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General Chemical Safety Guidelines
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Summary: Follow these basic safety practices to minimize hazards and prevent accidents when work involves chemicals or hazardous materials. These guidelines apply to all UC San Diego laboratories, shops, and studios and meet the requirements of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. |
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What to look for |
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Maintain an organized and orderly work area. |
- Keep the work area clean and uncluttered.
- Keep chemical inventories lean and well managed to avoid fire code violations and subsequent inventory reduction measures.
- Follow chemical storage and compatibility guidelines.
- Always use adequate safety measures and never leave the following unattended:
- Ongoing chemical reactions in laboratories
- Exposed sharps (needles, razor blades, etc.)
- Energized electrical, mechanical, or heating equipment
- Keep corridors free of hazardous materials at all times, without exception.
- Read Corridor Safety Requirements.
- Note: There are provisions to allow specific non-hazardous materials to be stored in exit corridors. Such items must be seismically secured and pre-approved by Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S).
- Contact one of the following for more information:
- Never play practical jokes or engage in horseplay.
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Communicate hazards to everyone entering the facility. |
- Post warning signs near any dangerous equipment, reaction, or condition.
- Label all containers and keep containers closed except when in use, including hazardous waste containers.
- Post a list of chemical abbreviations (PDF) (Word file) used on chemical container labels (including hazardous waste) near the lab entrance.
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Follow safe handling practices. |
- Evaluate the hazards:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Use chemical fume hoods and other engineering controls, as needed.
- Don't underestimate risk.
- Never pipette by mouth.
- Never smell chemicals to identify them.
- Assume that any mixture will be more hazardous than its most toxic component.
- Assume that all substances of unknown toxicity are highly toxic.
- Be aware of electrical hazards.
- Keep electrical panels clearly visible and unobstructed.
- Know how your circuits are labeled so equipment can quickly be de-energized in an emergency.
- Never use extension cords as permanent wiring. Unplug them at the end of the workday.
- Mount multi-plug adaptors a few inches off the floor to avoid possible water damage.
- Never use multi-plug adaptors in series.
- Replace any damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately.
- Don't eat, drink, store food, smoke, or apply cosmetics in areas where chemicals are in use (except in clearly marked Clean Areas). Wash hands frequently and before eating.
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Be prepared to respond to accidents and emergencies. |
- Don't work alone.
- Clean up small chemical spills promptly.
- Know the locations and use of emergency equipment:
- Telephones
- UCSD's Emergency Guide and first aid kit
- Learn the standard emergency response procedures described in the Emergency Guide.
- Emergency Guides and first aid kits are installed and maintained by EH&S. Notify EH&S, (858) 534-3660, if the Emergency Guide or first aid kit for your area is missing or damaged.
- Fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations
- Eye washes and emergency showers
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Dispose of chemical waste promptly and according to UCSD guidelines. |
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Notice: Disposal of hazardous waste using sinks, intentional evaporation, or as regular trash is against the law. Campus laboratories must abide by strict state and federal waste disposal requirements. You may be held liable for violations of applicable laws.
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