General Chemical Safety Guidelines

• Work area:
  • Keep the work area clean and uncluttered.
  • Never play practical jokes or engage in horseplay.
  • 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
• Chemical storage and inventory:
  • Follow chemical storage and compatibility guidelines.
  • Maintain lean, well managed chemical inventories to avoid fire code violations and subsequent inventory reduction measures.
• Corridors:
  • Keep corridors free of hazardous materials at all times, without exception.
    • See 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:
      • Laboratories: Research Assistance Program
      • Shop or studio: EH&S General Safety, (858) 534-7513

• Post:
  • Warning signs near any dangerous equipment, reactions, or conditions
  • A list of chemical abbreviations (PDF) (Word file) used on chemical container labels (including hazardous waste) near the lab entrance
  • Personal protective equipment requirements for entering the facility, if applicable
• Label all containers.
• Keep containers closed except when in use, including hazardous waste containers.

• Evaluate the hazards:
  • Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before beginning work with a chemical.
  • Follow standard operating procedures for extremely hazardous materials.
    • Pay particular attention to control measures for chemicals that are known to be extremely hazardous or chemical carcinogens.
• 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
    • All substances of unknown toxicity are highly toxic
• Engineering controls:
  • Use chemical fume hoods and other engineering controls as needed.
  • Building vacuum system:
    • Never pull liquids, solids or hazardous gases into the vacuum system.
    • Turn off when not in use.
      
      Building vacuum system alert
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Be aware of electrical hazards.
  • Keep electrical panels clearly visible and unobstructed.
  • Know how your circuits are labeled so equipment can be de-energized quickly 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.

How to handle:

• Cryogenic Liquids
• Ethidium Bromide
• Picric Acid
• Osmium Tetroxide
• Perchloric Acid
• Sodium Azide
• Hydrogen Fluoride
• Pyrophoric and Other Highly Reactive Materials
• Antineoplastic or Investigational New Drugs
• Photographic Processing Chemicals

• Don't work alone.
• Prepare for spills.
  • Clean up only very small quantities and only if you have been properly trained. All other spills should be cleaned up by specially trained personnel.
  • Read How to Handle Chemical Spills in Laboratories.
  • Keep a fully stocked chemical spill kit easily accessible.
  • Train personnel on how to use the spill kit, and when it is safe to do so.
• Know the locations and how to use emergency equipment:
  • Telephones
  • Emergency Guide
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations
    • See Fire Extinguisher Overview to learn about different types of extinguishers and how to have them serviced or replaced.
    • Read How to Use a Fire Extinguisher.
    • Check your fire extinguisher monthly to ensure it's charged and accessible.
  • Eye wash and emergency showers

Note: First aid kits and Emergency Guides are provided by EH&S in work areas using hazardous materials or generating hazardous waste.

• The department representative, typically your Area Safety Coordinator, is responsible for monitoring first aid kit (PDF) supplies and expiration dates.
• Contact EH&S, (858) 534-3660, if they are missing, damaged, or for replacement supplies for EH&S-provided first aid kits.

Read these articles to help you identify and dispose of hazardous waste:

• Identify Hazardous Chemical Waste
• Known Hazardous and Extremely Hazardous Wastes
• Store and Dispose of Hazardous Chemical Waste
• Request a Hazardous Waste Collection