Laboratory Safety Manual

SECTION I - SECTION II - SECTION III - SECTION IV - SECTION V (APPENDICES)
II.Cover | II.A | II.B | II.C | II.D | II.E | II.F | II.G | II.H | II.I | II.J | II.K | II.L | II.M | II.N

Section 2 B

B. Chemical Procurement, Distribution, and Storage

1. Inventory:

It is recommended that a thorough inventory of laboratory chemicals be performed for each laboratory unit (see Appendix C of this manual). Once an inventory is present, it can be updated when new chemicals are procured, and when chemical stocks are consumed or old containers of chemicals are removed from the laboratory. Inventory control is an essential aspect of a proper, workable chemical management system in the laboratory.

2. Procurement:

No container shall be accepted without an adequate identifying label (identity of chemical, hazard warnings, manufacturer's name and address). (See Section 2.H. Signage and Labeling).

It is strongly recommended that a person or persons be designated as responsible for acceptance or rejection of hazardous chemical substances brought into the laboratory. This designated person ensures that the chemical container is properly labeled, and does not permit the substance to be brought into the laboratory if improperly labeled.

No container of hazardous chemical waste may be transported into a laboratory from any other laboratory or room on- or off-campus. The person(s) responsible for acceptance or rejection of hazardous chemical substances must not permit any container of hazardous chemical waste to enter the laboratory. Exception: If a satellite accumulation area (SAA) is established outside a laboratory generation point, contact EH&S chemical waste management personnel (335-3041) for approval. (See SPPM S70.42, Storage of Dangerous Chemical Waste)

All chemicals in which peroxides form should be stored, handled, and utilized according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The expiration date should be clearly marked on the container prior to first opening. Chemicals that form peroxides on aging should only be purchased in quantities that can be used within the shelf life, and not kept beyond that shelf life. See the factsheet, Peroxidizable Chemicals: Safe Use and Handling.

3. Distribution:

When chemicals are hand carried, the container should be placed in an outside container or acid-carrying bucket to protect against breakage and spillage (a secondary container). Freight-only elevators should be used, wherever possible.

4. Laboratory storage:

It is strongly recommended that persons designated as responsible for accepting hazardous chemicals into the laboratory are also designated as responsible to ensure proper storage of hazardous chemicals. This responsibility is both for initial and for ongoing chemical storage.

  1. Hazardous chemicals should be segregated in a well-identified area and whenever practical, chemicals should be stored in vented cabinets. Chemical storage on bench tops is inadvisable.
  2. Highly hazardous chemicals should be stored in secondary containers that are chemically-resistant and unbreakable.
  3. Stored chemicals should be examined periodically (at least semi-annually) for deterioration and container integrity. Deteriorated containers should be replaced to prevent uncontrolled chemical releases/spills.
  4. The amount of chemicals permitted for storage should be as small as practical.
  5. Exposure of chemicals to heat or direct sunlight should be avoided.
  6. Less-toxic chemicals should be substituted for highly toxic chemicals wherever possible.
  7. Fume hoods are not intended for the storage of chemicals. Newer fume hoods with two-speed fans are designed to provide adequate air velocity for storage of small amounts of chemicals. Chemicals stored in fume hoods should be kept to a minimum and should not block baffle exhaust slots or alter airflow patterns. Fume hoods used to store these small amounts of chemicals should be operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  8. Flammable liquids should be stored in ventilated flammable storage cabinets.
  9. Containers of hazardous chemicals or hazardous chemical wastes should not be stored on floors, especially in areas in which traffic may result in breakage or spillage of the container.
  10. Additional information on storage guidelines for incompatible chemicals is in Appendix C of this Plan.

 (Choose the pdf version on the navigation bar at the bottom of this page to fill out form on-line and print it. Choose the Word Version of the form to fill it out and save both data and form electronically.)

5. Give the location of your laboratory’s chemical receiving, storage or dispensing area. Describe any laboratory ordering policies or procedures for hazardous chemicals. List any chemical that require prior departmental and/or laboratory approval for purchase. Identify the person(s) responsible for ensuring hazardous chemical containers are not accepted into the laboratory unless properly labeled. Identify the person(s) responsible for ensuring proper storage of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory. An example has been provided.











Building:

Room(s):

Chemical Acceptance Authority For This Lab Is:

Person Responsible for Chemical Storage Is:

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