Laboratory Safety

Chemical Hygiene Plan Information

Chemical Hygiene Training Program for Laboratory Workers is available online.
Standard Operating Procedure Examples and Resources
Chemical Hygiene Plan for University of Maryland.
A Suggested Guide for Generating Your UMD Chemical Hygiene Program
A guide to constructing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for use in your lab. This format is not mandatory but provides a framework to contain the elements suggested for a complete SOP.

ESSR routinely inspects fume hoods

Table of Incompatible Chemicals
Peroxide-Forming Chemicals
Container venting caps should reduce the number of waste container over-pressurization incidents.
The Chemical Reactivity Worksheet is a free program you can use to determine the reactivity of substances or mixtures of substances. The Worksheet incorporates a database of more than 4,000 common hazardous chemicals. The Worksheet provides a way for you to "mix" chemicals to determine dangers that may arise. Versions are available for both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows computers.
Particularly hazardous substances are acutely toxic chemicals, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins. Laboratories using these substances are required to have a designated storage location and written procedures specifically for these materials regarding safe use, waste handling, and spill/accident response. Here is a worksheet (courtesy of Duke University’s Occupational and Environmental Safety Office) that contains an extensive, though not comprehensive, list of these substances. This worksheet also includes common reactive chemicals which include: explosives, flammable solids, peroxide formers, oxidizers, and compounds that are reactive with air or water.

Safety Data Sheets
Large Database with information on chemical structure, molecular formula, physical properties, DOT and EPA codes, etc.
National Toxicology Program (NIH-NCI, NIH-NIEHS,FDA-NCTR,CDC_NIOSH:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) - Includes information on Hazardous Substances and chemical protocols for Acutely Toxic Substances.
National Toxicology Program testing - National Institute of Health National Toxicology Program (NTP) provides study data and abstracts on teratology toxicity testing.
Reproductive testing - National Institute of Health National Toxicology Program (NTP) provides study data and abstracts on reproductive testing.
EPA Envirofacts Master Chemical Integrator.

Lab Signage

Hazard Warning Signage System - is designed to fulfill regulatory signage requirements as well as alert lab users and visitors to specific hazards located in individual laboratories.
Signage Information Collection Form - Laboratory managers can order or update signs (at no charge!) via the Internet
Supplemental sign for BSL2 animal rooms
Supplemental sign for BSL2 labs when animals are present
Conditions for removal of biohazard symbol

All employees should be provided with information and training regarding the hazards of the lasers in their work area.