. Keep a pair of tongs
conveniently at hand - a specific pair of tongs for the dish, crucible, beaker, casserole, or flask being used.
18. NEVER pour ether, petroleum ether, or other flammable, water-immersible liquids into sinks to be
washed down with water. Fires have been caused in laboratories by vapors returning through the
drainage system. It is also illegal to put most chemicals down the drain. See Hazardous Waste Disposal
Procedures - Section VII.
28
GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES (Cont'd.)
19. Before opening any bottle on which the lid or top is stuck, first make sure there are no additional
hazards with opening the bottle such as peroxide formation or pressure buildup in the bottle. If there are
no additional hazards associated with opening the bottle, wrap the bottle with a towel and place it in a
metal container before cutting the lid. Use the same precautions when opening an ampoule, and at the
same time, be careful that the liquid in the ampoule is cold. NEVER open an ampoule containing a
flammable liquid by heating the tip with a flame. When opening bottles which may be under pressure
(e.g., hydrochloric acid, formic acid or ammonium hydroxide), cover the bottle with a towel to divert any
chemical spray, and open under a fume hood.
20. When transferring chemicals, make certain the container is compatible with the chemical.
21. Adequate traps must be used in vacuum systems in which mechanical pumps are used, to prevent
corrosion of the pump. Do not release the vacuum in any apparatus when the temperature is above
150癈. The hot vapors may explode.
22. Use only the necessary length of rubber or other flexible tubing and keep it to the rear of the set-up.
The water pressure at the University increases at night and has caused several water supply lines to pop
off and flood laboratories. Thus, all connecting hoses, especially water supply lines, MUST be fastened
with either clamps or wires.
23. Do not mix incompatible chemicals. If in doubt, always check the chemical's Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) or a source book before mixing chemicals. Always add a reagent slowly; never "dump it
in." Observe what takes place when the first amount is added and wait a few moments before adding
more; some reactions take time to start.
ALWAYS ADD ACIDS TO WATER CAUTIOUSLY, WHILE STIRRING.
NEVER POUR WATER INTO ACID
24. Appropriate eye protection must be worn when working with lasers or other optical sources. Contact
the Radiation Safety Officer (Chemistry B73) at 2-3495 for additional information.
29
B. HOUSEKEEPING
1. Set up and label separate waste receptacles for paper and glass. Oily rags and other oil-impregnated
materials
should be stored in an approved, covered, metal container and disposed of by calling the EH&S Office at
2-3495. DO NOT PUT NOXIOUS MATERIALS IN THE TRASH. Contact the Office of Environmental
Health and Safety for proper disposal.
2. Empty chemical containers are to be triple rinses with water, or the appropriate solvent depending on
the chemical, and taken down to the C.A.S. Scientific Stores for disposal. The custodial staff is not
responsible for the disposal of these containers. See Section VII.D.
3. Aisles and hallways should not be obstructed. Benches, tables, desks, and fume hoods are work areas,
not storage space. Keep work areas clean. Keep drawers and cabinets closed. Keep all chemicals off
the floor. Do not store chemicals overhead.
4. Equipment with moving parts (gears, belts, pulleys) MUST be equipped with protective guards.
5. Centrifuge tubes should be in good condition - no chips or other flaws. Tubes should be balanced when
in use.
6. Oven temperature regulators should be checked periodically to ensure that they are working reliably.
7. Use undamaged, clean glassware - no chips or other flaws.
8. Dewar flasks should be taped when in use or enclosed in metal mesh to protect personnel from flying
glass. In general, if apparatus is likely to shatter, either because of pressure or vacuum, surround it with
mesh or cloth to limit the travel of particles and to protect personnel.
9. Do not attempt to catch glassware if it is dropped or knocked over. Glass apparatus should be set well
back from the front edge of the work bench to lessen the risk of injury if there is an accidental breakage of
glass.
10. Sink traps and floor drains should be kept filled with water at all times to prevent escape of sewer
gases into the laboratory. Such gases may be toxic or flammable and may be ignited, causing flash fires.
A little vegetable oil may be poured down drains that are not used on a regular basis. This will prevent
their traps from drying out and odors from escaping.
11. Chemicals should not be poured down the drain or put in the trash. See Hazardous Waste Disposal
Procedures - Section VII.
12. Each water supply outlet within the laboratory should be equipped with either a vacuum breaker or a
back-flow prevention device. No auxiliary plumbing should be connected to a water distribution line
unless adequate back-flow prevention is provided.
30
HOUSEKEEPING (Cont'd.)
13. Keep all safety showers and eyewash stations clean and unobstructed. INSPECT AND FLUSH
EYEWASH STATIONS WEEKLY and denote date on the attached inspection tag. If the
eyewash is not working properly, contact the Shop Coordinator's Office at 2-3480. If you need an
eyewash and/or safety shower installed, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety in
Chemistry B73.
14. A sign should be fastened on the outside of the door of every laboratory and chemical storage area.
This sign should contain the names and phone numbers of the people who should be notified in the event
of an emergency. These signs are available from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety in
Chemistry B73.
15. Appropriate warning signs should be posted near any dangerous equipment, reaction, experiment or
condition. See Appendix on Designated Areas.
16. Keep laboratory doors closed at ALL times. Leaving a laboratory door open interferes with the air
flow of the fume hoods, disrupts the building's air handling system and allows various odors to circulate
around the building. Laboratory doors must be locked, if the laboratory is unattended. Also, keep building
fire doors CLOSED at all times.
17. Clean up all spilled chemicals, water, and broken glassware immediately. Keep floors unobstructed,
dry, and free from slippery materials. DO NOT STORE CHEMICALS IN GLASS CONTAINERS ON
THE FLOOR.
18. Keep caps and lids of chemical containers closed when not in use as this prevents contamination and
vapor escape.
19. Before leaving the laboratory, turn off all services not in use such as water, electricity, gases and
vacuums. Bunsen burners should not be left burning when not in use. They should be turned off at the
petcocks. Do not depend upon turning a gas burner off at its base.
20. Use only the necessary length of rubber or other flexible tubing and keep it to the rear of the set-up.
All connecting hoses, especially water supply lines MUST be fastened with either clamps or wire.
NOTE: Water pressure may increase at night.
21. The contents of refrigerators in laboratories should be reviewed and inspected at regular intervals with
should not exceed six months. Do not store materials in open containers in the refrigerator. Food and
chemicals must NOT be stored together in a refrigerator because of the possibility of contamination.
Refrigerators/Freezers should be explosion proof if storing flammable materials. See Refrigerators- Section V.F.
22. Keep all air vents unobstructed at all times. DO NOT COVER THEM. It will affect the air flow of the
fume hoods.
23. DO NOT BLOCK WINDOWS IN DOORS, particularly on laboratory doors, as this poses a potential
life threatening hazard in the event of a fire or chemical spill. In the event of an emergency evacuation,
personnel checking the building for occupants cannot see into the rooms.
31
C. TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Transporting hazardous substances from one location to another within the University can be a serious
safety and health problem. Individuals could be unduly exposed through carelessness or neglect. For these
reasons, extra precautions are not only prudent, but necessary.
RULES FOR TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
1. Unbreakable containers must be used to transport bulk amounts of chemicals.
2. All liquid chemicals in glass containers MUST be transported in bottle carriers. These carriers are
available either for loan or purchase from CAS Scientific Stores. The Stores will not release any toxic or
hazardous chemical unless it is in an unbreakable carrier or in a bottle carrier.
3. All compressed gas cylinders, including empties, MUST be secured upright to a cylinder hand truck
with the cylinder valve cap in place. This includes cryogenic tanks.
4. Whenever transporting liquid nitrogen tanks (or any cryogenic that is venting) in elevators, make sure
another person is waiting for you when you exit the elevator. This will ensure that you have someone
available to summon help should the elevator break down and/or you are overcome by the over-venting
of the gas. If at all possible, no one should ride in an elevator with a venting cryogenic tank.
5. When transporting chemicals and/or compressed gases for University use in vehicles, on or off-campus,
contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safely for the appropriate procedures and paper work.
Chemicals and/or compressed gasses should not be transported in personal vehicles.
32
D. FUME HOOD PRACTICES
Improper fume hood practices often render the hood useless and unsafe. The hoods are only secondary
safety devices and must be used in conjunction with good laboratory safety practices. The following
information will help the user attain a higher degree of safety:
1. Prior to fume hood usage, become familiar with the location of the nearest exit, emergency shower,
eyewash station and fire extinguisher, and be sure the pathways to these locales are unobstructed.
2. Verify that the hood is operating properly before each usage. Use the installed airflow monitor, a
vaneometer, or a piece of tissue to check for airflow. A reading of 80 - 150 fpm on the monitor or
vaneometer indicates good airflow. DO NOT USE THE HOOD IF ADEQUATE AIRFLOW IS NOT
INDICATED. Notify the other occupants in the lab of the problem and immediately contact the Power
Plant at 2-3444 (24 hours). If you need a vaneometer, contact the Office of Environmental Health and
Safety in Chemistry B73.
3. DO NOT USE HOODS ON FRIDAY MORNINGS BETWEEN 7:30 am & NOON. Every Friday
morning between 7:30 am and noon the Academic HVAC crew inspects the machinery in the air
monitors in the Biology, Chemistry including the Ion Implanter, Earth Science, Fine Arts and Physics
buildings. (If Friday is a holiday, Monday is the inspection day.) In order to protect the HVAC
maintenance crew while they are in the monitors where the fume hood exhaust fans are located, it is
mandated that on Friday mornings the fume hoods not be used until noon. Be sure all chemicals in the
hood are in sealed containers. Also, do not send anything toxic up the vacuum lines that exhaust on the
roof during this time frame.
4. Always wear safety goggles, gloves and a lab coat when working around the hood.
5. KEEP THE HOOD UNCLUTTERED; THE MORE CLUTTERED A HOOD, THE MORE AIR
FLOW DISTURBANCES POSSIBLE.
6. Keep experimental apparatus away from the edge of the hood - at least four (4) inches behind the face
of the hood, and well away from the back (blocking the baffles will disturb the airflow pattern.)
7. Position the sash appropriately to ensure a minimum face velocity of 80 - 100 feet per minute (fpm).
Reducing the open face will increase the face velocity plus provide protection to the user. Keep your
head outside the hood and keep the sash closed when the hood is not in use.
8. Try not to store chemicals in the hood - chemicals stored inside the hood disturb the airflow pattern
(especially when blocking baffles), and reduce the available working space. Evaporation of chemical
waste up the fume hood is an illegal form of hazardous waste disposal. All hazardous waste containers in
a hood should be kept sealed, unless they are actively being used (actually pouring waste into the
container.)
9. Do not use perchloric acid in laboratory fume hoods. Perchloric acid must only be used in hoods
designed especially for it. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for proper
perchloric acid usage procedures.
33
E. DISTILLATION PROCEDURES
Performing a distillation is a common procedure in laboratories. But the fact that it is common, means that
people tend to overlook the inherent hazards. Following the same rules that should be heeded in order to
keep distillations safe.
1. Always use either round-bottomed flasks or kettles of Pyrex supported with a tripod or bench jack, with
a neck clamp for added security. To prevent an over-violent reaction, place boiling chips or an ebullator
in the distillation flask or bottle.
2. Provide a vent in every distillation system and check to see that it does not become plugged. Otherwise,
an explosion may occur.
3. Before starting a distillation process, check all joints and connections to see that they are greased and
tight. Secure glass joints with wire or clamps to prevent vapor leakage. Be certain that the coolant is
flowing and that a receiver of adequate capacity is in place.
4. Perform all flammable liquid distillations, extractions, and washing operations in a fume hood. Use an
electric heating mantel or a water or steam bath for heating - never use an open flame or hot plate. Before
distilling ethers or acetal, destroy all peroxides that may be present. See Appendices A and G.
5. When distillations are performed under reduced pressure, inert gas should be introduced by an
ebullator. On vacuum stills, be certain that the contents of the system have cooled below the boiling point
before releasing the vacuum.
6. Avoid overheating still bottoms at end of distillation. When stopping a distillation, first shut off the
heat. Turn off the coolant only after all vapors disappear from the condenser.
Taken from the M.I.T. Accident Prevention Guide, Vol. 4
34
F. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1. All electrical connections should be grounded.
2. Electrical equipment service cords should be in good condition. Frayed cords or exposed wires should
be repaired by qualified personnel. Control switches and thermostats should also be in good working
order. Special attention should be paid to cables from the power supply to the gels in the gel
electrophoresis equipment. These cables must be in good condition, otherwise there is potential for
electric shock. Check the cables periodically, and replace when they are worn.
3. Avoid overloading circuits. Do not use multiple outlet plugs for additional connections. Approved UL
listed power strips should be used in place of extension cords or multiple outlet plugs.
4. Do not handle any electrical connections with wet hands or when standing in or near water. The
placement of connections should be such that there is no danger or chemical or water spillage on wires or
equipment. Do not allow electrical cords to drape down into the troughs between lab benches (as in the
Biology building), as they often have water running through them.
5. Do not use electrical equipment, such as mixers or hotplates, around flammable liquids.
6. Do not try to repair equipment yourself. All repairs should be done by qualified personnel.
7. Never try to bypass any safety device on a piece of electrical equipment.
8. In case of fire on or near any electrical equipment, pull building fire alarm box and if possible, dial 911.
9. Use only BC or ABC fire extinguishers for fires on or near any electrical equipment.
10. Temporary electrical connections should be carefully placed - they should not be run across the floor
without protective covering nor left hanging overhead. Temporary connections should not take the
place of installing permanent connections. Heavy items should not be placed on top of electrical
cords.
11. Do NOT store flammable or volatile liquids in refrigerators/freezers that are not explosion proof.
For electrical assistance, contact the University Shop Coordinator's Office at 2-3480.
35
ELECTRICAL SAFETY (Cont'd.)
IN THE EVENT OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK:
1. Do not touch victim until victim is out of contact with live current.
2. Unplug or turn off current or circuit breaker, if possible.
3. Immediately call 911. State that you have a possible electrocution and request the Fire Department and
Medical Assistance.
4. Follow Medical Emergency Procedures.
36
G. APPROVAL
The principal investigator must obtain prior approval from the Office of Environmental Health and
Safety, and when necessary, the Department Chair, Radiation Safety Committee, Animal Welfare
Committee, Human Subjects IRB, Biomedical IRB, Biosafety Committee (IBC), etc., for particular
laboratory operations, procedures, or activities that involve the following:
1. A newly introduced hazardous chemical substance of moderate chronic or high acute toxicity;
2. Working with a substance of known high chronic toxicity;
3. Working with the 25 OHSA regulated chemicals listed in Section VI.A.;
4. Working with radioactive materials.
5. Working with drugs, animals, human subjects, human pathogens, human bodily fluids, etc.
Consultation with the above bodies may be appropriate to ensure that the toxic material is effectively
contained during the experiments, safety protocols are established and that the waste material can be and
is disposed of in a safe and legal manner. See page 6.
37
H. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Respiratory protective equipment should not be used as a substitute for adequate exhaust ventilation or
other engineering control methods. But when it is clearly impractical to remove harmful dusts, fumes,
mists, vapors, or gases at their source, or when emergency protection against occasional and brief
exposure is needed, people should have respiratory protective equipment available and should be trained
on how to use it.
There are several types of situations for which respiratory protection should be used:
a) oxygen deficient atmospheres;
b) gaseous toxic contaminant is present;
c) particulate toxic contaminant is present;
d) both particulate and gaseous toxic contaminants are present;
e) nuisance dusts;
f) gaseous contaminant is present below toxic levels.
There are a variety of respirators available and each has a particular application. For example, a dust mask
is not effective where a toxic gas or an oxygen deficient atmosphere is present. Therefore, it is important
to understand the hazardous situation and to choose suitable respiratory protective equipment. The
University has a Respiratory Protection Program managed by the Office of Environmental Health and
Safety involving medical exams, training, and the proper selection and fitting of respirators. If you need a
respirator, contact the EH&S Office in Chemistry B73. Medical approval by a doctor is required before
an employee or student can wear a respirator, as respirators put a strain on the respiratory and cardio-
vascular system. The EH&S Office as part of the University's respiratory Protection Program will make
arrangements for this medical approval.
The types of respirators currently available at the University include the following:
Chemical Cartridge Respirators
These consist of a half or full facepiece connected directly to cartridge filters. Air
contaminated by a toxic gas or vapor is purified by the chemicals in the cartridges. The
length of time that a chemical cartridge respiratory provides protection depends upon the
type of cartridge, the concentration of the gas or vapor, and the activity of the user. The
respirator offers resistance to breathing.
Particulate Filter Respirators
These consist of a half or full facepiece either with particulate filters attached or the
respirator itself may be made out of the filter material. The filter removes toxic particulates
but offers resistance to breathing.
38
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION (Cont'd.)
Combination Respirators
These respirators offer protection against both particulate and gaseous contaminants but
present breathing resistance.
If Departments suspect that a situation exists in their laboratories that requires either the emergency or
routine use of respiratory protection, they should contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety
for an evaluation of the need for respirators and the type to be used.
Departments may request respirators from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety to be used on a
short-term or emergency basis. If the need for respirators is expected to be long-term, Departments should
consider purchasing respirators, on the advice and approval of the Office of Environmental Health and
Safety. In either case, respirators should be available at all times to the people who work in hazardous
locations or situations where respiratory protection is required. Only people who have gone through the
University's Respiratory Protection Program will be allowed to use them.
39
I. MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND MEDICAL EXAMS
Any laboratory personnel who works with hazardous chemicals has the right to receive medical attention,
including any follow-up examination which the examining physician determines to be necessary, under
the following circumstances:
1. Whenever a lab worker develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which
they were exposed to in the laboratory.
2. When exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the action level or the permissible
exposure level (PEL), where no action level exists.
See Appendix C.
3. Whenever an event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak, explosion, or other occurrence
resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure.
4. Whenever an employee is required to wear a respirator as part of their job duties. See H. Respiratory
Protection above.
40
J. PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEE INFORMATION
AND TRAINING
INFORMATION
The Chemical Hygiene Plan contains all of the information requirements described in Paragraph F of
1910.1450.
TRAINING
There are various on-going training activities for laboratory personnel:
New Employee Orientation:
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety conducts new lab employee safety
orientation training several times a year. This training complies with the training
requirements of 1910.1450, and explains the emergency and safety services in the
buildings.
LAB SAFETY TRAINING:
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety routinely trains on various topics
pertaining to lab safety during their meet and munch sessions in the science buildings.
If you have a need for customized training or require training on a particular safety topic, contact the
Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 2-3495.
41
IV. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
42
A. HOW TO READ AND UNDERSTAND AN MSDS
SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION
The first section of the MSDS helps you identify the product. It lists the name of the product,
any trade names, and the chemical manufacturer's name and address. This section may also list
an emergency phone number.
SECTION 2: HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
This section lists what's in the product that can harm you. It also lists the concentration of the
substance to which you can safely be exposed, often listed as the permissible exposure limit
(PEL) or the threshold limit value (TLV). These safe exposure limits are usually figured for
average exposures over a typical work shift.
SECTION 3: PHYSICAL DATA
This section describes the product's appearance, odor, and other characteristics. Percent
volatile, for instance is how much of the chemical evaporates at room temperature. Sulphuric
acid has a low percent volatile, but it can be harmful if inhaled. Respiratory protection or extra
ventilation may be needed.
SECTION 4: FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
This section explains the temperature at which the substance ignites, called the flash point. A
substance is considered FLAMMABLE if its flash point is below 100癋.
If it's COMBUSTIBLE, it ignites 100癋 or above. The lower the flash point, the more likely a
substance will ignite. This section also lists extinguishing media - what will put out the fire safely
- such as water spray, foam, or other type of fire extinguisher.
SECTION 5: HEALTH HAZARDS
This section lists symptoms of overexposure, such as a skin rash, burn, headache, or dizziness.
It also tells you first aid and emergency procedures in case of overexposure, such as flushing
your exposed skin with running water for 15 minutes. It may also list any medical conditions
that can be aggravated by exposure to the chemical.
SECTION 6: REACTIVITY DATA
Here you will find whether the product reacts with other materials or under certain conditions.
Incompatibility lists the materials, such as water or other products, that cause the product to
burn, explode, or release dangerous gases. Instability lists the other conditions, such as heat or
direct sunlight, that can cause a dangerous reaction.
43
HOW TO READ AN MSDS (Cont'd.)
SECTION 7: SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
This section tells you what to use to clean up an accidental spill or leak. No matter what the
product is, always notify the principal investigator or supervisor right away. Before cleaning up
a spill, you may need to wear respiratory protection, gloves, safety goggles, or protective
clothing.
This section may also include notes on how to dispose of the material safely. Be sure to consult
the Office of Environmental Health & Safety for the correct disposal procedures. See
Section VII.
SECTION 8: SPECIAL PROTECTION AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Here you will find a listing of any personal protective equipment (respiratory protection, gloves,
eye protection) you need to work safely with the product. If protective equipment is needed,
this section may list the specific types that are recommended, such as a full face mask respirator,
rubber gloves, and chemical safety goggles. This also will list any other special precautions to
follow when handling the material. This may include what to have nearby to clean up a spill or
put out a fire, and what safety signs to post near the chemical. This section also lists any other
health and safety information not covered in other parts of the MSDS.
44
B. TOXIC CHEMICALS
A toxic chemical is one that has the potential for injuring the human body or its systems by direct
chemical
action. Almost any substance is toxic when taken in excess of "tolerable" limits. See Appendix C.
A person may be exposed to a toxic chemical in a number of different ways. The four PRIMARY
ROUTES OF ENTRY are:
1. Absorption - Direct chemical contact with the skin or eyes is the most common type of chemical
exposure. The substance can enter the bloodstream through the outer layers of the skin, contact with
eyes, through hair follicles, or surface openings from cuts and bruises.
2. Inhalation - Inhalation of chemicals into the respiratory passages and lungs.
3. Ingestion - Ingestion of chemicals either directly or indirectly by contamination of hands, food, or
drink.
4. Injection - Injection of the chemicals into the body through syringes, puncture wounds, or broken
glassware.
The effects of the toxic chemical may be local or systemic, acute or chronic. Knowing what these terms
mean is useful and can usually be found on the chemical's MSDS.
Local Toxicity
The effect a substance has on the body tissues directly exposed to it. For example, an acid
exhibits local toxicity because it can cause burns of the skin, eyes, mouth, or stomach, if it
comes in contact with them and can cause irritation of the respiratory tract.
Systemic Toxicity
The effect a substance has on body tissues after it has been absorbed into the bloodstream.
For example, mercury exhibits systemic toxicity because it effects the brain, kidneys,
gums, and teeth after it has been inhaled or ingested.
Acute Effect
Short term exposure. A single dose in which the body's ability to protect itself is overcome
by the substance. Acute exposures are usually reversed over a period of time. Benzene is
an example of a substance with an acute toxic effect, causing irritation of skin and eyes and
narcosis.
Chronic Effect
Long term exposure. Low level exposure over a long period of time in which the rate of
exposure is greater than the body's ability to protect itself. Chronic effects often do not
appear until years later. Benzene also exhibits chronic toxicity, producing severe anemia
and possibly cancer.
45
C. CATEGORIES OF RELATIVE TOXICITY OF
CHEMICALS AND ASSOCIATED SIGNAL WORDS
CATEGORIES OF ACUTE TOXICITY
Catagories Signal Word Dermal Inhalation Probable Oral
Oral LD50
of Relative on Chemical LD50 b LC50 c Lethal Dose for 150
a mg/kg
Toxicity Label mg/kg mg/liter lb human
A few drops to a
Highly Toxic Danger 0 - 50 0 - 200 0 - 200
teaspoonful
Moderately One teaspoonful to
Warning 50 - 500 200 - 2000 200 - 2000
Toxic one once
One once to one
Slightly Toxic Caution 500 2000- 20000 ---
pint or one pound
Relatively Over one pint or one
None 5000 20000 ---
Toxic pound
a
LD50 is the commonly used measure of acute oral and dermal toxicity. It means the Lethal Dose for 50
percent of the subjects receiving the
dose is expressed in milligrams of substance per kilogram of body weight of the subject.
b
LC50 is the commonly used measure of acute inhalation toxicity. It means the Lethal Concentration of 50
percent of the subjects receiving the
dose and is expressed in milligrams of substance per liter of air breathed by the subject.
c
In addition, the word "POISON" and the skull and crossbones must be displayed with the word
"DANGER!" for highly toxic chemicals.
46
D. PEL'S AND TLV'S
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) and TLV (Threshold Limit Value) are standards or guidelines that
establish certain levels of a substance to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after
day, without adverse effects. PEL's are legal standards, established by OSHA, while TLV's are guidelines
recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). These
exposure limits, expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m 3 ), are based
on a time weighted average for an 8 hour day/40 hour work week. These limits can be found on a
chemical's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The important thing to remember about PEL's and TLV's
is that the lower the number, the more dangerous the substance. (for a listing of PEL's, see Appendix C.)
Before using a chemical, the researcher should be familiar with the hazards of the chemical. This
information is most readily obtained from the chemical's label and the manufacturer's MSDS. The
chemical label is provided by the manufacturer with:
a) information on the type of hazard a chemical presents, whether toxic, flammable, explosive,
oxidizing, corrosive, or some other hazard;
b) a signal word indicating the relative hazard, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION (see
previous page);
c) instructions on how to use the chemical safely; and
d) instructions on emergency measures, such as first aid, fire fighting, and spill clean up.
After becoming familiar with the properties of a toxic chemical, the researcher should plan his or her
experiment to include protective clothing and equipment, special laboratory practices, and procedures for
emergencies.
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety in Chemistry B73 is available to help researchers evaluate
their exposure to toxic chemicals.
Good sources of information on toxic chemicals, besides the MSDS, are:
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, edited by N. Irving Sax;
Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances, offered by NIOSH; and
Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents; by ACGIH.
47
V. SAFE CHEMICAL STORAGE
48
A. CHEMICAL STORAGE GUIDELINES:
IN RELATION TO NEW YORK STATE FIRE CODE
REQUIREMENTS
There is no easy ABC solution to the problems associated with the storage of chemicals, including
flammable and combustible liquids. The basic approach is to limit the amount of flammable liquids to
reduce the risk of accidents, and more importantly, to reduce the consequences of accidents. Reducing the
quantity of flammable solvents to the limits set by fire codes will enhance overall laboratory safety and
minimize the risks of major fires and/or injuries.
In essence, the storage of flammable or combustible liquids are to be limited to amounts needed for the
day to day operation of the labs. Laboratories were not designed or intended to be long term storage areas
for large quantities of solvents. The storage of solvents for convenience unnecessarily increases the risk of
accidents with severe consequences.
1. Maximum storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall not exceed 120 gallons (45 liters)
inside a flammable storage cabinet.
2. The maximum number of flammable storage cabinets within a maintained fire area is three (3). A
fire area is defined as a room or rooms separated from other rooms and corridors by a fire rated
enclosure with opening protectives (doors, vents, slide up doors), which must self-close and latch.
The fire area shall not exceed 5000 sq. ft.
3. Flammable and combustible liquids will not be stored in/or block egress from any lab or storage
area.
4. The maximum amount of flammable liquids stored outside of an approved storage cabinet is 35
gallons/132.5 liters. Of these 35 gallons, 25 gallons/95 liters must be in safety cans; the remaining
10 gallons/38 liters may be in other permissible containers.
5. No safety can shall exceed 2 gallons/8 liters in instructional (undergraduate) labs. 5 gallon/18.9
liter safety cans may be used in any other lab using chemicals. 55 gal. drums of solvent for use in
labs are prohibited from being purchased.
6. Solvents with a flash point (see MSDS) of 100癋 or less shall not be transferred between metal
containers unless the containers are electrically bonded to a ground source.
7. These solvents are commonly stored in laboratories in excessive quantities. This practice must be
controlled.
Amines Alcohols
Aldehydes Ketones
Esters Ethers
Halides (except methylene chloride - practically nonflammable)
Hydrocarbons
49
CHEMICAL STORAGE GUIDELINES (Cont'd.)
8. Incompatible chemicals shall be physically separated to prevent accidental contact.
Examples: Acids & Bases
Acids & Solvents
Organics & Inorganics
Water Sensitive Chemicals
Oxidizing Agents & Organics
Oxidizing Agents & Flammables
Organic Acids & Inorganic Acids
Oxidizing Agents & Reducing Agents
Oxidizing Agents & Dehydrating Agents
9. Containers of materials that may become hazardous upon prolonged storage should be dated when first
opened. At six month intervals, the chemicals shall be evaluated or tested for continued safe use (i.e.,
peroxides).
10. One way to achieve safe storage of chemicals is to adopt a method suggested by the chemical
manufacturers. For example, Fisher Scientific uses color-coding to signify groups of chemicals, which
may be stored together. Whether the color code is used or not, the main idea is the separation of
incompatible chemicals. Attached is a list of commonly used chemicals grouped together as
compatibles. It follows that the chemicals within the group shall not be stored with chemicals within
another group due to possible unfavorable reactions.
11. COMPRESSED OR LIQUIFIED GASES - Only gas cylinders necessary for current lab requirements
shall be in the lab. All Gas cylinders shall be securely restrained to prevent falling over, whether
empty or full. Also, all gas cylinders must have valve caps in place when not being used, if
appropriate. Regulators should be removed and valve caps put back on any gas cylinder not being
used again within one week. Cylinder contents, which create a health hazard (such as neurotoxins,
poisons, etc.), shall be stored so that they will not contaminate breathing air.
50
This table shows the maximum allowable size of various containers for flammable and combustible
liquids. Always consult the MSDS for properties of the class of liquid being used. Class is based on flash
point.
MAXIMUM 1 ALLOWABLE SIZE OF VARIOUS
CONTAINERS FOR FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
Glass or
Metal (Other than
Liquid Classification Approved Safety Cans
DOT Drums)
Plastic
Class 1A (Flash point below 22.8癈,
1 pint 1 gallon 2 gallons
Boiling point below 37.8?C)
Class 1B (Flash point below 22.8癈,
1 quart2 5 gallons 5 gallons
Boiling point below 37.8?C)
Class 1C (Flash point below 22.8癈,
1 gallon 5 gallons 5 gallons
Boiling point below 37.8?C)
Class II (Flash point at or above 37.8癈
1 gallon 5 gallons 5 gallons
and below 60癈)
Class II (Flash point at or above 60癈
1 gallon 5 gallons 5 gallons
and below 93.3癈)
1
Maximum Capacity - Not more than 60 gallons of Class I or Class II liquids, nor more than 120 gallons
of Call III liquids may be stored in a storage cabinet.
2
1 gallon is allowed if the substance cannot be kept in metal or if the procedure requires more.
1 pint = 473 mL; 1 quart = 946 mL; 1 gallon = 3.8 liters.
51
FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE GUIDELINES
Part I - General
MAXIMUM CAPACITY WITHIN CONTAINERS
Definition: Flammable Liquids
Class 1A = Flash Point <73癋 and Boiling Point <100癋
Class 1B = Flash Point <73癋 and Boiling Point >100癋
Class 1C = Flash Point >73癋 and Boiling Point <100癋
Combustible Liquids
Class II = Flash Point - Between 100 and 140癋
Class IIIA = Flash Point - Between 140?and 200癋
Class IIIB = Flash Point - 200癋 +
MAXIMUM CAPACITY WITHIN CONTAINERS
Container Class 1A Class 1B Class 1C Class II Class III
1 pt1 1 qt1
Glass 1 gal 1 gal 5 gal
Non-DOT Drum 1 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal
Plastic Drum 1 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal
Safety Can 2 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal
DOT Drum 60 gal 60 gal 60 gal 60 gal 60 gal
NFPA Tank 660 gal 660 gal 660 gal 660 gal 660 gal
1 Class 1A and Class 1B may be in glass if ACS analytical reagent grade is required, then the limit is one (1) gallon.
MAXIMUM STORAGE IN CABINETS
The maximum total of Class I, II and/or IIIA liquids stored in a flammable storage cabinet may not
exceed 120 gallons (454 liters). Of this MAXIMUM TOTAL (120 gallons), not more than 60 gallons may
be of Class I and/or Class II liquids. The maximum number of approved flammable liquid storage
cabinets per room is three (3).
52
FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE GUIDELINES (Cont'd.)
MAXIMUM ALLOWED OUTSIDE CABINET/
FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE ROOM
Class Quantity
Class I or II Non-safety container shall not exceed one (1) gallon for either
Class I and II No more than 10 gallons in safety containers, total
No more than 25 gallons in safety containers plus non-safety
Class I and II
Containers in combination
Class III NOT more than 60 gallons
1. Storage will be limited to that required for operation of office equipment, maintenance,
demonstration and laboratory work.
2. Liquids used for building maintenance, painting . . . may be stored temporarily in closed
containers outside of storage cabinets or separate inside storage areas . . . not to exceed a ten (10)
day supply at anticipated rates of consumption.
3. Criteria for inside storage room.
Automatic Maximum Total per
Rating
Protection Area Square Feet
Yes 2 hour 500 sq. ft. 10 gallons
No 2 hour 500 sq. ft. 4 gallons
Yes 1 hour 150 sq. ft. 5 gallons
No 1 hour 150 sq. ft. 2 gallons
Must Have:
1. Liquidtite floors;
2. Liquidtite wall to floor joint;
3. 2 hour rated walls with 1?hour rated door assembly; OR
3 hour rated walls with 3 hour rated door assembly, etc.
4. Non-Combustible liquidtite raised sills at doors 4" or more;
5. Listed electrical equipment as per NFPA-70;
6. Continuous exhaust system to the exterior, not less than 150 CFM, with a shut down alarm.
53
FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE GUIDELINES (Cont'd.)
4. General Storage
A. Containers of 30 gallons plus, shall not be stacked over one container high.
B. Storage of any flammable or combustible liquids shall not block exits.
C. Class I liquids will not preclude egress from an area, should a fire occur.
5. Where other factors substantially increase or decrease the hazard, the authority having jurisdiction may
modify the quantities specified.
FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE GUIDELINES
Part II - Instructional Laboratories Using Chemicals
MAXIMUM QUANTITIES OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN
INSTRUCTIONAL LABORATORIES
Storage: Maximum amount of flammable liquids located outside of the flammable liquid storage cabinets
is as follows:
35 gallons/132.5 liters
of these 35 gallons (132.5 liters), 25 gallons/ 95 liters MUST be in approved safety cans,
the remaining 10 gallons/38 liters may be in other permissible containers.
Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets: Maximum number of cabinets is three (3) with 120 gallons/454.2
liters of flammable liquids per cabinet.
NO individual storage container may exceed 5 gallons/19 liters.
AND
NO individual storage container for Class 1A liquids may exceed 2 gallons/8 liters.
AND
NO SAFETY CAN may ever exceed 2 gallons/8 liters.
All laboratories shall have a one hour separation from all other areas. All doors leading to the common
corridor (hallway) MUST close by themselves (self-closure) and latch.
Access to all room exits shall be maintained at all times. Doors are to be kept clear and unlocked from
inside the laboratory.
All laboratories shall have:
1. Portable Fire Extinguishers, which are immediately accessible;
2. The ability to hear building fire alarms;
3. An emergency evacuation plan formulated by the laboratory staff and practiced at regular intervals.
54
FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE GUIDELINES (Cont'd.)
COMPRESSED OR LIQUIFIED GAS CYLINDER
STORAGE (NFPA 45 Section 8-2)
1. The total number of cylinders shall be reduced to three (3), 10" x 50" cylinders or two (2), 9" x 30"
cylinders, or ten (10), 2" x 12" cylinders or up to 25, 2" x 12" cylinders by special exception. (Stated
sizes or equivalent volume is permitted.)
2. Cylinders with a Health Hazard Rating of three or four (short exposure: serious temporary or residual
injury may occur) is limited to three (3), 5" x 15" cylinders.
3. ALL cylinders shall be individually secured in place to prevent falling.
4. Oxygen cylinders must be 20' from combustible materials when in storage. They shall also be 20" from
fuel gas cylinders separated by a non-combustible barrier.
5. Caps shall be in place to protect valves while not connected for use.
6. Empty containers will be properly disposed of and shall not be allowed to be stored.
7. All containers will be properly labeled as to their content. If the contents are changed, the labels must
also be changed. However, this is not recommended since the chance of mixing inter-reactive materials is
substantially increased.
____________________________________
NOTE: Above excerpts are from NFPA 45 - "LABORATORIES USING CHEMICALS" Code and Fire Code, State of New York.
55
B. STORAGE OF CHEMICALS
1. DO NOT OVERSTOCK CHEMICALS.
2. KEEP QUANTITIES OF ALL CHEMICAL MATERIALS TO A MINIMUM.
3. Purchase ONLY the smallest quantity necessary to complete your experiment and/or research project.
4. Storage Conditions - Flammable liquids must be stored in flammable storage cabinets or explosion-
proof refrigerators, if refrigeration storage is necessary. Eliminate all ignition sources (flame, heat from
radiators, etc.) from storage area or locate storage area away from fire hazards. See Section V.F.
5. Chemicals should be stored with labels facing out, in metal cabinets or on secured, level metal shelves
(excluding perchloric acid). No storage on the floor or higher than eye/face level is allowed. Large
containers should be stored towards the back and bottom of shelves. Keep chemicals away from shelf and
counter top edges. If possible, shelves where chemicals are being stored should have protective edges to
prevent chemicals from falling off. DO NOT STORE IMCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS
TOGETHER. See Sections V. C., D., E.
6. Containers of perchloric acid should be kept on trays of glass, ceramic, or polyethylene materials of
sufficient capacity to hold all of the acid in case containers should leak. Perchloric acid forms a contact
explosive when in contact with metals. In general, acids should be stored on trays (polyethylene) with
sufficient capacity to hold a leaking container's contents.
7. Store dichromate cleaning solutions in cool areas, away from other chemicals. Keep the bottle caps
slightly loosened. See Appendix C.
8. Fume hoods should not be used as a storage area. Chemicals stored in a fume hood interfere with the
hood's proper airflow.
9. Keep caps and lids of chemical containers closed when not in use as this prevents contamination and
vapor escape.
10. Ethers should be stored in dark, cool, well-ventilated storage areas. Ethers with low flash points
should be stored in an explosion-proof refrigerator. See Appendix G.
11. DO NOT USE THE FLOOR FOR STORAGE. DO NOT STORE CHEMICALS OVERHEAD.
12. POISONS AND DRUGS MUST ONLY BE STORED IN LOCKED CABINETS.
56
C. SUGGESTED SHELF STORAGE PATTERN
INORGANIC ORGANIC
INORGANIC #10 Sulfur, Phosphorus, ORGANIC #2 Alcohols, Glycols, Etc.
Arsenic, Phosphorus Pentoxide (Store Flammables in a dedicated cabinet)
INORGANIC #2 Halides, Sulfates, Sulfites, ORGANIC #3 Hydrocarbons, Esters, Etc
Thiosulfates, Phosphates, Etc. (Store Flammables in a dedicated cabinet)
INORGANIC #3 Amides, Nitrates, (No ORGANIC #4 Ethers, Ketones, Etc. (Store
Ammonium Nitrate), Nitrites, Etc. Flammables in a dedicated cabinet)
INORGANIC #1 Metals and Hydrides ORGANIC #5 Epoxy Compounds,
(Store away from any water) Isocyanates
INORGANIC #4 Hydroxides, Oxides,
ORGANIC #7 Sulfides, Polysulfides, Etc.
Silicates, Etc.
INORGANIC #7 Arsenates, Cyanides, Etc.
ORGANIC #8 Phenol, Cresols
(Store above acids)
INORGANIC #5 Sulfides, Selenides,
ORGANIC #6 Peroxides, Azides, Etc.
Phosphides, Carbides, Nitrides, Etc.
INORGANIC #8 Borates, Chromates, ORGANIC #1 Acids, Anhydrides, Peracids,
Managanates, Permanganates, Etc. Etc
.INORGANIC #6 Chlorates, Perchlorates,
MISCELLANEOUS
Chlorites, Perchloric Acid, Peroxides, Etc.
INORGANIC #9 Acids, except Nitric
MISCELLANEOUS (Nitric Acid)
(Acids are best stored in dedicated cabinets)
STORE ALL POISONS IN LOCKED CABINETS.
57
D. COMPATIBILITY CHART
"X" Represents Unsafe Combinations
CHEMICALS NOT ON CHART:
Carbon Bisulfide forms an unsafe combination with groups 1, 4, 19, 20, & epichlorohydrin.
Epichlorohydrin forms an unsafe combination with groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 19, 20, 23, 24, & carbon
bisulfide.
Motor Fuel antiknock compounds form unsafe combinations with groups 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 19, & 20.
Inorganic Acids 1
Organic Acids X 2
Caustics X X 3
Amines and
X X 4
Alkoamines
Halogenated
X X X 5
Compounds
Alcohols, Glycols,
X 6
and Glycol Ethers
Aldehydes X X X X X 7
Ketones X X X X 8
Saturated
9
Hydrocarbons
Aromatic
X 10
Hydrocarbons
Olefins X X 11
Petroleum Oils 12
Esters X X X 13
Monomers and
Polymerizable X X X X X X 14
Esters
Phenols X X X X 15
Alkylene Oxides X X X X X X X X 16
Cyanohydrins X X X X X X X 17
Nitriles X X X X X 18
Ammonia X X X X X XXXX 19
Halogens X X X X X X X X X XX X 20
Ethers X X X 21
Phosphorus,
X X X X 22
elemental
Sulfur, molten X X X X X X 23
Acid Anhydrides X X X X X X X X X X 24
58
E. INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS
Separate storage areas should be provided for "Incompatible Chemicals" - chemicals which may react
together and thereby create a hazardous condition. Some examples of incompatible chemicals are listed
below. MSDSs also provide information on incompatibles. NOTE: This list is not complete, nor are all
incompatible substances shown.
EXAMPLES OF INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS
CHEMICAL KEEP OUT OF CONTACT WITH:
Chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl compounds,
Acetic Acid ethylene glycol, perchloric acid, peroxides,
permanganates.
Acetone Concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid mixtures.
Chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, iodine, silver,
Acetylene
mercury, and their compounds.
Water, carbon tetrachloride, or other chlorinated hydro-
Alkali and alkaline metals, i.e., powdered
aluminum or magnesium, sodium, potassium, carbons, carbon dioxide, the halogens. Use only "D"
calcium, lithium fire extinguishers on these chemicals.
Mercury (in manometers for instance), chlorine,
Ammonia, anhydrous calcium hypochlorite, iodine, bromine, and
hydrofluoric acid (anhydrous).
Acids, metal powders, flammable liquids, chlorates,
Ammonium nitrate nitrites, sulfur, finely divided organic or combustible
materials.
Aniline Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide.
Cumene hydroperoxide Acids, organic or inorganic.
Cyanides Acids
Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide,
Flammable liquids
nitric acid, sodium peroxide, the halogens.
59
EXAMPLES OF INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS (Cont'd.)
CHEMICAL KEEP OUT OF CONTACT WITH
Hydrazine Hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, any other oxidants.
Hydrocarbons (butane, propane, benzene, Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium
gasoline, turpentine, etc.) peroxide.
Hydrocyanic acid Nitric acid, alkali.
Hydrofluoric acid, anhydrous Ammonia, aqueous or anhydrous.
Copper, chromium, iron, most metals or their salts,
alcohols, acetone, organic materials, aniline,
Hydrogen peroxide
nitromethane, flammable liquids, combustible
materials.
Hydrogen sulfide Fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases.
Hypochlorites Acids, activated carbon.
Acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous),
Iodine
hydrogen.
Mercury Acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia
60
EXAMPLES OF INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS (Cont'd.)
CHEMICAL KEEP OUT OF CONTACT WITH:
Nitrates Sulfuric acid, organic materials
Acetic acid, acetone, alcohol, aniline,
chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen
Nitric acid (concentrated) sulfide, flammable liquids, flammable
gases, copper, brass, heavy metals, tars,
and nitratable substances
Nitrates Acids
Nitroparaffins Inorganic bases, amines
Oxalic acid Silver, mercury
Oils, grease, hydrogen, flammable liquids,
Oxygen
solids or gases
Acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys,
alcohol, paper, wood, grease, oils, organic
materials, organic amines or anti-oxidants
Perchloric acid.
Use only in a fume hood designed for
perchloric acids
Acids (organic or mineral), flammable
Peroxides, organic liquids, easily oxidized substances, avoid
friction, store cold
Phosphorus (white) Air, oxygen, alkalis, reducing agents
Potassium Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water
61
EXAMPLES OF INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS (Cont'd.)
CHEMICAL KEEP OUT OF CONTACT WITH:
Potassium chlorate Sulfuric and other acids
Potassium perchlorate (see also Chlorates) Sulfuric and other acids
Glycerin, ethylene glycol, benzeldehyde, sulfuric acid,
Potassium permanganate
any free acid
Selenides Reducing agents
Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium
Silver
compounds, fulminic acid
Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water. See also
Sodium
alkali metals.
Sodium azide is self 璻eactive. It will decompose at
275C. Benzoyl chloride, potassium hydroxide, bromine,
carbon disulfide, chromyl chloride, copper,
Sodium azide
dibromomalononitrile, dimethyl sulfate, lead, nitric acid,
silver, mercury. Reacts with lead, silver, mercury to
form shock sensitive and explosive metal azides.
Sodium nitrite Ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts
Any oxidizable substance, such as ethanol, methanol,
glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde,
Sodium peroxide
carbon disulfide, glycerol, ethylene glycol, ethyl
acetate, methyl acetate and furfural
Sulfides Acids
62
VI. SAFE PROCEDURES FOR
GENERAL CATEGORIES
OF CHEMICALS
63
A. CARCINOGENS
Specific regulations have been established by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
regarding the handling of certain compounds designated as carcinogenic. Anyone contemplating work or
who are working with materials on this list should consult the Environmental Health & Safety Office in
Chemistry B73 for the regulations, necessary approvals, training, working conditions, monitoring, record
keeping and medical surveillance.
The Federal Government has issued very detailed regulations for the 25 chemicals listed below. Any
laboratory personnel who use or handle any of these chemicals should contact the Office of
Environmental Health & Safety for detailed information:
2-Acetylaminofluorene Ethylene Oxide
Acrylonitrile Formaldehyde
4-Aminodiphenyl Inorganic Arsenic
Asbestos Lead
Benzidine Methyl Chloromethyl Ether
Bis-Chloromethyl Ether 4,4-Methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline)
Coke Oven Emissions Alpha-Naphthylamine
Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles Beta-Naphthylamine
Cotton Dust 4-Nitrobiphenyl
1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane N-Nitrosodimethylamine
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine (and its' salts) Beta-Propiolactone
4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene Vinyl Chloride
Ethyleneimine
It is imperative that the Material Safety Data
Sheet be consulted before using ANY chemical.
64
B. PROCEDURES FOR USING COMPRESSED GASES
Compressed gases are defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation as any material or mixtures
having in the container either an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 20癈 (70癋) or an absolute
pressure exceeding 104 psi at 54.4癈 (130癋), or both; or any liquid flammable material having a Reid
vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 37.8癈 (100癋).
For the purposes of safety, all volatile materials and mixtures packaged in cylinders should be considered
compressed gases. The use of compressed gases may give rise to the following hazards:
1. Equipment failure and/or leakage may occur, resulting in the diffusion of gases and contamination of
the atmosphere. This contamination can cause toxic or anesthetic effects, asphyxiation, or explosive
concentrations of flammable gases.
2. The flash point of a flammable gas under pressure is always lower than ambient or room temperature;
thus, leaking gas can rapidly form an explosive mixture with air.
3. Upon rapid expansion, low-boiling point materials can cause frostbite on contact with living tissue.
4. Some compressed gases are corrosive, irritating, or reactive.
5. A compressed gas cylinder without a protective cylinder valve cap may release its contents with great
force when dropped. If a cylinder is punctured, it may also release its contents with great force. Cylinders
have been propelled through walls and roofs.
Because of these hazards, precautions need to be taken in the handling, storage, and use of compressed
gas cylinders.
RULES FOR HANDLING COMPRESSED GASES
1. When cylinders are received, they should be inspected to determine if:
a. cylinder valve protection caps are in place;
b. cylinder and valves are in serviceable condition and show no corrosion.
2. Always use a cylinder hand truck for transport. If transporting compressed gases in a vehicle, contact
the Office of Environmental Health & Safety for instructions. Personal vehicles should never be used
to transport compressed gases or chemicals to be used at the University of Albany.
3. ALL Cylinders should be individually chained or otherwise secured in an upright position at all
times. Use cylinders in an upright position only. Securing brackets and straps are available for sale in
CAS Scientific Stores.
4. Do not drop cylinders, full or empty, or permit them to fall against each other.
65
PROCEDURES FOR USING COMPRESSED GASES (Cont'd.)
5. Leave cylinder valve caps on cylinders until secured and ready for use.
6. All valves should be closed when not in use.
7. Regulators must be used to control pressures to operating requirements. Use the proper regulator for
the particular gas. Never force a regulator onto a compressed gas cylinder Only materials
recommended for the particular gas service involved shall be used in piping, fittings or equipment.
Regulators should be removed from a compressed gas cylinder if the gas will not be used again within
a week.
8. Always consider cylinders to be full and handle accordingly.
9. The cylinders of nonliquified gases should be considered empty while positive pressure (25 psig or
greater) still remains in order to prevent suck back and contamination.
10. Cylinders containing liquified gases should never be completely emptied in order to prevent suck back
and contamination.
11. Oxidizers must not be used in contact with oils, grease or other hydrocarbons.
12. Flammables must not be exposed to flames, sparks or arcs including static electricity, hot surfaces or
oxidizers. Bond and ground all cylinders and piping containing flammable gases to prevent the
hazards caused by the buildup of static electricity.
13. Nonflammables must not be allowed to displace air in confined workspaces so that there is not
sufficient oxygen for breathing.
14. When corrosive gases are being used, the cylinder valve stem should be worked frequently to prevent
freezing.
15. Highly toxic gases or pyrophoric gases require special handling. Prior approval must be gotten from
the Office of Environmental Health and Safety before using these gases. Safe handling protocols
including emergency response procedures must be written by the lab, with consultation from the
Environmental Health and Safety Office, when using these gases. These gases may require the use
of vented gas handling cabinets with emergency shutoffs and gas detection monitors with alarms.
16. Contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at 2-3495 for proper disposal instructions for
compressed gas cylinders that are no longer wanted or that are empty. Compressed gas cylinders can
not be thrown in the regular trash when empty, as they are still considered a hazardous material and
may have to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Safety devices are available to prevent suck back and relieve sudden pressure increases.
66
PROCEDURES FOR USING COMPRESSED GASES (Cont'd.)
STORING COMPRESSED GASES:
1. Store cylinders in a fire-resistant, cool, dry, and adequately ventilated area. Rust will damage cylinders
and will often cause the valve caps to stick. Cylinders should be adequately secured in an upright
position (so that they can't fall over) while being stored.
2. The storage area should not contain any sources of ignition.
3. Storage area temperature should not exceed 100癋.
4. Floor should be level.
5. Floor should be designed to protect cylinders from dampness.
6. Cylinders should be protected from weather extremes and direct sunlight.
7. Store gases supporting combustion (O2, C l2, etc.) at least 25 feet from fuel gases, preferably in another
storage area.
8. Highly toxic gases and pyrophoric gases may require storage in vented gas handling cabinets along
with emergency shutoffs and gas detection monitors and alarms.
67
HAZARD DATA FOR COMMON COMPRESSED GASES
Flammability Limits in
GAS Threshold Limit Values (ppm) Major Hazards
Air (Percent by Volume)
Not established (nontoxic,
Acetylene 2.5-81.0 Flammable; asphyxiant
produces anesthetic effects)
Ammonia 50 15 - 28 Toxic
Argon Not established (nontoxic) None Asphyxiant
Boron trifluoride 1 None Toxic; causes burns
1,3-Butadiene 1000 2 - 11.5 Flammable; skin irritant
Not established (nontoxic
Butane 1.9 - 8.5 Flammable
produces anesthetic effects)
Carbon dioxide 5000 None Asphyxiant
Carbon monoxide 50 12.5 - 74.0 Flammable; toxic
Toxic; severe irritant; causes burns;
Chlorine 1 None
corrosive
Not established (nontoxic
Ethane 3.0 - 12.5 Flammable; asphyxiant
produces anesthetic effects)
Not established (nontoxic
Ethylene 31. - 32.0 Flammable; asphyxiant
produces anesthetic effects)
Flammable; toxic; can cause burns
Ethylene oxide 50 3.0 - 100.0
when trapped by clothing or shoes
Helium Not established (nontoxic) None Asphyxiant
Hydrogen Not established (nontoxic) 4.0 - 75.0 Flammable; asphyxiant
Hydrogen bromide 3 None Toxic; causes burns; corrosive
Hydrogen chloride 5 None Toxic; causes burns; corrosive
Toxic; causes severe slow healing
Hydrogen fluoride 3 None
burns; corrosive
Hydrogen sulfide 10 4.3 - 45.0 Toxic; flammable; irritant
Methane Not established (nontoxic) 5.3 - 14.0 Flammable; asphyxiant
Methyl bromide 20 13.5 - 14.5 Toxic; causes burns
Methyl chloride 100 10.7 - 17.4 Toxic; flammable
Methyl mercaptan 0.5 Unknown Toxic; flammable
Nitrogen Not established (nontoxic) None Asphyxiant
Nitrogen dioxide 5 None Toxic; corrosive
Oxygen Nontoxic None Highly reactive
Phosgene 0.1 None Toxic
Not established (nontoxic
Propane 2.2 - 9.5 Flammable; asphyxiant
produces anesthetic effects)
Sulfur dioxide 5 None Toxic; causes burns
Vinyl chloride 500 4.0 - 22.0 Flammable; causes burns
Source: Manufacturing Chemists Association, Guide for Safety in the Chemical Laboratory (New York, Van Nostrand
Reinhold Company, 1972). Copyright 1972 by Manufacturing Chemists Association; reprinted by permission of the
publisher.
68
PROCEDURES FOR USING COMPRESSED GASES (Cont'd.)
OTHER TIPS FOR SAFE HANDLING OF COMPRESSED GASES:
1. Oily (not specially cleaned) fittings should never be used with oxygen. Oxygen under pressure will
rapidly oxidize oil or grease and result in an explosion. Equipment specifically "cleaned for oxygen
service" must be used.
2. Acetylene can explode if not properly regulated. An automatic pressure regulator is the only type of
recommended control. Acetylene can explode with extreme violence if ignited. It can also form
explosive compounds in contact with copper or brass.
3. Regulators can leak and build pressure within a closed gas delivery system. A pressure relief device
should be employed. A trap should be inserted in outlet lines to prevent liquid from flowing back into
the cylinders.
4. Open the cylinder valve only after connecting the regulator to the cylinder using a proper CGA*
regulator.
5. Only equipment suitable for pressures involved can be used with high pressure gases. The pressure
ratings for all containers and hardware must be known and equipment must not be used where limits
will be exceeded. Glass equipment should not be pressurized. A general rule is: do not apply pressure
greater than ten (10) inches of water, if you are not wearing protective equipment.
6. Never mix gases in a cylinder. Explosion, contamination, corrosion, and other hazards can result. Never
try to refill gas cylinders or transfer gas from one cylinder to another.
7. To prevent corrosion, regulators, valves, and fittings used in compressed gas systems, which conduct
corrosive gases, should be flushed with nitrogen or dry air after each use.
8. Corrosive gases should be stored for the shortest possible time period, preferably under three months.
They cylinder valve stem of corrosive gases should be worked frequently to prevent freezing.
9. The cylinder valve cap should always be firmly in place when the cylinder is not in use. Empty
cylinders must be returned with valve protection caps on.
10. Any system should be leak tested before it is used. To check for leaks, spread soap over all joints.
They system is leaking if any bubbles appear.
11. The researcher is responsible for knowing the characteristics of the gases he/she uses: toxicity,
flammability, compatibility with materials and other gases. Consult the gases' Material Safety Data
Sheets. See page 68 - Hazard Data for Common Compressed Gases.
69
PROCEDURES FOR USING COMPRESSED GASES (Cont'd.)
OTHER TIPS FOR SAFE HANDLING OF COMPRESSED GASES:
12. When disposing of empty cylinders, contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety for
disposal procedures. Empty cylinders DO NOT go in the trash.
13. If necessary, clean out the cylinder valve opening before connecting it to an oxygen regulator or a
charging line. This can be done by briefly opening the cylinder valve. Do not stand in front of the
valve opening during such a "blow out", nor place your hand across it. A "blow out" must under no
circumstances take place close to an open fire or any source of ignition, e.g., during welding.
14. When using regulators, always check that the adjustment screw has been turned far enough to allow it
to move freely in its threads prior to opening the cylinder valve. With the adjustment screw in this
position, the regulator is closed.
15. Never use pliers or a similar tool to open a cylinder valve. Some valves are opened with a special key
and others are equipped with hand wheels. It is dangerous to force the valve open by knocking or
heating.
16. Initials and stamps engraved on the cylinder shells must not be changed or obliterated. Labels and tags
should not be removed.
17. Compressed Breathing Air must at least meet the requirements for Grade D air as described in
ANSI/CGA commodity specification for air.
CGA: Compressed Gas Association
70
C. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CRYOGENICS
The principal hazards posed by the use of cryogenic liquids and systems are burns from human contact
with cryogens; pressure buildup in unvented spaces; and fires, explosions, and asphyxiation, which can
result from the evaporation of cryogens.
RULES FOR HANDLING CRYOGENICS
1. The appropriate eye and skin protection must be worn whenever cryogenic liquids are handled, to avoid
splashes in the eyes and on the skin. The gloves should be rated for cryogenic liquids.
2. Clothing or jewelry that can trap cryogenic liquids next to the skin should be avoided; for example,
wristwatches, rings, etc.
3. In the event of a splash, immediately flood the areas and clothing affected with water. For prolonged
exposures, seek medical treatment.
4. Cryogenic liquids are capable of causing asphyxiation by displacing the air necessary for the support of
life, especially when they are used in a confined area. Therefore, they should be used only in well
ventilated areas. Whenever transporting tanks of cryogenics that are venting in elevators, make sure
another person is waiting for you to exit the elevator. This will insure that you have someone available
to summon help should the elevator break down and/or you are overcome by the over-venting of the
gas. If at all possible, no one should ride in an elevator with a venting cryogenic tank.
5. Venting should be provided to avoid quick and violent pressure changes when cryofluids vaporize.
6. Exposed glass areas of glass dewars should be taped to prevent the spread of broken glass should the
container implode.
7. Handle combustible cryogens such as liquid hydrogen and liquid natural gas (LNG) in the same way
combustible gases are handled; provide ventilation, keep away from open flames and other ignition
sources, prohibit smoking, and discharge vent gases to a safe location.
8. Handle cryogenic storage containers carefully since they are fragile and expensive.
71
D. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING ETHERS
AND PEROXIDIZABLE MATERIALS
Ethers have toxic, flammable, and explosive properties and are dangerous, if not handled properly. They
are widely used in laboratories on campus. The vapors, when inhaled, produce a depression of the central
nervous system.
The most common ethers, methyl and ethyl, are particularly dangerous fire hazards because of their low
flash points. Thus, it is necessary to prohibit open flames, electrical sparks, heat sources, and oxidizing
agents when they are being used.
Ethers and other peroxidizable materials such as dioxane and tetrahydrofuran can form explosive
peroxides, especially after the container has been opened and stored for a length of time. Frequently, an
inhibitor has been added by the manufacturer to retard the formation of peroxides, but peroxides may
form nevertheless during storage even if the container has never been opened.
1. Ethers should always be handled in a fume hood. This will protect laboratory occupants from inhaling
the vapors and will prevent explosive vapor concentrations from forming.
2. Ethers should be stored in flammable storage cabinets. Ethers with low flash points should be stored in
explosion proof refrigerators. See Section V.F.
3. Ethers and peroxidizable materials should be ordered only in small quantities and must be dated
upon receipt and when opened. USE ETHERS AND PEROXIDIZABLE MATERIALS UP
PROMPTLY AFTER OPENING. See Appendix G.
4. DO NOT STORE ETHERS IN GROUND GLASS-STOPPERED BOTTLES.
5. Do not move or open any bottle or can of ether or any peroxidizable compound that has exceeded its
expiration date or is of questionable age. If you find such a container, immediately contact the Office of
Environmental Health & Safety in Chemistry B73, which will arrange for its proper disposal. See
Appendix G for the Recognition and Handling of Peroxidizable Compounds.
6. Ethers and peroxidizable materials, once they have gone past their expiration date, are dangerous and
are extremely expensive to dispose of. A team of high hazard specialists has to be called in to handle
the old peroxidizable material basically as a potential bomb. WATCH THE AGE OF YOUR
PEROXIDIZABLE MATERIALS!!!!!
72
E. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING MERCURY
Mercury and mercury-containing compounds are highly toxic to humans. Poisoning may be produced by
inhaling mercury vapor, fume or dust; it may also be produced by ingestion of mercury or absorption of
mercury through the skin. Organic mercury compounds are extremely toxic.
Acute mercury poisoning, caused by exposure to a high level of mercury over a short period of time, is
accompanied by a metallic taste in the mouth, marked salivation, swelling of gums, vomiting, and bloody
diarrhea. Consult MSDS on symptoms of mercury exposure.
Chronic mercury poisoning, caused by exposure to low levels of mercury over a long period of time, may
show the same symptoms as seen in acute poisoning, but these are usually less pronounced and not
always recognizable as poisoning. Chronic poisoning affects the nervous system, causing a marked
tremor, unsteady gait, and personality changes.
Mercury is commonly used in labs in such items as thermometers, fluorescent lamps, manometers,
recording instruments, batteries, and diffusion pumps. Exposure to mercury can arise in the following
ways:
1. When a mercury spill occurs and is not cleaned up promptly or correctly, the mercury scatters into
many droplets, thus increasing the surface area of the mercury and the rate of evaporation. The rate of
evaporation may exceed the capacity of the room's ventilation to dilute it. If you accidentally spill
mercury, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for assistance in cleaning up the spill.
The Office supplies mercury spill kits for small spills. See the following page.
2. When mercury is used in elevated temperatures, it evaporates quickly. A common occurrence is the
breaking of thermometers in ovens by bumping or by raising the oven temperature above the
thermometer's capacity, resulting in high levels of mercury vapor.
3. In systems where mercury is under pressure and ruptures may occur, mercury can impact at high
velocities. This atomizes the mercury, which could result in high levels of mercury vapor being
released, should a rupture occur in the system.
4. Mercury and mercury contaminated materials are considered hazardous wastes by the EPA and must be
disposed of as such. See Section VII - Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures.
5. The University at Albany is in the process of trying to go to a mercury free environment whenever
possible. The Environmental Health and Safety Office will replace mercury thermometers with
mercury free thermometers, free of charge, whenever possible. Contact the Assistant Director of EH&S
for details.
6. All fluorescent tubes, thermostats, computer monitors and batteries, because of their mercury,
lead or heavy metal content , are NOT to go out in the trash. Contact the Environmental Health
and Safety Office for disposal procedures.
73
PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING MERCURY (Cont'd.)
GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING MERCURY
1. Place a tray or other container under all mercury sources to contain any spills that may occur.
2. If a spill should occur, clean it up promptly and properly:
a. Pick up all visible mercury by gentle sweeping and a trapped vacuum line attached to a tapered
glass tube or needle-nose pipette. Avoid scattering or breaking up the mercury droplets.
b. Spread a mercury-spill product over the affected area to pick up any microscopic droplets that
may remain; sweep up the waste and dispose of as a hazardous waste. Mercury "sponges" may
also be used. These spill cleanup items are available through the Office of Environmental
Health & Safety in Chemistry B-73.
c. Call the Office of Environmental Health & Safety at 2-3495 so that the room can be surveyed
for persistent mercury contamination.
d. Do not use a broom or an ordinary vacuum cleaner to clean up the spill. They will only scatter
the droplets further. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety has a mercury vacuum
cleaner designed specifically to clean up mercury spills.
3. Store mercury in unbreakable plastic bottles. Keep containers sealed in a cool, well ventilated area.
4. Use mercury only in a well ventilated area. Practice good housekeeping to prevent spilled mercury
from accumulating.
5. Always wear personal protective equipment when handling mercury, especially protective gloves and
goggles, and never eat, drink or smoke where mercury is being used.
6. Organic mercury compounds are extremely toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. Always
consult an MSDS before handling any mercury or mercury compound.
74
F. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING ACIDS & ALKALIS
Acids and alkalis are corrosive and reactive chemicals. They can cause corrosion of the materials with
which they are in contact, including metal containers, structures, and equipment. They can also cause
serious burns and eye damage to the people working with them. When in contact with certain metals or
chemicals, they can react, releasing toxic fumes or hydrogen.
Acids and alkalis should be stored in cool, well ventilated areas, away from each other, metals,
flammables, and oxidizing materials. Their storage areas should be regularly checked for spills and leaks,
and suitable spill cleanup materials should be readily available. (Spill cleanup kits are available in the
Office of Environmental Health & Safety in Chemistry B73). Protective clothing should be worn
whenever acids or alkalis are handled.
SUGGESTIONS FOR SAFE USE AND STORAGE
1. When combining an acid with water, pour the acid into the water - stirring slowly, never the reverse.
2. Cap bottles securely and store them on lower shelves to reduce the chance of accidental breakage. Do
not store acids and alkalis together. Do not store organics with acids or alkalis. Do not store
organic acids with inorganic acids. See Section V.
3. Do not leave residues on a bottle or a laboratory bench where another person may come in contact with
them. Clean up spills promptly.
4. Wear protective clothing when handling acids or alkalis - this includes the appropriate gloves, apron,
chemical splash goggles and/or a face shield.
5. If you have been splashed with acids or alkalis, immediately remove any clothing that may have been
saturated. If the splash is in your eye, flush the eye immediately and gently for at least 15 minutes with
copious amounts of water. If the splash is on the body, flood the area with copious amounts of running
water for at least 15 minutes - a safety shower is intended for this purpose. When alkaline materials
have been splashed in the eye, immediate and repeated washings are necessary in order to prevent the
alkali from penetrating deeply. Seek medical assistance. See Section I-E.
75
PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING ACIDS & ALKALIS (Cont'd.)
FOUR ACIDS REQUIRING SPECIAL HANDLING BECAUSE OF THEIR EXTREME
HAZARDS
1. Nitric Acid: Nitric acid is corrosive and its oxides are highly toxic. Nitric acid is also an oxidizing
agent that forms flammable and explosive compounds with many materials - for example, ethers and
other flammable materials, acetone, and combustible materials. Paper towels used to wipe up a nitric
acid spill can ignite spontaneously when dry. Nitric acid should be used only in a hood and should be
stored away from combustible materials. Consult a MSDS on Nitric Acid and its many hazards.
2. Perchloric acid: Perchloric acid forms highly explosive and unstable compounds with many
combustible materials and with metals. Unstable perchlorate compounds may collect in the duct work
of improperly installed fume hoods and cause fire or violent explosions. Therefore, perchloric acid
should be used with extreme caution and only in a fume hood designed for its use - a perchloric
acid hood has corrosion-resistant ductwork and washdown facilities. Only minimum quantities
should be kept, with no more than a one pound bottle in the laboratory. The container should be stored
on a glass tray that is deep enough to hold the contents of the bottle. No flammables or organic solvents
should be used in a perchloric acid hood. Perchloric acid should not be kept for more than a year since
explosive crystals may form. Discolored perchloric acid should not be touched, it is most likely
contaminated and could be dangerous. Contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety for
proper disposal.
3. Picric Acid: Picric acid can form explosive compounds with many combustible materials. It is
especially reactive with metals or metallic salts. Picric acid may lose water and become unstable
during extended storage periods. Never open a bottle of dry or contaminated picric acid as an
explosion could occur from the friction produced. If you find a container of picric acid that appears old
and dry, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Immediately contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety in
Chemistry B73. Picric acid should be stored away from combustible materials and should not be kept
for extended periods. Do not use metal spatulas to dispense picric acid.
4. Hydrofluoric Acid: Hydrofluoric acid is extremely corrosive and will even attack glass. It is volatile
and its vapors may affect the skin and eyes. Burns from hydrofluoric acid heal slowly and with great
difficulty. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will provide calcium glutonate gel for
immediate use on HF burns. Hydrofluroic acid should be used only in a fume hood while wearing
protective clothing. Polyethylene containers must be used for storing hydrofluoric acid and for
reactions employing hydrofluoric acid. Care should be taken to avoid contacting hydrofluoric acid
with metals or ammonia since toxic fumes may result. Hydrofluoric Handling Guidelines are available
from the EH&S Office.
CONSULT AN MSDS WHENEVERY WORKING
WITH ANY OF THESE COMPOUNDS
76
G. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING ALKALI METALS
Alkali metals react violently with water, decomposing the water to give off hydrogen which may be
ignited by the heat of reaction. The alkali metals can also ignite spontaneously in air, especially when the
metal is in powdered form and/or the air is moist.
SUGGESTIONS FOR SAFE USE AND STORAGE
1. Store alkali metals under mineral oil or kerosene in unbreakable containers or covered glass containers.
Avoid using oils that contain sulfur since a hazardous reaction may occur.
2. Ordinary fire extinguishers are ineffective on an alkali metal fire. Use only the special, dry powder
extinguisher intended for alkali metals - Class D - Combustible Metal. These extinguishers can be
found in the corridors of the second and third floor of Chemistry. If you are using alkali metals and
need a fire extinguisher, contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.
3. Any waste alkali metals should be place in a labeled, leak proof container, covered with mineral oil,
and disposed of properly. See Section VII.
77
H. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING NONTOXIC,
NOXIOUS ODORS
In the event your laboratory produces a nontoxic, noxious odor, make certain all fume hood fans in the
laboratory are on, raise the fume hoods' sashes approximately one foot, and leave the laboratory, closing
the door behind you. Do not open the laboratory's windows and doors to ventilate the laboratory as this
allows the odor to travel to other floors and buildings. If the procedures outlined above are followed, the
fume hoods will effectively exhaust the odor out of the laboratory. Do not return to the laboratory until
the odor has dissipated.
In the event your laboratory produces a nontoxic, noxious odor while using the sink, as when washing out
dirty glassware, follow the same procedures outlined above and be sure to leave the water running in the
sink until the odor has dissipated.
If you are aware that your work is going to create a nontoxic, noxious odor, contact the Office of
Environmental Health & Safety and try to perform your experiment after normal working hours.
DO NOT DISPOSE OF NOXIOUS
MATERIALS IN THE TRASH
CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH & SAFETY FOR PROPER DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
78
VII. LABORATORY WASTE DISPOSAL
79
A. HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed, under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), a complex set of regulations to control hazardous wastes. The University
is currently holding a permit issued by the EPA as a hazardous waste generator. This permit allows the
University, within strict EPA and DEC guidelines, to manage all hazardous waste on campus.
The Office of Environmental Health & Safety has instituted the following Hazardous Waste Disposal
Program, in order to handle the hazardous waste generated on campus. This program is coordinated by the
University's Chemical Safety Officer and the University's Hazardous Waste Specialist.
State law (Chapter 719 of the laws of 1981) established criminal penalties for the unlawful possession,
handling, and disposing of hazardous wastes. Representation and indemnification under section 17 of the
Public Officer's Law would not be available in cases of liability imposed under criminal statues. Because
of the possibilities of personal liability and prison terms, campus personnel are advised to familiarize
themselves with the University's Hazardous Waste Disposal Program for the proper storage and disposal
of hazardous wastes. The procedures stated below are to be followed by campus generators when
identifying, storing and disposing of hazardous waste:
1. IDENTIFICATION
The responsibility for the identification of hazardous waste (waste chemicals, waste chemical containing
products, and out-of-date chemicals) within the University necessarily rests with the faculty and staff who
have created the waste (generators) in research and instruction. See the following pages for the definitions
of generator and hazardous waste. The Chemical Safety Officer and the Hazardous Waste Specialist will
provide assistance in the identification of hazardous waste.
2. LABELING AND STORAGE
All containers of hazardous waste must be properly labeled with free labels provided by the Office of
Environmental Health & Safety in Chemistry B73. The waste chemicals must be identified by their
proper chemical name (not formulas), including proportions of a mixture. The label must say
"HAZARDOUS WASTE". The label must be completed before it will be accepted for disposal
by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. The University is liable for the mislabeling of
hazardous waste. Do not date the waste as the EHS Office will date it, when it is put into the Hazardous
Waste Room. Once a container is full, you must call the EHS Office at 2-3495 as soon as possible. All
waste must be kept in sealed containers at all times, unless you are actively pouring into the container.
Zip-loc bags for dry debris must also be labeled and sealed. It is illegal to evaporate waste. Do not mix
incompatible wastes. Ensure the waste container is compatible with the waste and use the appropriately
sized container, as our disposal costs are somewhat determined by the container size.
80
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM (Cont'd.)
3. UNKNOWNS
Unknown chemicals cannot be accepted for disposal by the Office of Environmental
Health & Safety. The EHS Office has no way of disposing of unknowns. If the person wishing to
dispose of the waste chemicals cannot trace down the identity of the waste, the Office of
Environmental Health & Safety can have the University's Hazardous Waste Disposal Company identify
them for a substantial cost to the generator. For this reason, the Office of Environmental Health &
Safety strongly encourages Departments and Researchers, that have either departing faculty, staff or
students, to have these departing persons identify any waste they may have generated before they leave.
The Office of Environmental Health & Safety will assist in the identification of hazardous waste and
arranging for its storage and ultimate disposal. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety is not
responsible for cleaning abandoned laboratories of waste chemicals.
4. STORAGE, PACKAGING AND COORDINATING DISPOSAL
All chemical wastes must be packaged by the generator in a manner, which will allow them to be
transported and stored without danger of spillage, escape of dangerous vapors, or hazardous reaction.
Again, all wastes must be properly labeled. Once a container of hazardous waste is full or ready to be
disposed of, the Hazardous Waste Specialist must be contacted as soon as possible at 2-3495. The
Hazardous Waste Specialist will then pick up the waste container within three days and will either put it
into storage or pour if off in the Hazardous Waste Room. Another container of the same waste stream can
not be utilized, until the full waste container has been picked up. Do not accumulate any waste in your
lab for longer than 2 months. This does not include full containers of waste, which must be disposed of
immediately. Routine disposal of hazardous waste through the EH&S Office is encouraged and its
free!
5. TRANSPORTATION
The Hazardous Waste Specialist in the Office of Environmental Health & Safety must be contacted at 2-
3495, in order to arrange for a pickup of hazardous waste..
6. CHARGE BACK
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety pays for the disposal of routinely generated hazardous
waste. The EHS Office tries to reduce the cost of hazardous waste disposal in many ways: by bulking
waste chemicals when possible, disposing of full lab packs, using a bid process for contracting with a
waste disposal company and by brokering usable chemicals. Even with these combined efforts, the cost
for the disposal of waste chemicals far exceeds their original purchase price. It is thus recommended that
the researcher order only the amount of a particular chemical that can be used within a year and/or by a
particular research project. This will ultimately save the University money and it is definitely safer to
store smaller amounts of chemicals. The researcher and/or researcher's Department is responsible for all
associated costs for the clean out of a researcher's lab when they leave the University. Chemical clean
outs of labs or other areas are not considered routinely generated hazardous wastes.
81
B. DEFINITIONS
GENERATOR
A generator is anyone who disposes of waste that is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to be a "hazardous waste". You are a generator if, in your work/research at the University, you
produce or find a hazardous chemical that you intend to discard. It is your responsibility to ensure that
this waste is handled correctly as described in the above Hazardous Waste Disposal Program. Be aware
that there are substantial civil and criminal penalties for any person, company, corporation, institution,
association, etc. who improperly disposes of hazardous waste.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
A waste is defined by EPA to be hazardous, if it meets ANY of the following:
1. It is a "solid waste or a combination of solid wastes ( a solid waste includes semi-solid, liquid,
or contained gaseous material) which, because of its concentration, quantity, or physical,
chemical, or infectious characteristics, may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in
mortality, or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating illness, or may pose a
substantial present or potential hazard to human health, or the environment when improperly
treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed."
2. It is included in lists of specifically identifiable compounds published by EPA. See Appendix F
?EPA Hazardous Waste List.
3. It is a listed waste mixed with nonhazardous materials.
4. It has the characteristics of being ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or EP Toxicity, as defined by
EPA. See below.
5. It is personally known to you to be hazardous based upon knowledge of the materials or
processes used in producing the waste.
6. The four characteristics that determine if a waste is hazardous are as follows:
a. Characteristic of Ignitability
1. It is a liquid, other than an aqueous solution containing less than 24% alcohol by
volume, and has a flash point of less than 60癈 (140癋).
2. It is not a liquid and is capable, under standard temperature and pressure, of
causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture, or spontaneous chemical
changes and when ignited burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a
hazard.
82
HAZARDOUS WASTE DEFINITIONS (Cont'd.)
3. It is an ignitable compressed gas; any material or mixture having in the container
an absolute pressure exceeding 40 p.s.i. at 70癋 or any liquid flammable
material having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 p.s.i. absolute at 100癋.
4. It is an oxidizer; a substance such as a chlorate, permanganate, inorganic
peroxide, or a nitrate, that yields oxygen readily to stimulate the combustion of
organic matter.
b. Characteristic of Corrosivity
1. It is aqueous and has a pH less than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to
12.5, as determined by a pH meter.
2. It is a liquid and corrodes steel (SAE 1020) at a rate greater than 6.35 mm (0.250
inches) per year at a test temperature of 55癈 (130癋) as determined by test
methods specified by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers.
c. Characteristic of Reactivity
1. It is normally unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonating.
2. It reacts violently with water.
3. It forms potentially explosive mixtures with water.
4. When mixed with water, it generates toxic gases or vapors in a quantity
sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment.
5. It is a cyanide or sulfide-bearing waste which, when exposed to pH conditions
between 2 and 12.5, can generate toxic gases or vapors in a quantity sufficient to
present danger to human health or the environment.
6. It is capable of detonation or explosive reaction if it is subjected to a strong
initiating source or if heated under confinement.
7. It is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction at
standard temperature and pressure.
8. It is a Class A, Class B, or Forbidden Explosive as defined in the code of Federal
Regulations, Title 49, Part 173.
d. Characteristic of EP (Extraction Procedure) Toxicity
A solid waste exhibits the characteristic of EP toxicity if, using the test methods
described by EPA, the extract from a representative sample of the waste contains
any of the contaminants listed below at a concentration equal to or greater than the
respective value given. Where the waste contains less than 0.5 percent filterable
solids, the waste itself, after filtering using EPA methodology, is considered to be
the extract.
83
EPA Hazardous Max Concentration
Contaminant
Waste Number (mg/L)
D004 Arsenic 5
D005 Barium 100
D006 Cadmium 1
D007 Chromium 5
D008 Lead 5
D009 Mercury 0.2
D010 Selenium 1
D011 Silver 5
Endrin (1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-1,7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8, 8a-octahydro-
D012 0.02
1,4-endo, endo-5,8-dimethano naphthalene)
D013 Lindane (1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane, gamma isomer) 0.4
D014 Methoxychlor (1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis [p-methoxyphenyl] ethane) 10
Toxaphene (C10H10Cl8, Technical chlorinated camphene, 67-69%
D015 0.5
chlorine)
D016 2,4-D, (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid) 10
D017 2,4,5-TP Silvex 2-(2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxy) propionic acid 1
D018 Benzene 0.5
D019 Carbon Tetrachloride 0.5
D020 Chlordane 0.03
D021 Chlorobenzene 100
D022 Chloroform 6
D023 o-Cresol 200
D024 m-Cresol 200
D025 p-Cresol 200
D026 Cresol 200
D027 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 7.5
D028 1,2-Dichloroethane 0.5
D029 1,1-Dichloroethylene 0.7
D030 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 0.13
D031 Heptachlor (and its epoxide) 0.008
D032 Hexachlorobenzene 0.13
D033 Hexachlorobutadiene 0.5
D034 Hexachloroethane 3
D035 Methyl Ethyl Ketone 200
D036 Nitrobenzene 2
D037 Pentachlorophenol 100
D038 Pyridine 5
D039 Tetrachloroethylene 0.7
D040 Trichloroethylene 0.5
D041 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol 400
D042 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 2
D043 Vinyl Chloride 0.2
84
C. HAZARDOUS WASTE LABEL ?SAMPLE
HAZARDOUS
WASTE
FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS IMPROPER DISPOSAL
SUNY AT ALBANY GENERATOR INFORMATION
NAME _________________________________________________________
DEPT______________________ BLDG & RM_____________________
CHEMICAL NAME(S) % OF VOLUME
1._________________________________________ ________________
2._________________________________________ ________________
3._________________________________________ ________________
TOTAL VOLUME_____________
HANDLE WITH CARE
CONTAINS HAZARDOUS OR TOXIC WASTES
85
D. EMPTY CHEMICAL CONTAINER and GLASSWARE
DISPOSAL POLICY
In order to dispose of empty chemical containers (bottles, used glassware or cans), they must be:
1. Triple rinsed, with water or the appropriate solvent, depending on the chemical residues in the
containers.* This is done in order to prevent a potential hazardous materials incident, when the
containers are transported and crushed for disposal;
2. The containers' labels made illegible;
3. The tops taken off the clean containers and the containers taken to the C.A.S. Stores in Chemistry B13
for disposal. Call C.A.S. Stores at 2-4409 before you bring down your empty containers, so you can be
sure someone is there to receive them.
Empty chemical containers MUST NOT be left in the tunnel or in corridors. The C.A.S. Stores personnel
will handle the disposal of all clean, empty chemical containers. Small pieces of clean glassware or
broken glassware should be placed in a container specifically for glassware disposal. Cardboard boxes,
lined with plastic bags, specifically for glassware disposal, can gotten for free from C.A.S. Stores. Once
these boxes are full, they can be taken back down to C.A.S. Stores for disposal. The custodial staff is not
responsible for the disposal of empty chemical containers or broken glassware.
A compressed gas cylinder is considered empty when the pressure in the cylinder approaches
atmospheric. Compressed gas cylinders are still considered hazardous materials even when empty. If you
have empty lecture size gas cylinders or smaller to dispose of, contact the Office of Environmental Health
& Safety. Disposal of larger size gas cylinders is handled through C.A.S. Stores in Chemistry B13.
If you have any questions on the disposal of any type of waste or container, call the Office of
Environmental Health & Safety at 2-3495.
* The rinsate from Acute Hazardous Waste Containers (P Listed Wastes) is also considered a hazardous waste. The solvent
you use to rinse a container may also be considered a hazardous waste.
86
E. DISPOSAL OF REGULATED MEDICAL WASTE
Regulated medical waste is regulated by the NYS Department of Health. For more information on
Managing Regulated Medical Waste, go to http://www.health.state.ny.us/facilities/waste/
A. Regulated Medical Waste: "Regulated medical waste shall mean any of the following waste which is
generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining
thereto, or in production and testing of biologicals, provided however, that regulated medical waste shall
not include hazardous waste identified or listed pursuant to Section 27-0903 of the Environmental
Conservation Law. . ." and includes those items listed below.
SUBCATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1. Cultures and Stocks "This waste shall include cultures and stocks of agents
infectious to humans, and associated biologicals, cultures
from medical or pathological laboratories, cultures and
stocks of infectious agents from research and industrial
laboratories, wastes from the production of biologicals,
discarded live or attenuated vaccines, or culture dishes and
devices used to transfer, inoculate or mix cultures." (This
includes but is not limited to those agents that cause
communicable diseases and those agents designated as
requiring biosafety level II ?IV in the CDC/NIH Manual for
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.
(http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/bmbl4s2.htm)
2. Pathological Wastes "This waste shall include tissue, organs, and body parts
(except teeth and the contiguous structures of bone and
gum), body fluids that are removed during surgery, autopsy,
or other medical procedures, or specimens of body fluids and
their containers, and discarded material saturated with such
body fluids other than urine, provided that the
Commissioner, by duly promulgated regulation, may exclude
such discarded material saturated with body fluids from this
definition if the commissioner finds that it does not pose a
significant risk to public health. This waste shall not include
urine or fecal materials submitted for other than diagnosis of
infectious diseases."
3. Human Blood and Blood Products This waste shall include: (I) discarded waste human blood,
discarded blood components (e.g. serum and plasma),
containers with free flowing blood or blood components or
discarded saturated material containing free flowing blood or
blood components; and (II) materials saturated with blood or
blood products provided that the Commissioner, by duly
promulgated regulation, may exclude such material saturated
87
with blood or blood products from this definition if the
Commissioner finds that it does not pose a significant risk to
public health."
4. Sharps "This waste shall include but not be limited to discarded
unused sharps and sharps used in animal or human patient
care, medical research, or clinical or pharmaceutical
laboratories, hypodermic, intravenous, or other medical
needles, hypodermic or intravenous syringes to which a
needle or other sharp is still attached, Pasteur pipettes,
scalpel blades, or blood vials. This waste shall include, but
not be limited to, other types of broken or unbroken glass
(including slides and cover slips) in contact with infectious
agents. This waste shall not include those parts of syringes
from which sharps are specifically designed to be easily
removed and from which sharps have actually been removed,
and which are intended for recycling or other disposal, so
long as such syringes have not come in contact with
infectious agents."
5. Animal Waste This waste shall mean discarded materials including
carcasses, body parts, body fluids, blood, or bedding
originating from animals known to be contaminated with
infectious agents (i.e. zoonotic organisms) or from animals
inoculated during research, production of biologicals, or
pharmaceutical testing with infectious agents."
B. "Biologicals" means preparations made from living organisms and their products, including vaccines,
cultures, etc. intended for use in diagnosing, immunizing, or treating humans or animals or in research
pertaining thereto.
C. "Laboratory" means any research, analytical, or clinical facility that performs health care related
analysis or service. This includes medical, pathological, pharmaceutical, and other research, commercial,
or industrial laboratories.
D. "Infectious Agents" means any organisms that cause disease or an adverse health impact to humans,
except that the Commissioner may prescribe by regulation additional infectious agents as may be
necessary to protect health and the environment.
If any waste generated in your laboratories fits the definitions above, it is "regulated medical waste" and
must be handled and disposed of accordingly. Regulated Medical Waste must be red-bagged. The red
bags, which have the universal biohazard symbol are available for purchase from C.A.S. Stores in
Chemistry B13. The University has an agreement with Stericycle for pick up and disposal of this type of
waste. Currently, the University Health Center and the Animal Facility are the primary generators of
medical waste. If you have regulated medical waste to dispose of, please contact the EH&S Office at
2-3495 for further instructions.***REGULATED MEDICAL WASTE CAN NOT BE
AUTOCLAVED AND PUT IN THE REGULAR TRASH FOR DISPOSAL AT THE UNIVERSITY
AT ALBANY.
88
F. HANDLING PROCEDURES FOR SHARPS, GLASS
and BIOHAZARDOUS AUTOCLAVED WASTE
Sharps Needles, syringes, and scalpel blades, etc. appear to most always be
considered regulated medical waste under the "sharps" category
(see Section E. above), and must be disposed of in the red plastic sharps
containers available for purchase through C.A.S. Stores. C.A.S. Stores
charges a small fee for the sharps container, which includes
the cost of the container's disposal as regulated medical waste.
When the container is full, bring it back to C.A.S. Stores
for proper disposal as regulated medical waste.
This is also required to comply with the University's policy
"Guidelines for the Procurement, Storage, Use, and Destruction and
Disposal of Hypodermic Supplies". The University has a contract
with Stericycle for pick up and disposal of this type of waste.
Glass Any glass items you wish to dispose of, which do not fall into the
categories of regulated medical waste and that do not need to be
treated otherwise (e.g. autoclaved), should be placed in a container
separate from other lab trash. The glass items should be as clean as
possible. Most laboratories already have some type of container
dedicated to glass disposal, only. If you don't have a separate
container for glass, a sturdy cardboard box lined with a heavy plastic
bag is suitable. These are available for free from the C.A.S. Stores in
Chemistry B13. The reason for separating glass from other trash, to
avoid puncture wounds, should be obvious. All boxes used for glass
disposal should be labeled "Clean Glass Only." When the lined cardboard
box is full of glass, please seal the box with tape and take to C.A.S. Stores for
disposal.
Biohazardous
Autoclaved Waste Any culture dishes, test tubes, Pasteur pipettes, etc., that do NOT
categorize as "regulated medical waste" (See Section E. above) should be
placed in an orange autoclave bag labeled with the universal biohazard
symbol prior to autoclaving. When you are ready to autoclave a full, orange
bag, put copious amounts of autoclave indicator tape on the bag before you run it
through the autoclave. The indicator tape signals that the orange bag has been
through the autoclave and that the materials inside have been inactivated. Once
the orange autoclave bag has been through the autoclave, it should be placed in a
dark, opaque garbage bag for disposal in the regular trash. The orange autoclave
bags, indicator tape and dark, opaque garbage bags are available for purchase from
C.A.S. Stores.
***REGULATED MEDICAL WASTE CAN NOT BE AUTOCLAVED AND PUT IN THE
REGULAR TRASH FOR DISPOSAL AT THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY.
If you have any questions regarding laboratory waste disposal, please feel free to contact the Office of
Environmental Health & Safety at 2-3495.
89
VIII. APPENDICES
90
APPENDIX A. - REACTIVE CHEMICALS
Reactive chemicals are substances, which under certain ambient or induced conditions, enter into violent
reactions with spontaneous generation of large quantities of heat, light, gases (flammable and
nonflammable), or toxicants that can be destructive to lives and property. The types of reactive chemicals
have been loosely categorized:
1. Explosive - Many substances, when mixed, are potentially explosive (such as hydrazines and nitric
acid). In general, protect these substances from shock, elevated temperatures, rapid temperature
changes, and other reactive chemicals. Some examples: nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, organic peroxides
and metal azides.
2. Oxidizing and Reducing Substances - In many oxidizing and reducing reactions, both agents must be
present. However, in some cases, one or the other substance creates a hazard by coming into contact
with a normally innocuous substance. The reactions tend to generate heat and are often explosive.
Some oxidizing agents: oxygen, perchloric acid, nitric acid, inorganic peroxides, nitrites, nitrates,
hydrides, butadiene, peracetic acid and peroxy acids. Some reducing agents: hydrogen, metallic
hydrides, alkali metals, and pyrophoric agents such as activated zinc and phosphorus.
3. Water Sensitive Substances - These chemicals react with water, steam, and moisture in the air to
evolve heat and/or flammable or explosive gases. Isolate water-sensitive substances from other reactive
compounds. Store them in a cool, waterproof area. No water should service the storage area. Some
substances that liberate heat only are: strong acids and bases, acid anhydrides and sulfides. Some
substances that liberate flammable gases are: alkali metals, hydrides, nitrides, carbides, and anhydrous
metallic salts.
4. Acid Sensitive Substances - These chemicals react with acid to evolve heat, flammable and/or
explosive gases, and toxicants. Some examples are: alkali metals, hydroxides, carbonates, carbides,
nitrides, arsenic and related elements, cyanides, sulfides, and structural alloys (most metals).
5. Special Organic Compounds - These compounds are unstable and may decompose spontaneously or
through contact with the immediate environment (air, water, and other reactants). Some examples:
diazonium compounds, diazomethane, chlorination intermediates, butadiene, nitration intermediates,
organic sulfates, polymerization reactions, and highly nitrated compounds.
6. Pyrophoric Agents - Pyrophoric agents burn when exposed to air. In general, they require absolute
protection against air. Examples: phosphorus and activated zinc.
91
REACTIVE CHEMICALS (Cont'd.)
The following is a list of some specific HIGHLY REACTIVE CHEMICALS and their associated hazards
(Note - this is not all inclusive):
HYDROFLUORIC ACID - This is a very insidious material. After any contact with a solution of
hydrofluoric acid, even if there is no immediate pain, the area should be flushed with copious amounts of
water for at least 5 minutes then apply calcium glutonate gel (available from the Environmental Health
and Safety Office in Chemistry B73.) Consult a physician promptly.
PHENOL - When phenol is dissolved in organic solvents it is readily absorbed into the blood stream,
resulting in serious or fatal poisoning. If phenol is accidentally spilled, flush area with copious amounts of
water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician promptly.
BROMINE - Bromine can be measured volumetrically with little hazard. Keep a dilute sodium bisulfite
solution on hand to destroy any accidentally spilled bromine.
HYDROGEN CYANIDE - Hydrogen cyanide should always be used under a hood. Liquid hydrogen
cyanide is best kept over anhydrous calcium chloride. It thus remains water-white for months. Formation
of a yellow color in the liquid indicates the lot should be destroyed.
PERCHLORATES - Perchlorates should be handled only by persons thoroughly familiar with the
hazards involved. Do not use magnesium perchlorate as a desiccant, except in the standard procedure for
the determination of carbon and hydrogen.
DICHROMATE CLEANING SOLUTION - Dichromate cleaning solution is an extremely corrosive
agent. Never transfer the cleaning solution from a pipette washer by pouring. Use a siphon. Follow these
precautions when using the cleaning solution:
a. Keep the bottle caps loosened;
b. Store the solutions in a cool area, away from other chemicals;
c. Keep protective equipment available in case of a spill (i.e., respirator, acid-resistant gloves, spill
clean up kit, etc.);
d. Dichromate cleaning solutions are considered hazardous waste.
PHOSPHORUS TRIHALIDES - Containing moisture, may under certain circumstances, form some
phosphine when heated, and explode violently when exposed to air. Red phosphorus and hydriodic acid
may also form explosive compounds. These materials should be heated in an atmosphere of carbon
dioxide.
92
REACTIVE CHEMICALS (Cont'd.)
PHOSPHORUS OXYCHLORIDE - A serious accident occurred when this chemical was being distilled
under vacuum. The vacuum changed and water ran back into the phosphorus oxychloride and the mixture
exploded. This chemical should be distilled at normal pressure. If it is absolutely necessary to use a
vacuum; adequate traps should be provided between the water pump and the received. (Other chemicals in
the same category are: SO2Cl2, SOCl2, S2Cl2, PCl2, etc. Similar precautions should be employed in all
vacuum distillations in which a water pump is used, because sudden loss of pressure will force water back
up into the apparatus being evacuated. A Bunsen valve in the trap will avoid much of this difficulty.
BENXOYL PEROXIDE - when dry, benzoyl peroxide is easily ignited and sensitive to shock. It will
decompose spontaneously at temperatures above 50癈. It must be stored in a cool place. Keep away
from all sources of heat. Do not subject it to friction or grinding in the dry state, since the heat generated
will cause it to explode. This chemical is desensitized by the addition of at least 20% by weight of water
(from DuPont Safety Manual).
ALUMINUM CHLORIDE - Should be considered a potentially dangerous material. If moisture is
present, sufficient decomposition to build up considerable pressure may result. If a bottle is to be opened
after long standing, enclose it completely in a heavy towel and place the covered bottle in a metal
container before opening the lid. Be sure to wear protective equipment.
AMMONIA and MERCURY - In contact, these chemicals have been known to form explosive
compounds (Ind. Eng. Chem., New Edition, 1932).
HYDROXYL AMINE DERIVATIVES - Particularly those related to hydroxy aminic acid, should be
treated as explosive compounds. Distillation of products in which they may be present should be
conducted behind screens with all safety precautions taken. Acid salts of hydroxyl amine are explosive;
hydroxyl amine is not, but may contain residual salts.
CYANOGEN BROMIDE - Is explosive in the solid state unless it is absolutely white. Do not keep
bottles of it tightly stoppered.
PYRUVIC ACID - Has been reported to blow up while standing on the shelf.
o-NITROBENZOYL CHLORIDE - Has exploded violently upon attempted distillation (Ind. Eng.
Chem., New Ed., 23, 2394, (1945):JACS 68, 344, (1946)).
NITRILES - Nitriles react similarly to hydrogen cyanide and should be handled under a hood. Any part
of the body which has come in contact with any of these materials should be flushed with copious
amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician promptly. Nitrile compounds in a vapor
state are very toxic when inhaled and the same precautions used with hydrogen cyanide are necessary.
ACRYLONITRILE (VINYL CYANIDE) - Is a very active poison. It is fatal immediately when
breathed in a concentration of 270 ppm. (In. Hygiene and Toxicology, February, 1942, pg. 255).
93
REACTIVE CHEMICALS (Cont'd.)
NITRIC OXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE and ITS POLYMERS - Are produced when nitric acid
reacts with organic materials. They are extremely dangerous because they give no warning. Never
inhale them. If you do inhale them accidentally, get to fresh air, and consult a physician immediately.
DOWTHERM AND ALLIED HEAT-TRANSFER AIDS - While not active poisons, these have a
cumulative effect which results in bodily changes after long exposure. They are readily absorbed by the
skin and by clothing, particularly leather and wool. If exposed, wash the exposed parts and the clothing.
Low concentrations of the vapor are detectable by odor when the exposure is infrequent, but continual
exposure desensitizes the olfactory nerves so the odor is no longer apparent. Such exposure should be
avoided.
PHOSGENE - Phosgene is extremely dangerous because its symptoms are delayed for 4 to 8 hours,
when small but toxic amounts are inhaled. If accidentally inhaled, consult a physician promptly.
CYANURIC CHLORIDE - Cyanuric chloride is a lachrymator and may cause severe burns of the
mucous
membranes. Use only in a well-ventilated hood. When distilling it, use of the same precautions as for
other acid chlorides.
EPICHLOROHYDRIN - Undiluted epichlorohydrin is intensely irritating to the skin. Because of the
potential
nephrotic effects, persons working with this materials on a continuing basis should undergo medical
supervision. (Univ. Calif., the Toxicity of Epichlorohydrin, 1941, pamphlet, in Library).
DIMETHYL SULFATE - Dimethyl sulfate is an extremely reactive material, especially when it comes
in contact with the skin or mucous membranes. A very short time of contact with the mucous membranes
will result in painful burns. If it comes in contact with the eye, sight will be impaired if it is not removed
immediately. Flush the eye and/or skin with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a
physician promptly.
DIOXANE - Dioxane appears to be a poisonous compound with a delayed reaction. This material should
be handled cautiously and not inhaled. Dioxane can readily form dangerous peroxides. See Appendix G.
In addition to precautions to be taken during its distillation, condensation of its distilled vapors should be
done with water above 12癈 to prevent plugging the condenser.
BENZENE, TOLUENE, and CARBON TETRACHLORIDE - These chemicals are readily absorbed
through intact skin, as well as through the respiratory tract. Do not handle them carelessly. Use only in a
fume hood. Benzene and carbon tetrachloride are suspected or confirmed human carcinogens.
Always consult a chemical's Material Safety Data Sheet before using it
94
APPENDIX B. GLOVE SELECTION
The following links are for companies that may supply gloves to laboratories at the University at
Albany. Available on each website are chemical compatibility charts for the gloves supplied by each
specific company. Please use them to verify that the gloves being used to handle a specific chemical are
providing proper protection to the wearer. It is important to note that all chemicals may not be listed on
the charts, and that two similar gloves supplied by two different companies may not provide the same
level of protection. It is important, therefore, to use the compatibility chart for the manufacturer of the
glove being used.
NORTH ?http://ezguide.northsafety.com/
BEST ?http://www.chemrest.com/
ANSELL Protective Products ?http://www.ansell-edmont.com/
MICROFLEX ?http://www.microflex.com/products/glovechem/a.asp
Glove Suppliers Without Compatibility Charts
The following are websites for glove suppliers who at this point do not have glove compatibility
charts available. Please ensure that prior to using gloves from these companies, the customer service/
technical assistance department is contacted using the links below.
Fisher Scientific ?http://www.fishersci.com/
Gaurdian ?http://www.guardian-mfg.com/
95
APPENDIX C. ?PEL LIST
Air contaminants. - 1910.1000
CLICK ABOVE
96
APPENDIX D. - OSHA
Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories. - 1910.1450
CLICK ABOVE
97
APPENDIX E. - Laboratory Safety Checklist
SP = Serious Problem X = Problem Exists ___ = Condition is O.K. Date of Inspection________
Department: Building: Room: _____________ Principal Investigator: Phone: _____________
AREAS OF INSPECTION COMMENTS CORRECTION
1. ___ Emergency Notification ___________________________________________________________________
2. ___ Other Door Signs ________________________________________________________________________
3. ___ Personal Protection (Goggles, gloves, aprons, lab coats) __________________________________________
4. ___ Fire Extinguishers ________________________________________________________________________
5. ___ Eyewash _______________________________________________________________________________
6. ___ Shower ________________________________________________________________________________
7. ___ Hoods _________________________________________________________________________________
8. ___ Housekeeping (Aisle/floor, shelves/cabinets, bench tops, hoods) ___________________________________
9. ___ Labels on Containers _____________________________________________________________________
10. ___ Storage(Volume of flammables, peroxides, corrosives,compatibles, wastes, refrigerators) ______________
______________________________________________________________________________________
11. ____Compressed Gas Cylinders _______________________________________________________________
12.____Guarding ______________________________________________________________________________
13. ____Food, Drink, Smoking ___________________________________________________________________
14. ____Electrical Cords, Wires, Grounds __________________________________________________________
15.____ Lab Doors locked when unattended _________________________________________________________
16. ____ Notes/Other Areas of Concern ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Inspected by: _____________________________________________Date_____________________________
Copy given to: ____________________________________________Date_____________________________
(Print Name and Signature)
(Copies (3 white -- Principal Investigator; Canary -- Office of Environmental Health and Safety; Pink -- Department Chair Principal
Investigator returns White Copy with corrected problem dates to Environmental Health and Safety Office Chemistry B73
98
APPENDIX F. - EPA HAZARDOUS WASTE LIST
(e) The commercial chemical products, manufacturing chemical intermediates or off-
specification commercial chemical products or manufacturing chemical intermediates
referred to in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, are identified as acute
hazardous wastes (H) and are subject to be the small quantity exclusion defined in
Sec. 261.5(e).
[Comment: For the convenience of the regulated community the primary hazardous
properties of these materials have been indicated by the letters T (Toxicity), and R
(Reactivity). Absence of a letter indicates that the compound only is listed for
acute toxicity.]
These wastes and their corresponding EPA Hazardous Waste Numbers are:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chemical No. Hazardous Waste Abstracts No. Substance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P023 107-20-0 Acetaldehyde, chloro
P002 591-08-2 Acetamide, N-(aminothioxomethyl)
P057 640-19-7 Acetamide, 2-fluoro
P058 62-74-8 Acetic acid, fluoro-, sodium salt
P002 591-08-2 1-Acetyl-2-thiourea
P003 107-02-8 Acrolein
P070 116-06-3 Aldicarb
P203 1646-88-4 Aldicarb sulfone
P004 309-00-2 Aldrin
P005 107-18-6 Allyl alcohol
P006 20859-73-8 Aluminum phosphide (R,T)
P007 2763-96-4 5-(Aminomethyl)-3-isoxazolol
P008 504-24-5 4-Aminopyridine
P009 131-74-8 Ammonium picrate (R)
P119 7803-55-6 Ammonium vanadate
P099 506-61-6 Argentate(1-), bis(cyano-C)-,
potassium
P010 7778-39-4 Arsenic acid
P012 1327-53-3 Arsenic oxide
P011 1303-28-2 Arsenic oxide
P011 1303-28-2 Arsenic pentoxide
P012 1327-53-3 Arsenic trioxide
P038 692-42-2 Arsine, diethyl
P036 696-28-6 Arsonous dichloride, phenyl
P054 151-56-4 Aziridine
P067 75-55-8 Aziridine, 2-methyl-
P013 542-62-1 Barium cyanide
P024 106-47-8 Benzenamine, 4-chloro-
P077 100-01-6 Benzenamine, 4-nitro-
P028 100-44-7 Benzene, (chloromethyl)-
P042 51-43-4 1,2-Benzenediol, 4-[1-hydroxy-2-
(methylamino)ethyl]-, (R)-
P046 122-09-8 Benzeneethanamine, alpha,alpha-
dimethyl-
P014 108-98-5 Benzenethiol
P127 1563-66-2 7-Benzofuranol, 2,3-dihydro-2,2-
dimethyl-, methylcarbamate.
P188 57-64-7 Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, compd. with
(3aS-cis)-1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-
1,3a,8-trimethylpyrrolo[2,3-b]indol-
5- yl methylcarbamate ester (1:1).
1
P001 81-81-2 2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one, 4-
99
hydroxy-3-(3- oxo-1-phenylbutyl)-,
salts, when present at concentrations
greater than 0.3%
P028 100-44-7 Benzyl chloride
P015 7440-41-7 Beryllium powder
P017 598-31-2 Bromoacetone
P018 357-57-3 Brucine
P045 39196-18-4 2-Butanone, 3,3-dimethyl-1-
(methylthio)-, O-
methylamino)carbonyl] oxime
P021 592-01-8 Calcium cyanide
P021 592-01-8 Calcium cyanide Ca(CN)
P189 55285-14-8 Carbamic acid, [(dibutylamino)-
thio]methyl-, 2,3-dihydro-2,2-
dimethyl- 7-benzofuranyl ester.
P191 644-64-4 Carbamic acid, dimethyl-, 1-
[(dimethyl- amino)carbonyl]- 5-
methyl-1H- pyrazol- 3-yl ester.
P192 119-38-0 Carbamic acid, dimethyl-, 3-methyl-1-
(1-methylethyl)-1H- pyrazol-5-yl
ester.
P190 1129-41-5 Carbamic acid, methyl-, 3-
Methylphenyl ester.
P127 1563-66-2 Carbofuran.
P022 75-15-0 Carbon disulfide
P095 75-44-5 Carbonic dichloride
P189 55285-14-8 Carbosulfan.
P023 107-20-0 Chloroacetaldehyde
P024 106-47-8 p-Chloroaniline
P026 5344-82-1 1-(o-Chlorophenyl)thiourea
P027 542-76-7 3-Chloropropionitrile
P029 544-92-3 Copper cyanide
P029 544-92-3 Copper cyanide Cu(CN)
P202 64-00-6 m-Cumenyl methylcarbamate.
P030 ....... Cyanides (soluble cyanide salts), not
otherwise specified
P031 460-19-5 Cyanogen
P033 506-77-4 Cyanogen chloride
P033 506-77-4 Cyanogen chloride (CN)Cl
P034 131-89-5 2-Cyclohexyl-4,6-dinitrophenol
P016 542-88-1 Dichloromethyl ether
P036 696-28-6 Dichlorophenylarsine
P037 60-57-1 Dieldrin
P038 692-42-2 Diethylarsine
P041 311-45-5 Diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate
P040 297-97-2 O,O-Diethyl O-pyrazinyl
phosphorothioate
P043 55-91-4 Diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP)
P004 309-00-2 1,4,5,8-Dimethanonaphthalene,
1,2,3,4,10,10-hexa- chloro- 1,4,4a,
5,8,8a,-hexahydro-, (1alpha,4alpha,
4abeta,5alpha,8alpha,8 abeta)-
P060 465-73-6 1,4,5,8-Dimethanonaphthalene,
1,2,3,4,10,10-hexa- chloro-
1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-,(1alpha,
4alpha,4abeta,5beta,8beta,8ab eta)-
P037 60-57-1 2,7:3,6-Dimethanonaphth[2,3-
b]oxirene, 3,4,5,6,9,9-hexachloro-
1a,2,2a,3,6,6a,7,7a-octahydro-,
(1aalpha,2beta,2aalpha,3beta,6beta,6a
alpha,7beta, 7aalpha)-
1
P051 72-20-8 2,7:3,6-Dimethanonaphth [2,3-
b]oxirene, 3,4,5,6,9,9-hexachloro-
1a,2,2a,3,6,6a,7,7a-octahydro-,
100
1aalpha,2beta,2abeta,3alpha,6alpha,6
abeta,7beta, 7aalpha)-, &
metabolites
P044 60-51-5 Dimethoate
P046 122-09-8 alpha,alpha-Dimethylphenethylamine
P191 644-64-4 Dimetilan
1
P047 534-52-1 4,6-Dinitro-o-cresol, salts
P048 51-28-5 2,4-Dinitrophenol
P020 88-85-7 Dinoseb
P085 152-16-9 Diphosphoramide, octamethyl-
P111 107-49-3 Diphosphoric acid, tetraethyl ester
P039 298-04-4 Disulfoton
P049 541-53-7 Dithiobiuret
P185 26419-73-8 1,3-Dithiolane-2-carboxaldehyde, 2,4-
dimethyl-, O- [(methylamino)-
carbonyl]oxime.
P050 115-29-7 Endosulfan
P088 145-73-3 Endothall
P051 72-20-8 Endrin
P051 72-20-8 Endrin, metabolites
P042 51-43-4 Epinephrine
P031 460-19-5 Ethanedinitrile
P194 23135-22-0 Ethanimidothioc acid, 2-
(dimethylamino)-N-[[(methylamino)
carbonyl]oxy]-2-oxo-, methyl ester.
P066 16752-77-5 Ethanimidothioic acid,
N-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]oxy]-,
methyl ester
P101 107-12-0 Ethyl cyanide
P054 151-56-4 Ethyleneimine
P097 52-85-7 Famphur
P056 7782-41-4 Fluorine
P057 640-19-7 Fluoroacetamide
P058 62-74-8 Fluoroacetic acid, sodium salt
P198 23422-53-9 Formetanate hydrochloride.
P197 17702-57-7 Formparanate
P065 628-86-4 Fulminic acid, mercury(2+) salt (R,T)
P059 76-44-8 Heptachlor
P062 757-58-4 Hexaethyl tetraphosphate
P116 79-19-6 Hydrazinecarbothioamide
P068 60-34-4 Hydrazine, methyl-
P063 74-90-8 Hydrocyanic acid
P063 74-90-8 Hydrogen cyanide
P096 7803-51-2 Hydrogen phosphide
P060 465-73-6 Isodrin
P192 119-38-0 Isolan.
P202 64-00-6 3-Isopropylphenyl N-methylcarbamate.
P007 2763-96-4 3(2H)-Isoxazolone, 5-(aminomethyl)-
P196 15339-36-3 Manganese, bis
(dimethylcarbamodithioato-S,S')-,
P196 15339-36-3 Manganese dimethyldithiocarbamate.
P092 62-38-4 Mercury, (acetato-O)phenyl-
P065 628-86-4 Mercury fulminate (R,T)
P082 62-75-9 Methanamine, N-methyl-N-nitroso-
P064 624-83-9 Methane, isocyanato-
P016 542-88-1 Methane, oxybis[chloro-
P112 509-14-8 Methane, tetranitro- (R)
P118 75-70-7 Methanethiol, trichloro-
P198 23422-53-9 Methanimidamide, N,N-dimethyl-N'-[3-
[[(methylamino)-carbonyl]oxy]phenyl]-
monohydrochloride.
P197 17702-57-7 Methanimidamide, N,N-dimethyl-N'-[2-
methyl-4-[[(methylamino) carbonyl]
oxy]phenyl]-
101
P050 115-29-7 6,9-Methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin,
6,7,8,9,10,10- hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,
9a-hexahydro-, 3-oxide
P059 76-44-8 4,7-Methano-1H-indene, 1,4,5,6,7,8,8-
heptachloro-3a,4,7,7a- tetrahydro
P199 2032-65-7 Methiocarb
P066 16752-77-5 Methomyl
P068 60-34-4 Methyl hydrazine
P064 624-83-9 Methyl isocyanate
P069 75-86-5 2-Methyllactonitrile
P071 298-00-0 Methyl parathion
P190 1129-41-5 Metolcarb
P128 315-8-4 Mexacarbate
P072 86-88-4 alpha-Naphthylthiourea
P073 13463-39-3 Nickel carbonyl
P073 13463-39-3 Nickel carbonyl Ni(CO)(T-4)-
P074 557-19-7 Nickel cyanide
P074 557-19-7 Nickel cynaide Ni(CN)
1
P075 54-11-5 Nicotine, salts
P076 10102-43-9 Nitric oxide
P077 100-01-6 p-Nitroaniline
P078 10102-44-0 Nitrogen dioxide
P076 10102-43-9 Nitrogen oxide NO
P078 10102-44-0 Nitrogen oxide NO
P081 55-63-0 Nitroglycerine (R)
P082 62-75-9 N-Nitrosodimethylamine
P084 4549-40-0 N-Nitrosomethylvinylamine
P085 152-16-9 Octamethylpyrophosphoramide
P087 20816-12-0 Osmium oxide OsO(T-4)-
P087 20816-12-0 Osmium tetroxide
P088 145-73-3 7-Oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-
dicarboxylic acid
P194 23135-22-0 Oxamyl
P089 56-38-2 Parathion
P034 131-89-5 Phenol, 2-cyclohexyl-4,6-dinitro-
P048 51-28-5 Phenol,2,4-dinitro-
1
P047 534-52-1 Phenol, 2-methyl-4,6-dinitro-, salts
P020 88-85-7 Phenol, 2-(1-methylpropyl)-4,6-
dinitro-
P009 131-74-8 Phenol, 2,4,6-trinitro-, ammonium
Salt (R)
P128 315-18-4 Phenol, 4-(dimethylamino)-3,5-
dimethyl- , methylcarbamate (ester)
P199 2032-65-7 Phenol, (3,5-dimethyl-4-(methylthio),
methylcarbamate
P202 64-00-6 Phenol, 3-(1-methylethyl)-, methyl
carbamate
P201 2631-37-0 Phenol, 3-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-,
methyl carbamate
P092 62-38-4 Phenylmercury acetate
P093 103-85-5 Phenylthiourea
P094 298-02-2 Phorate
P095 75-44-5 Phosgene
P096 7803-51-2 Phosphine
P041 311-45-5 Phosphoric acid, diethyl 4-
Nitrophenyl ester
P039 298-04-4 Phosphorodithioic acid, O,O-diethyl
S-[2-(ethylthio)ethyl] ester
P094 298-02-2 Phosphorodithioic acid, O,O-diethyl
S-[(ethylthio)methyl] ester
P044 60-51-5 Phosphorodithioic acid, O,O-dimethyl
S-[2-(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl] ester
P043 55-91-4 Phosphorofluoridic acid, bis(1-
102
methylethyl) ester
P089 56-38-2 Phosphorothioic acid, O,O-diethyl O-
(4-nitrophenyl) ester
P040 297-97-2 Phosphorothioic acid, O,O-diethyl O-
pyrazinyl ester
P097 52-85-7 Phosphorothioic acid,O-[4-
[(dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenyl] O,O-
dimethyl ester
P071 298-00-0 Phosphorothioic acid, O,O,-dimethyl
O-(4-nitrophenyl) ester
P204 57-47-6 Physostigmine.
P188 57-64-7 Physostigmine salicylate
P110 78-00-2 Plumbane, tetraethyl-
P098 151-50-8 Potassium cyanide
P098 151-50-8 Potassium cyanide K(CN)
P099 506-61-6 Potassium silver cyanide
P201 2631-37-0 Promecarb
P070 116-06-3 Propanal, 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)-,
O-[(methylamino)carbonyl]oxime
P203 1646-88-4 Propanal, 2-methyl-2-(methyl-
sulfonyl)-,O-[(methylamino)carbonyl]
oxime
P101 107-12-0 Propanenitrile
P027 542-76-7 Propanenitrile, 3-chloro-
P069 75-86-5 Propanenitrile, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-
P081 55-63-0 1,2,3-Propanetriol, trinitrate (R)
P017 598-31-2 2-Propanone, 1-bromo-
P102 107-19-7 Propargyl alcohol
P003 107-02-8 2-Propenal
P005 107-18-6 2-Propen-1-ol
P067 75-55-8 1,2-Propylenimine
P102 107-19-7 2-Propyn-1-ol
P008 504-24-5 4-Pyridinamine
P075 54-11-5 Pyridine, 3-(1-methyl-2-
pyrrolidinyl)-,(S)-, salts
P204 57-47-6 Pyrrolo[2,3-b]indol-5-ol,
1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-1,3a,8-
trimethyl-,methylcarbamate (ester),
(3aS-cis)-.
P114 12039-52-0 Selenious acid, dithallium(1+) salt
P103 630-10-4 Selenourea
P104 506-64-9 Silver cyanide
P104 506-64-9 Silver cyanide Ag(CN)
P105 26628-22-8 Sodium azide
P106 143-33-9 Sodium cyanide
P106 143-33-9 Sodium cyanide Na(CN)
1
P108 57-24-9 Strychnidin-10-one, salts
P018 357-57-3 Strychnidin-10-one, 2,3-dimethoxy-
1
P108 57-24-9 Strychnine, salts
P115 7446-18-6 Sulfuric acid, dithallium(1+) salt
P109 3689-24-5 Tetraethyldithiopyrophosphate
P110 78-00-2 Tetraethyl lead
P111 107-49-3 Tetraethyl pyrophosphate
P112 509-14-8 Tetranitromethane (R)
P062 757-58-4 Tetraphosphoric acid, hexaethyl ester
P113 1314-32-5 Thallic oxide
P113 1314-32-5 Thallium oxide
P114 12039-52-0 Thallium(I) selenite
P115 7446-18-6 Thallium(I) sulfate
P109 3689-24-5 Thiodiphosphoric acid, tetraethyl
ester
P045 39196-18-4 Thiofanox
P049 541-53-7 Thioimidodicarbonic diamide
[(H2N)C(S)]NH
103
P014 108-98-5 Thiophenol
P116 79-19-6 Thiosemicarbazide
P026 5344-82-1 Thiourea, (2-chlorophenyl)-
P072 86-88-4 Thiourea, 1-naphthalenyl-
P093 103-85-5 Thiourea, phenyl-
P185 26419-73-8 Tirpate
P123 8001-35-2 Toxaphene
P118 75-70-7 Trichloromethanethiol
P119 7803-55-6 Vanadic acid, ammonium salt
P120 1314-62-1 Vanadium oxide V2O5
P120 1314-62-1 Vanadium pentoxide
P084 4549-40-0 Vinylamine, N-methyl-N-nitroso-
1
P001 81-81-2 Warfarin, salts, when present at
concentrations greater than 0.3%
P205 137-30-4 Zinc, bis(dimethylcarbamodithioato-
S,S')
P121 557-21-1 Zinc cyanide
P121 557-21-1 Zinc cyanide
Zn(CN)2
P122 1314-84-7 Zinc phosphide Zn3P2, when present at
concentrations greater than 10% (R,T)
P205 137-30-4 Ziram
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1
CAS Number given for parent compound only.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(f) The commercial chemical products, manfacturing chemical
intermediates, or off-specification commercial chemical products
referred to in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, are
identified as toxic wastes (T), unless otherwise designated and are
subject to the small quantity generator exclusion defined in Sec. 261.5
(a) and (g).
[Comment: For the convenience of the regulated community, the primary
hazardous properties of these materials have been indicated by the
letters T (Toxicity), R (Reactivity), I (Ignitability) and C
(Corrosivity). Absence of a letter indicates that the compound is only
listed for toxicity.]
These wastes and their corresponding EPA Hazardous Waste Numbers are:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chemical No. Hazardous Waste Abstracts No. Substance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
U394 30558-43-1 A2213
U001 75-07-0 Acetaldehyde (I)
U034 75-87-6 Acetaldehyde, trichloro-
U187 62-44-2 Acetamide, N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-
U005 53-96-3 Acetamide, N-9H-fluoren-2-yl-
1
U240 94-75-7 Acetic acid, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-
Salts, esters
U112 141-78-6 Acetic acid ethyl ester (I)
U144 301-04-2 Acetic acid, lead(2+) salt
U214 563-68-8 Acetic acid, thallium(1+) salt
see F027 93-76-5 Acetic acid, (2,4,5-
trichlorophenoxy)-
U002 67-64-1 Acetone (I)
U003 75-05-8 Acetonitrile (I,T)
U004 98-86-2 Acetophenone
U005 53-96-3 2-Acetylaminofluorene
U006 75-36-5 Acetyl chloride (C,R,T)
U007 79-06-1 Acrylamide
U008 79-10-7 Acrylic acid (I)
U009 107-13-1 Acrylonitrile
U011 61-82-5 Amitrole
104
U012 62-53-3 Aniline (I,T)
U136 75-60-5 Arsinic acid, dimethyl-
U014 492-80-8 Auramine
U015 115-02-6 Azaserine
U010 50-07-7 Azirino[2,3 ls-thn-eq 3,4] pyrrolo
[1,2-a]indole-4,7-dione, 6-amino-8-
[[(aminocarbonyl)oxy]methyl]-
1,1a,2,8,8a,8b-hexahydro-8a-methoxy-
5-methyl-, [1aS-(1aalpha, 8beta,
8aalpha,8balpha)]-
U280 101-27-9 Barban
U278 22781-23-3 Bendiocarb
U364 22961-82-6 Bendiocarb phenol
U271 17804-35-2 Benomyl
U157 56-49-5 Benz[j]aceanthrylene, 1,2-dihydro-3-
methyl-
U016 225-51-4 Benz[c]acridine
U017 98-87-3 Benzal chloride
U192 23950-58-5 Benzamide, 3,5-dichloro-N-(1,1-
dimethyl-2-propynyl)-
U018 56-55-3 Benz[a]anthracene
U094 57-97-6 Benz[a]anthracene, 7,12-dimethyl-
U012 62-53-3 Benzenamine (I,T)
U014 492-80-8 Benzenamine, 4,4-
carbonimidoylbis[N,N-dimethyl-
U049 3165-93-3 Benzenamine, 4-chloro-2-methyl-,
hydrochloride
U093 60-11-7 Benzenamine, N,N-dimethyl-4-
(phenylazo)-
U328 95-53-4 Benzenamine, 2-methyl-
U353 106-49-0 Benzenamine, 4-methyl-
U158 101-14-4 Benzenamine, 4,4-methylenebis[2-
chloro-
U222 636-21-5 Benzenamine, 2-methyl-, hydrochloride
U181 99-55-8 Benzenamine, 2-methyl-5-nitro-
U019 71-43-2 Benzene (I,T)
U038 510-15-6 Benzeneacetic acid, 4-chloro-alpha-
(4-chlorophenyl)-alpha-hydroxy-,
ethyl ester
U030 101-55-3 Benzene, 1-bromo-4-phenoxy-
U035 305-03-3 Benzenebutanoic acid, 4-[bis(2-
chloroethyl)amino]-
U037 108-90-7 Benzene, chloro-
U221 25376-45-8 Benzenediamine, ar-methyl-
U028 117-81-7 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-
ethylhexyl) ester
U069 84-74-2 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl
ester
U088 84-66-2 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl
ester
U102 131-11-3 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid,
Dimethyl ester
U107 117-84-0 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dioctyl
ester
U070 95-50-1 Benzene, 1,2-dichloro-
U071 541-73-1 Benzene, 1,3-dichloro-
U072 106-46-7 Benzene, 1,4-dichloro-
U060 72-54-8 Benzene, 1,1-(2,2-dichloroethylidene)
bis[4-chloro-
U017 98-87-3 Benzene, (dichloromethyl)-
U223 26471-62-5 Benzene, 1,3-diisocyanatomethyl-
(R,T)
U239 1330-20-7 Benzene, dimethyl- (I,T)
U201 108-46-3 1,3-Benzenediol
105
U127 118-74-1 Benzene, hexachloro-
U056 110-82-7 Benzene, hexahydro- (I)
U220 108-88-3 Benzene, methyl-
U105 121-14-2 Benzene, 1-methyl-2,4-dinitro-
U106 606-20-2 Benzene, 2-methyl-1,3-dinitro-
U055 98-82-8 Benzene, (1-methylethyl)- (I)
U169 98-95-3 Benzene, nitro-
U183 608-93-5 Benzene, pentachloro-
U185 82-68-8 Benzene, pentachloronitro-
U020 98-09-9 Benzenesulfonic acid chloride (C,R)
U020 98-09-9 Benzenesulfonyl chloride (C,R)
U207 95-94-3 Benzene, 1,2,4,5-tetrachloro-
U061 50-29-3 Benzene, 1,1-(2,2,2-
trichloroethylidene)bis[4-chloro-
U247 72-43-5 Benzene, 1,1-(2,2,2-
trichloroethylidene)bis[4- methoxy
U023 98-07-7 Benzene, (trichloromethyl)-
U234 99-35-4 Benzene, 1,3,5-trinitro-
U021 92-87-5 Benzidine
1
U202 81-07-2 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, 1,1-
dioxide, salts
U278 22781-23-3 1,3-Benzodioxol-4-ol, 2,2-dimethyl-,
methyl carbamate
U364 22961-82-6 1,3-Benzodioxol-4-ol, 2,2-dimethyl-,
U203 94-59-7 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-(2-propenyl)-
U141 120-58-1 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-(1-propenyl)-
U367 1563-38-8 7-Benzofuranol, 2,3-dihydro-2,2-
dimethyl-
U090 94-58-6 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-propyl-
U064 189-55-9 Benzo[rst]pentaphene
1
U248 81-81-2 2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one,4-hydroxy-3-(3-
oxo-1-phenyl-butyl)-, salts, when
present at concentrations of 0.3% or
less
U022 50-32-8 Benzo[a]pyrene
U197 106-51-4 p-Benzoquinone
U023 98-07-7 Benzotrichloride (C,R,T)
U085 1464-53-5 2,2-Bioxirane
U021 92-87-5 [1,1-Biphenyl]-4,4-diamine
U073 91-94-1 [1,1'-Biphenyl]-4,4'-diamine, 3,3'-
dichloro-
U091 119-90-4 [1,1'-Biphenyl]-4,4'-diamine, 3,3'-
dimethoxy-
U095 119-93-7 [1,1'-Biphenyl]-4,4'-diamine, 3,3'-
dimethyl-
U225 75-25-2 Bromoform
U030 101-55-3 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether
U128 87-68-3 1,3-Butadiene, 1,1,2,3,4,4-
hexachloro-
U172 924-16-3 1-Butanamine, N-butyl-N-nitroso-
U031 71-36-3 1-Butanol (I)
U159 78-93-3 2-Butanone (I,T)
U160 1338-23-4 2-Butanone, peroxide (R,T)
U053 4170-30-3 2-Butenal
U074 764-41-0 2-Butene, 1,4-dichloro- (I,T)
U143 303-34-4 2-Butenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 7-[[2,3-
dihydroxy-2-(1-methoxyethyl)-3-
methyl-1-oxobutoxy]methyl]-2,3,5, 7a-
tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolizin-1-yl ester,
[1S-[1alpha(Z),7(2S*,3R*),7aalpha]]
U031 71-36-3 n-Butyl alcohol (I)
U136 75-60-5 Cacodylic acid
U032 13765-19-0 Calcium chromate
106
U372 10605-21-7 Carbamic acid, 1H-benzimidazol-2-yl,
methyl ester
U271 17804-35-2 Carbamic acid, [1-
[(butylamino)carbonyl]-1H-
benzimidazol-2-yl] methyl ester
U280 101-27-9 Carbamic acid, (3-chlorophenyl)-, 4-
chloro-2-butynyl ester
U238 51-79-6 Carbamic acid, ethyl ester
U178 615-53-2 Carbamic acid, methylnitroso-, ethyl
ester
U373 122-42-9 Carbamic acid, phenyl-, 1-methylethyl
ester
U409 23564-05-8 Carbamic acid, [1,2-phenylenebis
(iminocarbonothioyl)]bis- dimethyl
ester
U097 79-44-7 Carbamic chloride, dimethyl-
U389 2303-17-5 Carbamothioic acid, bis(1-
methylethyl)S-(2,3,3-trichloro-2-
propenyl)ester
U387 52888-80-9 Carbamothioic acid, dipropyl-, S-
(phenylmethyl) ester
1
U114 111-54-6 Carbamodithioic acid, 1,2-
ethanediylbis-, salts, esters
U062 2303-16-4 Carbamothioic acid, bis(1-
methylethyl)-, S-(2,3-dichloro-2-
propenyl) ester
U279 63-25-2 Carbaryl
U372 10605-21-7 Carbendazim
U367 1563-38-8 Carbofuran phenol
U215 6533-73-9 Carbonic acid, dithallium(1+) salt
U033 353-50-4 Carbonic difluoride
U156 79-22-1 Carbonochloridic acid, methyl ester
(I,T)
U033 353-50-4 Carbon oxyfluoride (R,T)
U211 56-23-5 Carbon tetrachloride
U034 75-87-6 Chloral
U035 305-03-3 Chlorambucil
U036 57-74-9 Chlordane, alpha/ gamma isomers
U026 494-03-1 Chlornaphazin
U037 108-90-7 Chlorobenzene
U038 510-15-6 Chlorobenzilate
U039 59-50-7 p-Chloro-m-cresol
U042 110-75-8 2-Chloroethyl vinyl ether
U044 67-66-3 Chloroform
U046 107-30-2 Chloromethyl methyl ether
U047 91-58-7 beta-Chloronaphthalene
U048 95-57-8 o-Chlorophenol
U049 3165-93-3 4-Chloro-o-toluidine, hydrochloride
U032 13765-19-0 Chromic acid, calcium salt
U050 218-01-9 Chrysene
U051 ........ Creosote
U052 1319-77-3 Cresol (Cresylic acid)
U053 4170-30-3 Crotonaldehyde
U055 98-82-8 Cumene (I)
U246 506-68-3 Cyanogen bromide (CN)Br
U197 106-51-4 2,5-Cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione
U056 110-82-7 Cyclohexane (I)
U129 58-89-9 Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-,
(1alpha,2alpha,3beta,4alpha,5alpha,6
beta)-
U057 108-94-1 Cyclohexanone (I)
U130 77-47-4 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,3,4,5,5-
hexachloro-
U058 50-18-0 Cyclophosphamide
107
1
U240 94-75-7 2,4-D, salts, esters
U059 20830-81-3 Daunomycin
U060 72-54-8 DDD
U061 50-29-3 DDT
U062 2303-16-4 Diallate
U063 53-70-3 Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
U064 189-55-9 Dibenzo[a,i]pyrene
U066 96-12-8 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane
U069 84-74-2 Dibutyl phthalate
U070 95-50-1 o-Dichlorobenzene
U071 541-73-1 m-Dichlorobenzene
U072 106-46-7 p-Dichlorobenzene
U073 91-94-1 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine
U074 764-41-0 1,4-Dichloro-2-butene (I,T)
U075 75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethylene
U079 156-60-5 1,2-Dichloroethylene
U025 111-44-4 Dichloroethyl ether
U027 108-60-1 Dichloroisopropyl ether
U024 111-91-1 Dichloromethoxy ethane
U081 120-83-2 2,4-Dichlorophenol
U082 87-65-0 2,6-Dichlorophenol
U084 542-75-6 1,3-Dichloropropene
U085 1464-53-5 1,2:3,4-Diepoxybutane (I,T)
U108 123-91-1 1,4-Diethyleneoxide
U028 117-81-7 Diethylhexyl phthalate
U395 5952-26-1 Diethylene glycol, dicarbamate.
U086 1615-80-1 N,N'-Diethylhydrazine
U087 3288-58-2 O,O-Diethyl S-methyl dithiophosphate
U088 84-66-2 Diethyl phthalate
U089 56-53-1 Diethylstilbesterol
U090 94-58-6 Dihydrosafrole
U091 119-90-4 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine
U092 60-11-7 p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
U094 57-97-6 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene
U095 119-93-7 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine
U096 80-15-9 alpha,alpha-
Dimethylbenzylhydroperoxide (R)
U097 79-44-7 Dimethylcarbamoyl chloride
U098 57-14-7 1,1-Dimethylhydrazine
U099 540-73-8 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine
U101 105-67-9 2,4-Dimethylphenol
U102 131-11-3 Dimethyl phthalate
U103 77-78-1 Dimethyl sulfate
U105 121-14-2 2,4-Dinitrotoluene
U106 606-20-2 2,6-Dinitrotoluene
U107 117-84-0 Di-n-octyl phthalate
U108 123-91-1 1,4-Dioxane
U109 122-66-7 1,2-Diphenylhydrazine
U110 142-84-7 Dipropylamine (I)
U111 621-64-7 Di-n-propylnitrosamine
U041 106-89-8 Epichlorohydrin
U001 75-07-0 Ethanal (I)
U404 121-44-8 Ethanamine, N,N-diethyl-
U174 55-18-5 Ethanamine, N-ethyl-N-nitroso-
U155 91-80-5 1,2-Ethanediamine, N,N-dimethyl-N'-2-
pyridinyl-N'-(2-thienylmethyl)-
U067 106-93-4 Ethane, 1,2-dibromo-
U076 75-34-3 Ethane, 1,1-dichloro-
U077 107-06-2 Ethane, 1,2-dichloro-
U131 67-72-1 Ethane, hexachloro-
U024 111-91-1 Ethane, 1,1'-[methylenebis(oxy)]bis
[2-chloro-
U117 60-29-7 Ethane, 1,1'-oxybis-(I)
U025 111-44-4 Ethane, 1,1'-oxybis[2-chloro-
108
U184 76-01-7 Ethane, pentachloro-
U208 630-20-6 Ethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrachloro-
U209 79-34-5 Ethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro-
U218 62-55-5 Ethanethioamide
U226 71-55-6 Ethane, 1,1,1-trichloro-
U227 79-00-5 Ethane, 1,1,2-trichloro-
U410 59669-26-0 Ethanimidothioic acid, N,N'-
[thiobis[(methylimino)carbonyloxy]]
bis-dimethyl ester
U394 30558-43-1 Ethanimidothioic acid, 2-
(dimethylamino)-N-hydroxy-2-oxo-,
methyl ester
U359 110-80-5 Ethanol, 2-ethoxy-
U173 1116-54-7 Ethanol, 2,2'-(nitrosoimino)bis-
U395 5952-26-1 Ethanol, 2,2'-oxybis-, dicarbamate.
U004 98-86-2 Ethanone, 1-phenyl-
U043 75-01-4 Ethene,chloro-
U042 110-75-8 Ethene, (2-chloroethoxy)-
U078 75-35-4 Ethene, 1,1-dichloro-
U079 156-60-5 Ethene, 1,2-dichloro-, (E)-
U210 127-18-4 Ethene, tetrachloro-
U228 79-01-6 Ethene, trichloro-
U112 141-78-6 Ethyl acetate (I)
U113 140-88-5 Ethyl acrylate (I)
U238 51-79-6 Ethyl carbamate (urethane)
U117 60-29-7 Ethyl ether (I)
1
U114 111-54-6 Ethylenebisdithiocarbamic acid,
salts,esters
U067 106-93-4 Ethylene dibromide
U077 107-06-2 Ethylene dichloride
U359 110-80-5 Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether
U115 75-21-8 Ethylene oxide (I,T)
U116 96-45-7 Ethylenethiourea
U076 75-34-3 Ethylidene dichloride
U118 97-63-2 Ethyl methacrylate
U119 62-50-0 Ethyl methanesulfonate
U120 206-44-0 Fluoranthene
U122 50-00-0 Formaldehyde
U123 64-18-6 Formic acid (C,T)
U124 110-00-9 Furan (I)
U125 98-01-1 2-Furancarboxaldehyde (I)
U147 108-31-6 2,5-Furandione
U213 109-99-9 Furan, tetrahydro-(I)
U125 98-01-1 Furfural (I)
U124 110-00-9 Furfuran (I)
U206 18883-66-4 Glucopyranose, 2-deoxy-2-(3-methyl-3-
nitrosoureido)-, D-
U206 18883-66-4 D-Glucose,2-deoxy-2-
[(methylnitrosoamino) -carbonyl]
amino]-
U126 765-34-4 Glycidylaldehyde
U163 70-25-7 Guanidine, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-
nitroso-
U127 118-74-1 Hexachlorobenzene
U128 87-68-3 Hexachlorobutadiene
U130 77-47-4 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
U131 67-72-1 Hexachloroethane
U132 70-30-4 Hexachlorophene
U243 1888-71-7 Hexachloropropene
U133 302-01-2 Hydrazine (R,T)
U086 1615-80-1 Hydrazine, 1,2-diethyl-
U098 57-14-7 Hydrazine, 1,1-dimethyl-
U099 540-73-8 Hydrazine, 1,2-dimethyl-
U109 122-66-7 Hydrazine, 1,2-diphenyl-
109
U134 7664-39-3 Hydrofluoric acid (C,T)
U134 7664-39-3 Hydrogen fluoride (C,T)
U135 7783-06-4 Hydrogen sulfide
U135 7783-06-4 Hydrogen sulfide H2S
U096 80-15-9 Hydroperoxide, 1-methyl-1-
phenylethyl-(R)
U116 96-45-7 2-Imidazolidinethione
U137 193-39-5 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
U190 85-44-9 1,3-Isobenzofurandione
U140 78-83-1 Isobutyl alcohol (I,T)
U141 120-58-1 Isosafrole
U142 143-50-0 Kepone
U143 303-34-4 Lasiocarpine
U144 301-04-2 Lead acetate
U146 1335-32-6 Lead, bis(acetato-O)tetrahydroxytri-
U145 7446-27-7 Lead phosphate
U146 1335-32-6 Lead subacetate
U129 58-89-9 Lindane
U163 70-25-7 MNNG
U147 108-31-6 Maleic anhydride
U148 123-33-1 Maleic hydrazide
U149 109-77-3 Malononitrile
U150 148-82-3 Melphalan
U151 7439-97-6 Mercury
U152 126-98-7 Methacrylonitrile (I, T)
U092 124-40-3 Methanamine, N-methyl- (I)
U029 74-83-9 Methane, bromo-
U045 74-87-3 Methane, chloro- (I, T)
U046 107-30-2 Methane, chloromethoxy-
U068 74-95-3 Methane, dibromo-
U080 75-09-2 Methane, dichloro-
U075 75-71-8 Methane, dichlorodifluoro-
U138 74-88-4 Methane, iodo-
U119 62-50-0 Methanesulfonic acid, ethyl ester
U211 56-23-5 Methane, tetrachloro-
U153 74-93-1 Methanethiol (I, T)
U225 75-25-2 Methane, tribromo-
U044 67-66-3 Methane, trichloro-
U121 75-69-4 Methane, trichlorofluoro-
U036 57-74-9 4,7-Methano-1H-indene,
1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-octachloro-
2,3,3a,4,7,7a-hexahydro-
U154 67-56-1 Methanol (I)
U155 91-80-5 Methapyrilene
U142 143-50-0 1,3,4-Metheno-2H-Cyclobuta
[cd]pentalen-2-one, 1,1a,3,3a,
4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro-
U247 72-43-5 Methoxychlor
U154 67-56-1 Methyl alcohol (I)
U029 74-83-9 Methyl bromide
U186 504-60-9 1-Methylbutadiene (I)
U045 74-87-3 Methyl chloride (I,T)
U156 79-22-1 Methyl chlorocarbonate (I,T)
U226 71-55-6 Methyl chloroform
U157 56-49-5 3-Methylcholanthrene
U158 101-14-4 4,4'-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline)
U068 74-95-3 Methylene bromide
U080 75-09-2 Methylene chloride
U159 78-93-3 Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) (I,T)
U160 1338-23-4 Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (R,T)
U138 74-88-4 Methyl iodide
U161 108-10-1 Methyl isobutyl ketone (I)
U162 80-62-6 Methyl methacrylate (I,T)
U161 108-10-1 4-Methyl-2-pentanone (I)
110
U164 56-04-2 Methylthiouracil
U010 50-07-7 Mitomycin C
U059 20830-81-3 5,12-Naphthacenedione, 8-acetyl-10-
[(3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy)-alpha-L-
lyxo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-7,8,9,10-
tetrahydro-6,8,11-trihydroxy-1-
methoxy-, (8S-cis)-
U167 134-32-7 1-Naphthalenamine
U168 91-59-8 2-Naphthalenamine
U026 494-03-1 Naphthalenamine, N,N'-bis(2-
chloroethyl)-
U165 91-20-3 Naphthalene
U047 91-58-7 Naphthalene, 2-chloro-
U166 130-15-4 1,4-Naphthalenedione
U236 72-57-1 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 3,3'-
[(3,3'-dimethyl[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-
diyl)bis(azo)bis[5-amino-4-hydroxy]-,
tetrasodium salt
U279 63-25-2 1-Naphthalenol, methylcarbamate
U166 130-15-4 1,4-Naphthoquinone
U167 134-32-7 alpha-Naphthylamine
U168 91-59-8 beta-Naphthylamine
U217 10102-45-1 Nitric acid, thallium(1+) salt
U169 98-95-3 Nitrobenzene (I,T)
U170 100-02-7 p-Nitrophenol
U171 79-46-9 2-Nitropropane (I,T)
U172 924-16-3 N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine
U173 1116-54-7 N-Nitrosodiethanolamine
U174 55-18-5 N-Nitrosodiethylamine
U176 759-73-9 N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea
U177 684-93-5 N-Nitroso-N-methylurea
U178 615-53-2 N-Nitroso-N-methylurethane
U179 100-75-4 N-Nitrosopiperidine
U180 930-55-2 N-Nitrosopyrrolidine
U181 99-55-8 5-Nitro-o-toluidine
U193 1120-71-4 1,2-Oxathiolane, 2,2-dioxide
U058 50-18-0 2H-1,3,2-Oxazaphosphorin-2-amine,
N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)tetrahydro-, 2-
oxide
U115 75-21-8 Oxirane (I,T)
U126 765-34-4 Oxiranecarboxyaldehyde
U041 106-89-8 Oxirane, (chloromethyl)-
2 123-63-7 Paraldehyde
U183 608-93-5 Pentachlorobenzene
U184 76-01-7 Pentachloroethane
U185 82-68-8 Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB)
See F027 87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol
U161 108-10-1 Pentanol, 4-methyl-
U186 504-60-9 1,3-Pentadiene (I)
U187 62-44-2 Phenacetin
U188 108-95-2 Phenol
U048 95-57-8 Phenol, 2-chloro-
U039 59-50-7 Phenol, 4-chloro-3-methyl-
U081 120-83-2 Phenol, 2,4-dichloro-
U082 87-65-0 Phenol, 2,6-dichloro-
U089 56-53-1 Phenol, 4,4'-(1,2-diethyl-1,2-
ethenediyl)bis-, (E)-
U101 105-67-9 Phenol, 2,4-dimethyl-
U052 1319-77-3 Phenol, methyl-
U132 70-30-4 Phenol, 2,2'-methylenebis[3,4,6-
trichloro-
U411 114-26-1 Phenol, 2-(1-methylethoxy)-,
methylcarbamate
U170 100-02-7 Phenol, 4-nitro-See
111
F027 87-86-5 Phenol, pentachloro-See
F027 58-90-2 Phenol, 2,3,4,6-
tetrachloro-See F027 95-95-4 Phenol,
2,4,5-trichloro-SeeF027 88-06-2
Phenol, 2,4,6-trichloro-
U150 148-82-3 L-Phenylalanine, 4-[bis(2-
chloroethyl)amino]-
U145 7446-27-7 Phosphoric acid, lead(2+) salt (2:3)
U087 3288-58-2 Phosphorodithioic acid, O,O-diethyl
S-methyl ester
U189 1314-80-3 Phosphorus sulfide (R)
U190 85-44-9 Phthalic anhydride
U191 109-06-8 2-Picoline
U179 100-75-4 Piperidine, 1-nitroso-
U192 23950-58-5 Pronamide
U194 107-10-8 1-Propanamine (I,T)
U111 621-64-7 1-Propanamine, N-nitroso-N-propyl-
U110 142-84-7 1-Propanamine, N-propyl- (I)
U066 96-12-8 Propane, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloro-
U083 78-87-5 Propane, 1,2-dichloro-
U149 109-77-3 Propanedinitrile
U171 79-46-9 Propane, 2-nitro- (I,T)
U027 108-60-1 Propane, 2,2'-oxybis[2-chloro-
U193 1120-71-4 1,3-Propane sultone
See F027 93-72-1 Propanoic acid, 2-
(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)-
U235 126-72-7 1-Propanol, 2,3-dibromo-, phosphate
(3:1)
U140 78-83-1 1-Propanol, 2-methyl- (I,T)
U002 67-64-1 2-Propanone (I)
U007 79-06-1 2-Propenamide
U084 542-75-6 1-Propene, 1,3-dichloro-
U243 1888-71-7 1-Propene, 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexachloro-
U009 107-13-1 2-Propenenitrile
U152 126-98-7 2-Propenenitrile, 2-methyl- (I,T)
U008 79-10-7 2-Propenoic acid (I)
U113 140-88-5 2-Propenoic acid, ethyl ester (I)
U118 97-63-2 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl
ester
U162 80-62-6 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl
ester (I,T)
U373 122-42-9 Propham
U411 114-26-1 Propoxur
U387 52888-80-9 Prosulfocarb
U194 107-10-8 n-Propylamine (I,T)
U083 78-87-5 Propylene dichloride
U148 123-33-1 3,6-Pyridazinedione, 1,2-dihydro-
U196 110-86-1 Pyridine
U191 109-06-8 Pyridine, 2-methyl-
U237 66-75-1 2,4-(1H,3H)-Pyrimidinedione, 5-
[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-
U164 56-04-2 4(1H)-Pyrimidinone, 2,3-dihydro-6-
methyl-2-thioxo-
U180 930-55-2 Pyrrolidine, 1-nitroso-
U200 50-55-5 Reserpine
U201 108-46-3 Resorcinol
1
U202 81-07-2 Saccharin, salts
U203 94-59-7 Safrole
U204 7783-00-8 Selenious acid
U204 7783-00-8 Selenium dioxide
U205 7488-56-4 Selenium sulfide
U205 7488-56-4 Selenium sulfide SeS2 (R,T)
U015 115-02-6 L-Serine, diazoacetate (ester)
See F027 93-72-1 Silvex (2,4,5-TP)
112
U206 18883-66-4 Streptozotocin
U103 77-78-1 Sulfuric acid, dimethyl ester
U189 1314-80-3 Sulfur phosphide (R)
See F027 93-76-5 2,4,5-T
U207 95-94-3 1,2,4,5-Tetrachlorobenzene
U208 630-20-6 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane
U209 79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
U210 127-18-4 Tetrachloroethylene
See F027 58-90-2 2,3,4,6-
Tetrachlorophenol
U213 109-99-9 Tetrahydrofuran (I)
U214 563-68-8 Thallium(I) acetate
U215 6533-73-9 Thallium(I) carbonate
U216 7791-12-0 Thallium(I) chloride
U216 7791-12-0 Thallium chloride Tlcl
U217 10102-45-1 Thallium(I) nitrate
U218 62-55-5 Thioacetamide
U410 59669-26-0 Thiodicarb
U153 74-93-1 Thiomethanol (I,T)
U244 137-26-8 Thioperoxydicarbonic diamide
[(H2N)C(S)]2S2, tetramethyl-
U409 23564-05-8 Thiophanate-methyl
U219 62-56-6 Thiourea
U244 137-26-8 Thiram
U220 108-88-3 Toluene
U221 25376-45-8 Toluenediamine
U223 26471-62-5 Toluene diisocyanate (R,T)
U328 95-53-4 o-Toluidine
U353 106-49-0 p-Toluidine
U222 636-21-5 o-Toluidine hydrochloride
U389 2303-17-5 Triallate
U011 61-82-5 1H-1,2,4-Triazol-3-amine
U408 118-79-6 2,4,6-Tribromophenol
U227 79-00-5 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
U228 79-01-6 Trichloroethylene
U121 75-69-4 Trichloromonofluoromethane
See F027 95-95-4 2,4,5-
Trichlorophenol
See F027 88-06-2 2,4,6-
Trichlorophenol
U404 121-44-8 Triethylamine
U234 99-35-4 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene (R,T)
U182 123-63-7 1,3,5-Trioxane, 2,4,6-trimethyl-
U235 126-72-7 Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate
U236 72-57-1 Trypan blue
U237 66-75-1 Uracil mustard
U176 759-73-9 Urea, N-ethyl-N-nitroso-
U177 684-93-5 Urea, N-methyl-N-nitroso-
U043 75-01-4 Vinyl chloride
1
U248 81-81-2 Warfarin, salts, when present at
concentrations of 0.3% or less
U239 1330-20-7 Xylene (I)
U200 50-55-5 Yohimban-16-carboxylic acid, 11,17-
dimethoxy-18-[(3,4,5-
trimethoxybenzoyl)oxy]-, methyl
ester,(3beta,16beta,17alpha,18beta,20
alpha)-
U249 1314-84-7 Zinc phosphide Zn3P2, when present at
concentrations of 10% or less
1
CAS Number given for parent compound only.
[45 FR 78529, 78541, Nov. 25, 1980]
Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting
Sec. 261.33, see the List of CFR Sections Affected in the Finding Aids
section of this volume.
113
APPENDIX G. 璏ATERIALS LIABLE TO FORM
PEROXIDES IN STORAGE
The following materials may form peroxides in storage, when in contact with air. Once a container is
opened, the chemical should be tested for peroxides not less frequently than once every six months.
This list is by no means all inclusive. Always refer to the material's MSDS for more information on
whether it is a peroxide former. .
?Aldehydes
?Ethers, especially cyclic ethers and those containing primary and secondary alcohol groups
?Compounds containing benzylic hydrogen atoms (particularly if the hydrogens are on tertiary carbon
atoms)
?Compounds containing the allylic structure, including most alkenes.
?Vinyl and vinylidene compounds.
Among the more widely-used compounds which may form peroxides in storage are:
?acetal ?cumene ?cyclohexene
?cyclooctene ?decahydronaphthalene ?decalin
?diacetylene ?dicyclopentadiene ?diethyl ether
?diethylene glycol ?diisopropyl ether ?dimethyl ether
?dioxane ?divinyl acetylene ?ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (glyme)
?isopropyl ether ?methyl acetylene ?sodium amide
?tetrahydrofuran (THF) ?tetrahydronaphthalene ?tetralin
?vinyl acetate ?vinylidene chloride
Updated November 21, 2000.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RECOGNITION AND HANDLING OF
PEROXIDIZABLE COMPOUNDS, PLEASE CONTACT THE EH&S OFFICE IN CHEMISTRY
B73. There are several articles available on this topic that are too long to include in this manual.
114
APPENDIX H. - WASTE MINIMIZATION POLICY
In accordance with Federal and state regulations, the University at Albany is required to have an on-gong
hazardous waste minimization program. Hazardous Waste Minimization is the reduction, to the extent
feasible, of hazardous waste that is generated or subsequently treated, stored, or disposed. Waste
minimization includes any source reduction or recycling activity undertaken by a generator that results in:
(1) the reduction of total volume or quantity of hazardous waste; (2) the reduction of toxicity of hazardous
waste; or (3) both, as long as the reduction is consistent with the goal of minimizing present and future
threats to human health and the environment.
Over the last ten years, the University has undertaken several waste minimization activities. The
Chemistry Department has significantly minimized the hazardous waste generated in their teaching labs
by changing the types of experiments performed, by converting to less toxic chemicals and by performing
microchemistry techniques. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety has been proactive in
recycling waste and providing information when asked on the toxicity of chemicals before they are
ordered. The EHS Office strongly encourages waste minimization efforts on campus and suggests the
following:
1. ALWAYS ORDER THE SMALLEST QUANTITY NEEDED OF ANY CHEMICAL as it is
safer to store and less expensive to dispose of smaller quantities. For the most part, it is more
expensive to dispose a chemical correctly than it is to purchase it.
2. Whenever possible try to order the least toxic chemical required for your research. The Material Data
Safety Sheet can provide you with this information or you can contact our office in Chemistry B73 at
2-3495.
3. When you are finished with a chemical and you are not intending on using it for another two years or
so, do not hang on to it. Try to broker it to a fellow researcher. Old chemicals can pose a serious safety
hazard especially when peroxidizable or highly reactive. See the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan,
Appendix G.
4. Label all Chemical containers with their contents even if non-hazardous. Unknown chemicals are
expensive to identify and could pose a potentially serious health and safety hazard.
5. When leaving University employment, please contact the Office of Environmental Health and
Safety so that we can facilitate appropriate chemical clean out of your labs.
115
APPENDIX I. - IDENTIFICATION, CONTROL AND PROCEDURES
FOR HANDLING OF EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
Procedures for identification, control, handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals is a major part of the
University's Chemical Hygiene Plan. To reduce exposure to recognized risks and for compliance with the
OSHA Standard "Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories," this appendix for
handling extremely hazardous chemicals should be added to your Chemical Hygiene Plan.
DEFINITIONS of EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS:
A chemical or substance generally regarded by the scientific community as having properties that
represent substantial risks to humans associated with the use, storage or disposal of the chemical. This can
include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, extremely flammable liquids, reactive materials and
extremely toxic chemicals. The select carcinogens are those picked by various governmental agencies
and are included on the lists attached to this appendix. Reproductive toxins are chemicals which affect the
reproductive capabilities including chromosomal damage (mutations), and/or have effects on fetuses
(teratogenesis). Extremely flammable liquids have an NFPA rating of 4. Reactive chemicals have an
NFPA rating of 3 or 4. Extremely toxic chemicals have an NFPA health rating of 4 and/or usually have a
LD 50 in rodents of less than 25 mg/kg, when administered orally, although other factors can be included.
NFPA ratings can be found on the substance's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:
1. The precautions and procedures described in the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan for the safe
handling of chemicals must be adhered too, in addition to the following specific laboratory procedures.
2. Before beginning a laboratory operation, one is required to read and understand information found on
the Material Safety Data Sheets for every hazardous chemical used during the laboratory operation.
3. If extremely hazardous chemicals are used, then it is desirable that there be two persons present in the
laboratory at all times.
4. Protect hands and forearms by wearing a lab coat and suitable long gloves. Always wear chemical
splash goggles. AVOID any contact with hazardous chemicals.
5. All procedures involving hazardous chemicals must be performed in a fume hood or biological cabinet
(or other suitable containment device.)
6. After handling or working with hazardous materials, wash hands and arms immediately. NEVER eat,
drink, smoke, chew gum, apply cosmetics, take medicine, or store food in areas where hazardous
chemicals are being used or stored.
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7. All hazardous chemicals should be labeled with appropriate warnings (Cancer-Suspect Agent,
Reactive, etc.) Label all research vessels.
8. Approved DESIGNATED AREA signs must be posted in all designated areas. A designated area
"means an area which may be used for work with select carcinogens' (see attached lists), reproductive
toxins or substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity. A designated area may be the entire
laboratory, area of a laboratory or a device such as a laboratory fume hood." The DESIGNATED
AREA signs attached to this appendix (on the next page) must be filled out with the appropriate
information and posted by that area. If the chemicals used in that area change, the sign must also be
changed. Additional signs are available in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety in Chemistry
B73.
9. Written emergency procedures can be found in the MSDS for each hazardous chemical in the lab's
MSDS notebook. (If the MSDS is not in the notebook, contact the Environmental Health and Safety
Department for assistance in obtaining the MSDS or visit the EH&S Web page ?Useful Links)
Persons working in the lab must be familiar with these procedures before the chemical is worked with,
in case of chemical spills and accidents. Refer to the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan for Chemical
Spill Procedures.
10. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety should review laboratory procedures or
experiments using extremely hazardous chemicals first. The EH&S Office may require additional
procedures or requirements. Coordination with the EHS Department is essential prior to
commencement of experiments utilizing extremely hazardous chemicals.
11. Laboratory vacuum pumps used with hazardous chemicals should be vented into a fume hood.
12. Hazardous and extremely hazardous chemical waste must be turned into the Office of
Environmental Health and Safety for proper disposal. Refer to the University's Chemical Hygiene
Plan for proper waste disposal procedures.
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DESIGNATED AREA
FOR EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS
CHEMICALS/SELECT
CARCINOGENS/POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS REPRODUCTIVE
TOXINS
CHEMICALS:
1._________________________
4._________________________
2._________________________
5._________________________
3._________________________
6._________________________
PRINCIPAL
INVESTIGATOR:____________________
EH&S 05/08
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APPENDIX J. ?FORMALDEHYDE POLICY
The Appendix reviews the OSHA standard 1910.1048 for Formaldehyde. The standard applies to all
occupational exposures to formaldehyde, i.e. from formaldehyde gas, its solutions, and materials that
release formaldehyde.
1. The University (employer) shall assure that no employee is exposed to an
airborne concentration of formaldehyde which exceeds 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of
(0.75 ppm) as an 8-hour TWA ?Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The University shall also assure
that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of formaldehyde, which exceeds two parts
formaldehyde per million parts of air (2 ppm), as a 15-minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL).
2. The University shall monitor their employees to determine their exposure to
formaldehyde. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will conduct all monitoring for
formaldehyde. All principal investigators using formaldehyde (this includes formalin) in their
research, in their teaching labs, or storing specimens in formaldehyde must notify the Office of
Environmental Health and Safety in Chemistry B73, so that their employees receive the appropriate
monitoring to determine their exposures. Employees include faculty, staff, lab assistants, graduate
students and teaching assistants. Monitoring of the employee must be repeated if there is a change in
usage of the formaldehyde, which may result in new or additional exposure formaldehyde. Principal
investigators must inform the Office of Environmental Health and Safety if their employees show signs
or symptoms of respiratory or dermal conditions associated with formaldehyde exposure.
3. The University will notify in writing the employees of their monitoring results within 15 days of
receiving the results. If monitoring results are over the PEL or STEL the University will take the
necessary actions as defined in 1910.1048.
4. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will select and provide
protective clothing and equipment based upon the form of formaldehyde to be encountered, to those
employees exposed to formaldehyde. All contact of the eyes and skin with liquids, containing 1 percent
or more formaldehyde, shall be prevented by the usage of other chemical protective clothing made of
material impervious to formaldehyde and the use of other personal protective equipment, such as
goggles and face shields, as appropriate to the operation. Contact with irritating or sensitizing materials
shall be prevented to the extent necessary to eliminate the hazard.
5. In areas where formaldehyde is used, quick drench showers and acceptable
eyewash facilities must be immediately available. The Office of Environmental Health and
Safety will provide the showers and eyewashes where necessary upon notification.
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APPENDIX J. ?Formaldehyde Policy cont'd.
6. The principal investigator shall routinely conduct visual inspections to detect leaks or spills in areas
where formaldehyde is used or stored. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will do periodic
monitoring in the above areas.
7. The University shall make medical surveillance available for all employees who develop signs and
symptoms of overexposure to formaldehyde and for all employees exposed to formaldehyde in
emergencies. This will be arranged through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety in
Chemistry B73.
8. All containers of formaldehyde, all mixtures or solutions composed of greater
than 0.1% formaldehyde, and materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air, under
reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm shall be
labeled with the appropriate hazard warnings. The labeling is the responsibility of the user.
9. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will provide annual
training on the specific health hazards of formaldehyde, on the contents of this policy and the OSHA
standard to all employees exposed to formaldehyde at or above 0.1 ppm.
10. All areas where formaldehyde is being used should be posted as a "Designated Area" as defined in
Appendix I of the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan. If a Designated Area sign is required, please
contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
11. In order to eliminate exposure of employees to formaldehyde and its solutions, it should be used in a
fume hood whenever possible.
If you have any questions, regarding this policy, please contact the
Office of Environmental Health and Safety in Chemistry B73.
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