LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL

Site Map of Manual

Lab Safety Manual
1st Page

Chapter 1
Emergency Response

Chapter 2
General Safety

Chapter 3
Chemical Hygiene Plan

Chapter 4
Radiological Safety

Chapter 5
Biological Hygiene Plan

Chapter 6
Laser Safety

Chapter 7
Administrative Concerns

Chapter 8
Standard & Special Operating Procedures

Chapter 9
Facility Data

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Appendicies

Bibliography

Glossary

Index

On-Campus Contact Information

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1st Rule of Lab Safety

Haz-Waste No-No

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Updated January 2003

Chemical Hygiene Plan
Section 3.3 - Chemical Safety

F. Material Safety Data Sheets

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a format for describing what chemical or product you are working with, potential chemical hazards, and ways of minimizing these hazards. These sheets shall be on hand in the laboratory for people who use these chemicals. Information that is contained in the Material Safety Data Sheets is also required by law to be conveyed to employees on a chemical-by-chemical basis.

MSDSs are generally written for chemicals that are used in the industrial setting and it will become apparent that some of the information provided on the MSDS may not be applicable to laboratory usage. The use of chemicals in a laboratory is generally in a more controlled environment than in the industrial setting and much smaller quantities of the chemical are being used at any one time. Nevertheless, a great deal of information on hazards associated with laboratory chemicals can be obtained by reading the MSDS. (See also Section 9.3 - "Material Safety Data Sheets")

G. Procurement of Chemicals

The achievement of safe handling, use, and disposal of hazardous substances begins with the persons who requisition such substances and those who approve their purchase orders. These persons must be aware of the potential hazards of the substances being ordered, know whether or not adequate facilities and trained personnel are available to handle such substances, and should ensure that a safe disposal route exists.

Before a new substance is received, information concerning its proper handling methods, including proper disposal procedures, should be given to all those who will be working with it. It is the responsibility of the laboratory supervisor to ensure that the facilities are adequate and that those who will handle any material have received proper training and education to do so safely.

For most substances, Material Safety Data Sheets, which give physical property data and toxicological information, can be obtained by request to the vendor. However, the quality and depth of information on these sheets varies widely.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that shippers furnish and attach DOT prescribed labels on all shipment of hazardous substances. These labels indicate the nature of the hazard(s) of the substance(s) shipped and thus provide some indication to receiving personnel of the type of hazard received.

No container or cylinder should be accepted that does not have an identifying label. Every effort should be made to ensure that this label remains on the container and legible. For chemicals, it is desirable that this label correspond to ANSI Z129.1, which requires, at a minimum, the following components:

1. Identification of contents of container;
2. Signal word and summary description of any hazard(s);
3. Precautionary information - what to do to minimize hazard or prevent an accident from happening;
4. First aid in case of exposure;
5. Spill and cleanup procedures; and
6. If appropriate, special instructions to physicians.