Hazard Identification

With respect to materials purchased for use in the laboratory  
With respect to materials developed in the laboratory

 

With Respect to Materials Purchased for Use in the Laboratory

1. It is the supplier's responsibility to determine the hazards of a material and to communicate these hazards as well as recommended safe handling practices in the form of labels and MSDSs for the material.

2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) must be available for all  materials purchased for use in the laboratory. These must be accessible to employees at all times through the Department Chairperson, Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Officer (LCHO), or the Campus Safety Department.

3. Labels on incoming containers of materials shall not be  damaged, removed, or defaced.

4. Designated areas will be established by the supervisor of each laboratory with input from the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Officer (LCHO) and shall be posted so as to be readily identifiable using such means as appropriate signage, lights, barricades or any other visible means of posting.

5. If a material is a regulated chemical with approved exposure limits, it should be determined by the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Officer (LCHO).

With Respect to Materials Developed in the Laboratory

1. If the composition of the material which is produced exclusively or the lab's use is known, the supervisor of the laboratory shall determine if it is a hazardous chemical using the criteria listed in Appendix A of the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan (LCHP}. If the chemical is determined to be hazardous, appropriate training shall take place. If it is determined that the material is an extremely hazardous material, appropriate actions must be initiated (such as the establishment of a designated area). 
   
   If the material is a mixture whose hazards are unknown, and any of the components are known to be hazardous, then the entire mixture will be considered hazardous.  
   
   If the chemical substance is very similar chemically (I.E, basic structure and groups, reactivity, etc.) To a known hazardous chemical, analogies may be made. This should be done with caution and the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Officer may be consulted for guidance in these instances.

2. If the chemical produced is a by-product whose composition is not known it will be assumed to be hazardous.  

3. If the chemical substance (this excludes Research chemical which are exempt from Hazard Communication requirements) is produced for another user, the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CRF 1910-1200.) Shall become effective (including the requirements for the preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets and Labeling).

   A chemical substance developed in one laboratory that is known or suspected to be hazardous must have all safety information and precautions transferred to the new on-site user.

4. Materials which are generated in the laboratory for exclusive use in the lab must be labeled with the identity of the material in such a manner as to allow reference to any available safety information pertaining to the material.  

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