CHEMICAL SAFETY

The Safety & Health office is responsible for ensuring that Marshall University remains in compliance with federal and state regulations for the storage, use, and disposal of chemicals.  The Chemistry Department is an integral component in determining compliance as well as proper storage of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals and chemical wastes.

The Marshall University Chemical Hygiene Plan is maintained and updated by Safety and Health and personnel from the Chemistry Department.  Every lab must develop lab-specific Chemical Hygiene Plans and lab activity-specific SOPs that incorporate and/or reference the University plan.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Hazard Communication is an important aspect of Marshall University's chemical safety program.  All departments that store, use, or dispose of any chemicals must maintain a chemical inventory and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each product in their possession.  Links to searchable MSDS databases are available online for obtaining MSDS sheets if original manufacturer-provided sheets are misplaced. 
Another resource for hard copies of MSDS sheets for products used on campus is the Chemical Stockroom in room 471 of the Science Building.

Spill Response
Another component of the Hazard Communication program is recognition and response to a release of hazardous materials.  If you spill, or encounter a chemical spill, please follow these Spill Response Procedures.

Storage
Proper storage of hazardous materials in all areas, especially in laboratories, is critically important to accident prevention.  Two major areas of concern are Flammable and Combustible Materials storage, and Chemical Compatibility in storage areas.  More information about Chemical Storage is available.

Disposal
The Chemical Safety program is actively involved in the collection and disposal of unwanted chemicals.  This process involves Chemistry Department personnel who oversee the proper packaging and transportation of unwanted chemicals to the appropriate location, as well as the declaration and storage of hazardous wastes.  At Marshall, unopened and unused portions of opened chemicals are not considered waste until it is determined that they are of no additional use to any other department.  This determination will be made by staff from the Chemistry Department in conjunction with the Safety & Health office. 

The procedure for turning in unwanted chemicals is to submit a Pick-up Request Form.

All empty containers should be handled in accordance with the guidelines in Management of Empty Chemical Containers

Hazardous Materials
Numerous agencies regulate items that are considered hazardous.  More information about Hazardous Chemicals is available. 

Chemical Fume Hoods
The proper use of chemical fume hoods is essential to protect yourself and others in the area.  Follow these guidelines for the Safe Use of Chemical Fume Hoods.

Self Inspection
All departments and laboratories on campus must comply with the requirements of the University Chemical Safety program.  One way to evaluate this progress is to conduct a self inspection.  The Laboratory Safety Inspection Report form provides an excellent checklist of key items that should be reviewed.  For problems that cannot be corrected by the department or laboratory, contact our office for assistance.

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Problems with this page?  Contact Nathan Douglas, 304.696.3461.