Chemical Safety
UNC Asheville’s Chemical Hygiene Plan provides information regarding protection from health hazards associated with the laboratory environment in accordance with Department of Labor regulations and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 including 29 CFR 1910.1450, “Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories”.
Chemical Safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
SOPs are a written set of instructions or guidelines that delineate the safe procedures and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to wear while performing particular experiments or activities. The development and implementation of SOPs is critical for ensuring a safe, healthy, and an environmentally sound workplace. SOPs are recommended for all experiments.
The following SOPs and guidelines are to be incorporated in laboratories.
- SOP: Acutely Toxic Materials
- SOP: Carcinogens
- SOP: Corrosive Materials
- SOP: Ethidium Bromide
- SOP: Explosive Compounds
- SOP: Flammable Liquids
- SOP: Organic Peroxides and Peroxide Forming Compounds
- SOP: Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Compounds
- SOP: Stench Chemicals
Nanomaterials in Research
Controlled Substances
Lab Supervisors must approve a written SOP for operations involving Category 1 Acute Toxic Substances; Pyrophoric, Explosive or Highly Reactive Materials; and any Overnight/Unattended Operations.
Unattended Operations
Procedures carried out continuously or overnight must be designed to include provisions to prevent the release of hazardous substances with the interruption of utility services such as electricity, cooling water, and or inert gas. Arrangements for routine checks and notification to members of the lab group should be made. Appropriate warning signs must be posted in the area identifying the nature of the experiment, hazardous materials in use, and emergency contact information.
Chemical Inventories
Laboratory Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a chemical inventory for their laboratories. Chemical Inventories are important to the University as they pertain to Emergency Response and Regulatory Reporting. The chemical inventory can also be used to promote chemical sharing throughout the University.