Contents
5.0 Chemical Safety Information
Laboratory personnel shall be provided access to chemical safety information specific to the potential hazards they may encounter in the laboratory. Chemical safety information resources at the University includes:
- The labels found on containers of hazardous chemicals
- Chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Laboratory door signs and other signage, labels, and postings visible in the laboratories
- EHSS’s Laboratory Safety webpage and online resources
In addition to these resources, Environmental Health and Safety Services (EHSS) staff can also be contacted to assist with specific chemical safety questions and requests for information. Contact EHSS staff at ehss@syr.edu.
5.1. Container Labeling
All laboratory containers (secondary containers, portable containers, glassware, squeeze bottles, etc.) containing chemicals must be labeled, with the chemicals name and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals.
There may be practical limitations to labeling small containers such as sample vials and tubes. Alternatives such as labeling a tray or rack that holds the containers or applying a numbering or coding system are acceptable provided that the chemicals’ identity and associated hazard information is readily accessible (e.g., in a notebook, reference sheet, etc.).
5.2. Chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a fact sheet developed by the manufacturer that contains information on health and physical hazards associated with a particular chemical. It also provides guidance on how to protect persons from these hazards and emergency information/procedures in the event of an accident.
The University’s online BioRAFT Chemical Management Platform provides access to search and view a comprehensive library of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) chemicals present in research laboratories. Online access to Safety Data Sheets is available to all active employees, students, and staff, and can be accessed by logging into BioRAFT with your Syracuse University NetID and Password. For more information on accessing and searching for an SDS, please refer to BioRAFT How to Search for an SDS Instructions
Additional information concerning the content or use of SDS can be obtain by contacting EHSS at ehss@syr.edu.
5.3. Laboratory Door Signs
A standardized laboratory door sign must be posted at the entrance door of each laboratory. The door sign must indicate the primary hazards in the laboratory space and the names of the PI and other responsible laboratory personnel. Laboratory hazards are communicated on the door sign using pictograms that visually describe the primary hazards present inside the laboratory.
Standardized laboratory door signs are obtained through EHSS. PI’s can create and update their laboratory door sign by completing an Online Door Sign Form located on the EHSS website.
5.4. In-Laboratory Hazard Postings and Signage
In-laboratory hazard postings should be used to identify and communicate the primary hazards used and/or storage locations in the laboratory.
Standardized in-laboratory hazard posting labels can be obtained from EHSS. The standardized postings are peel and stick vinyl labels roughly the size of a business card. They contain a pictogram and wording to communicate the hazards present. The pictograms used on the in-laboratory posting labels correspond to the pictograms used on the laboratory door sign.
Radiation safety, biological safety, and laser safety signs, labels and posting should be used in laboratories where these hazards are present. The University’s Radiation Safety Program, Biological Safety Program, and/or Laser Safety Program should be referenced for more specific information.