Chemical Management Program Purpose and Requirements
Effective chemical management is essential to protecting the health and safety of employees, students, and the campus community, as well as minimizing environmental impact and regulatory risk.
²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØַ’s Chemical Management program encompasses the full life cycle of chemicals — from acquisition and inventory management to proper storage, use, transfer, and disposal. This program supports compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including the OSHA Laboratory Standard and Hazard Communication requirements, and aligns with ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØַ’s Chemical Hygiene Plan and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety’s (EHS) policies and procedures.
To promote accountability and accuracy, ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· utilizes an electronic chemical inventory management system (i.e., SciShield) to track chemical quantities, locations, and status across campus. Maintaining an up‑to‑date chemical inventory enables effective hazard communication, emergency response planning, regulatory reporting, and waste minimization. All individuals who purchase, use, move, or dispose of chemicals are responsible for ensuring that chemical records are accurately maintained in the inventory system and that chemicals are stored and handled in accordance with ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· policies.
Environmental Health and Safety provides oversight, guidance, and training related to chemical management and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to ensure chemicals are managed safely throughout their use at ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ·.
Chemical Safety
Through the Chemical Management program, Environmental Health and Safety works to ensure the safe and environmentally sound management of chemicals from acquisition, storage, use, inventory control, regulatory compliance, and disposal.
Chemical Inventory
²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· tracks our chemical inventory through an online chemical inventory program through the SciShield Chemical Inventory Manager. Every hazardous chemical stored on campus is entered into a database with a specific barcode number assigned to each container. Information associated with each piece includes the chemical name, manufacturer, size, barcode number, owner, and storage location. This system allows ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· to manage and control our chemical inventory more efficiently from purchase to disposal through SciShield
Chemical Compatibility Chart
EHS has developed a helpful Chemical Segregation Chart (PDF) for common laboratory chemicals. This chart is meant to provide general guidelines for storing laboratory chemicals to avoid incompatibilities and reduce the likelihood of contact. These guidelines cover many basic chemicals but are not all-inclusive. If you have any questions about chemical storage, please contact us.
View the Chemical Compatibility Chart (PDF)
Chemical Safety
Using chemicals safely is a top priority at ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ·. First, keep a tidy and clean workspace that is easy and safe to work in. Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes when working with chemicals. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a lab coat or apron, gloves, and goggles. Keep chemicals capped when you are not using them. Work in a fume hood or in well-ventilated areas. Respirators should be used only as a last resort during chemical use and are strictly regulated.
See the following for more information:
Chemical Waste
Accumulate and dispose of your chemical waste properly. For more information, visit the Waste Management webpage.
Laboratory Safety Inspections
The ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and compliant laboratory environment for all employees, students, and visitors. As part of this commitment, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) conducts laboratory safety inspections once per semester in collaboration with laboratory personnel, supervisors, and managers.
Laboratory safety inspections are a proactive and collaborative process designed to identify potential hazards, verify compliance with ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· policies and procedures, and promote continuous improvement in laboratory safety practices. Inspections support compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including the OSHA Laboratory Standard, and align with the requirements of ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØַ’s Safety Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, and other Environmental Health and Safety programs.
²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØַ’s laboratory inspections are not intended to be punitive. Rather, they are an opportunity for open dialogue between EHS and the laboratory community to address safety concerns, share best practices, and ensure that laboratory spaces are maintained in a manner that protects people, property, and the environment. Active participation by laboratory staff and managers is essential to the success of this process.
Inspection findings are documented and shared with laboratory leadership, and corrective actions are developed collaboratively to address identified issues in a timely and effective manner. Through this ongoing inspection process, ²ÝÁñÉçÇøµØÖ· reinforces its shared responsibility for laboratory safety and fosters a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Shipping Dangerous Goods
The DOT strictly regulates the transportation of dangerous goods. If you need to transport chemicals internationally, domestically, or between campuses, contact EHS beforehand. Our staff is specially trained in DOT regulations and can provide proper guidance on how to prepare your package for transportation.
For assistance in shipping radioactive materials, contact the Radiation Safety Officer.