Chemical Hygiene Plan

To Print or Save: Download the guidance below as a PDF.

Approved Oct 15, 2025

Introduction – 1

1.1 Purpose

Boston University (BU) is committed to a Culture of Safety and Responsibility, which includes the safe and compliant use of chemicals in the laboratory. The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) sets forth the policies, procedures and guidelines to protect laboratory workers (and those supporting laboratories at BU), from the health hazards associated with hazardous chemical use in the laboratory. The CHP has been developed by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), in collaboration with the Laboratory Safety Committee (LSC), and is reviewed annually by EHS and the LSC, or more frequently as needed.

The CHP fulfills the requirements set forth in U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations “Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories” (29 CFR 1910.1450), referred to as the Laboratory Standard within this document. According to the Laboratory Standard, the CHP must include the following:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relevant to safety and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals.

• Criteria to determine and implement specific control measures to reduce employee exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as engineering controls and PPE.
• A requirement that an ongoing program be developed to ensure that fume hoods and other engineering controls are functioning properly, and specific measures are taken to ensure proper and adequate performance of such equipment.
• Information and training requirements to ensure employees are apprised of the hazards of chemicals present in their work area.
• Circumstances under which a particular laboratory function will require “prior approval” before implementation.
• Provisions for medical consultation and medical exams for all employees who work with hazardous chemicals.
• Designation of personnel responsible for implementation of the CHP, including assignment of Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) and if appropriate, establishment of Chemical Hygiene Committee.
• Provisions for additional employee protection for work with select carcinogens, reproductive tox­ins, and substances that have a high degree of acute toxicity.

1.2 Scope and Applicability

This CHP applies to every laboratory or related research facility at BU that uses or stores chemicals. This CHP also applies to every research laboratory or related research facility at or under the jurisdiction of Boston Medical Center (BMC) but does not cover non-research activities at BMC, such as clinical operations, which operate under a separate chemical hygiene plan administered by BMC. Questions about the CHP or the safe use of chemicals should be directed to the Principal Investigator (PI), Research Core Director (RCD), Instructor/Lecturer, Laboratory Safety Coordinator, LSC, and/or EHS.

In addition to the LSC, several other committees have authority to regulate certain aspects of work in laboratories. These committees may include the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC), the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This document does not preempt any of the policies or procedures issued by the aforementioned committees or any state, local, or federal regulations. In cases where the jurisdictions of two committees overlap, the more stringent policy or procedure applies.

This CHP must be made available to all laboratory workers prior to the commencement of laboratory duties. In addition to the CHP, laboratory workers must be familiar with and adhere to all laboratory safety guidelines and procedures developed by their laboratory supervisor, EHS and other University departments, and any federal, state, or municipal regulatory agencies. This information must be provided by the PI, Research Core Director, Instructor/Lecturer at the time of an employee’s initial assignment to a work area where hazardous chemicals are present, and prior to assignments involving new exposure situations. This information should include the following:

• Permissible exposure limits (PELs), as specified in 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Z, for OSHA regulated substances or recommended exposure limits for other hazardous chemicals where there is no applicable OSHA standard.
• The signs and symptoms associated with exposure to the hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory.
• The location and availability of reference material, including access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on hazards, safe handling, storage, and disposal.

1.3 Definitions

Hazardous chemical means any chemical that is classified as a health hazard or simple asphyxiant in accordance with the Hazard Communication Standard (§1910.1200).

Health hazard means a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term “health hazard” includes chemicals that are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxicants, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxicants, nephrotoxicants, neurotoxicants, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Highly Hazardous Chemical (HHC) means a chemical that has any health, physical or environmental hazards that require additional safety or environmental practices beyond those of a typical laboratory setting (i.e., requiring greater protection for personnel than standard PPE and/or engineering controls can provide), as required by existing regulations or upon review of the hazards by EHS, relevant oversight committees, or other institutional entities

Reproductive toxins are defined as chemicals that affect the reproductive capabilities including adverse effects on sexual function and fertility in adult males and females, as well as adverse effects on the development of the offspring. Chemicals classified as reproductive toxins in accordance with Appendix A – Health Hazard Criteria (Mandatory) of the Hazard Communication Standard (§1910.1200) shall be considered reproductive toxins for purposes of this section. Please refer to BU Laboratory Reproductive Health Hazards Guidance Document for additional details.

Select carcinogen means any substance which meets the criteria listed below; please refer to the BU Highly Hazardous Chemical Program for additional details:

(i) It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen; or

(ii) It is listed under the category, “known to be carcinogens,” in the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) (latest edition); or

(iii) It is listed under Group 1 (“carcinogenic to humans”) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs (IARC) (latest editions); or

(iv) It is listed in either Group 2A or 2B by IARC or under the category, “reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens” by NTP, and causes statistically significant tumor incidence in experimental animals in accordance with any of the following criteria:

(A) After inhalation exposure of 6-7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for a significant portion of a lifetime to dosages of less than 10 mg/m3;

(B) After repeated skin application of less than 300 (mg/kg of body weight) per week; or

(C) After oral dosages of less than 50 mg/kg of body weight per day.

1.4 General Principles

To promote the safe handling of chemicals, the below principles apply:

Minimization of Chemical Exposure and Risks: Work should be conducted under conditions that minimize risks from known and unknown hazardous substances, including:

• Identification of chemicals to be used, how they will be used, and their quantities.
• Evaluation of the hazards associated with the chemicals to be used and consideration of laboratory conditions that could increase these hazards. The evaluation should include toxic, physical, reactive, flammable, explosive, radiation, and biological hazards as well as other potential hazards.
• Consultation of resources, including the SDS and seeking guidance from EHS personnel and experienced personnel to ensure the risk assessment is informed.
• Selection of appropriate controls (engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment) to minimize risk and protect laboratory workers from hazards. Controls must ensure that PELs are not exceeded.
• Ensuring that procedures are in place to safely respond to accidents and emergencies.

 Avoidance of the Underestimation of Risk: Even for substances with no known significant hazards, exposure should be minimized. Unless otherwise known, it should be assumed that any mixture will be more toxic than its most toxic component. All substances of unknown toxicity should be considered toxic.

Provision of Adequate Ventilation: The best way to prevent exposure to airborne substances is to prevent their escape into the working environment by using chemical fume hoods and other appropriate ventilation devices.

Assumption of Personal Responsibility: Follow the CHP and seek guidance as needed. Individuals who work with chemicals are responsible for their own safety, the safety of colleagues, and of the general public.

Observation of Permissible Exposure Limits and Threshold Limit Values: OSHA’s PELs cannot be exceeded. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Values should also not be exceeded. When a regulatory standard does not exist, published recommended exposure limits, as promulgated by NIOSH, should be followed.

Roles and Responsibilities – 2

The chief element in this section is the designation of authority and responsibility for implementation of the CHP. The following parties are responsible for implementing the requirements of the CHP:

2.1 Laboratory Safety Committee (LSC)

The LSC serves as BU’s Chemical Hygiene Committee.

The scope of BU’s LSC extends to all laboratories affiliated with, served by, owned or controlled by Boston University and the research laboratories at BMC. The voting members of the LSC are comprised of faculty members and representatives from administrative departments that have laboratories working with or storing hazardous chemicals and members of EHS. The non-voting members of the committee also includes members of EHS, Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP), Campus Planning and Operations (CPO), and other University departments that support laboratories at the University.

The committee meets on a quarterly basis. The duties of the committee include, but are not limited to:

• Annual review of the CHP.
• In collaboration with the CHO and EHS, implementation of the CHP.
• Support general chemical safety efforts for laboratory workers covered under the CHP and students in teaching laboratories.
• In collaboration with EHS, define highly hazardous chemicals used in research and teaching laboratories at BU.
• Review HHC SOPs, as necessary.
• Review of written guidelines and training programs, as necessary.
• Discuss laboratory safety issues and incidents.
• Recommend, develop, and/or review policies and practices regarding laboratory safety issues, in collaboration with EHSEnvironmental Health & Safety

2.2 Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

EHS responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design safety training programs.
• Development of SOPs.
• Conduct safety training programs that are not site-specific.
• Conduct site or topic specific trainings, as requested or required.
• Conduct laboratory safety inspections on a routine basis and by request.
• Conduct periodic and requested inspections of engineering controls.
• Make recommendations for corrective actions in cases of noncompliance.
• Oversee the hazard assessment and development of lab-specific SOPs, in consultation with the LSC as necessary.
• Investigate cases of suspected or reported exposure or exposure due to accident.
• Provide chemical spill response as needed.
• Maintain laboratory safety training records and ensure, in collaboration with the PI, that all laboratory workers complete the annual Laboratory Safety Training.
• Assist the PI and laboratory workers with compliance with all aspects of this Plan.
• Communicate to each PI, Research Core Director, Instructor/Lecturer any relevant safety information or concerns pertaining to their laboratory.
• Maintain incident reports.
• Periodically review Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQ) regulating the total quantity of hazardous chemicals that can be stored in each control area.
• Manage the hazardous waste program.

2.3 Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)

The CHO is a staff member of EHS, as well as a member of the LSC. Responsibilities of the CHO include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure that the CHP is readily accessible to all employees, either as a paper copy, as an electronic copy online, or other readily available means.
• Establishes exposure monitoring programs including initial and periodic monitoring.
• Assists the Chemical Safety Officer with monitoring, procurement, use, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
• The Chemical Hygiene Officer provides technical guidance in the development and implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Develop and implement appropriate laboratory safety policies, practices and procedures in collaboration or consultation with the PI, Research Core Director (RCD), Instructor/Lecturer with final recommendation or approval by the LSC.
• Assists laboratory supervisors in developing appropriate engineering controls for new and/or existing facilities.

2.4 Chemical Safety Officer (CSO)

The CSO is a staff member of EHS. Responsibilities of the CSO include, but are not limited to:

• Lead or participate with the development, implementation, maintenance, and management of chemical safety programs to promote a healthy and safe work and educational environment for the university and its research and teaching community.
• Work with the Chemical Hygiene Officer develop chemical safety standards, policies, and procedures that are compliant with applicable regulations and followed by laboratories.
• Manage and provide technical guidance, develop trainings, and conduct risk analysis of laboratory processes that involve Highly Hazardous Chemicals (HHC), hazardous gasses, and other hazardous chemicals, including the screening and approval of chemical purchases by labs; development, and updates of SOPs for HHC chemicals identified.
• Review and approve submitted HHC SOPs in consultation with faculty reviewers.
• Consult and provide technical assistance to technical safety committees and laboratories.
• Conduct risk assessments of chemical processes and provide guidance for working with hazardous chemicals including recommend appropriate PPE, procedures, and safety equipment.
• Implement and manage the hazardous gas program.

2.5 Principal Investigator (PI), Research Core Director (RCD), Instructor/Lecturer

The responsibility for ensuring that all laboratory work is safe and compliant rests with the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer and EHS. In Research Core Facilities, the RCD is the PI equivalent and has equivalent responsibilities under this CHP. In teaching laboratories, the Instructor/Lecturer is the PI equivalent and has equivalent responsibilities under this CHP. When a PI uses a Core Facility, both the PI and RCD are responsible for facilitating a shared understanding of the chemicals being used and procedures utilized.

The PI is responsible for work being conducted by their laboratory workers in Core Facilities, and the RCD is responsible for the work being performed by the Facility workers. When an Instructor/Lecturer is using a shared laboratory space such as a Core Facility or teaching laboratory, they are responsible for work being conducted by their laboratory workers or instructional staff.

The PI designation refers to the faculty member responsible for work in a specific laboratory facility. This person, in collaboration with EHS, must develop laboratory-specific SOPs to be followed in his/her/their laboratory. When a laboratory space is used by more than one PI, all PIs utilizing that space are responsible for ensuring that work is safe and compliant. The PI can assign duties to a Laboratory Supervisor, but the PI is ultimately responsible for the safe and compliant conduct of work in his or her laboratory.

PI duties also include, but are not limited to, oversight and maintenance of the following:

• Identify and designate work areas where chemicals will be used.
• Ensure that an up-to-date inventory of chemicals is maintained and provided to EHS through SciSure (formerly SciShield).
• Assist EHS and the CHO in defining all hazardous operations, alerting employees to hazards, and estab­lishing safe procedures for these operations by identifying suitable engineering controls and PPE.
• Ensure, in collaboration with EHS, that all new laboratory workers complete training requirements before working unsupervised in the laboratory/facility and that all workers complete this training annually thereafter.
• Ensure that all laboratory workers receive instruction in the following:
  • safe work practices.
  • are trained on specific SOPs for use of highly hazardous chemicals as appropriate.
  • proper use of PPE.
  • spill clean-up.
  • emergency procedures.
• Ensure that all laboratory workers have read and are familiar with the CHP and know how to access it.
• Designate a Laboratory Safety Coordinator for the laboratory/facility, as appropriate.
• Provide access to safety information and specific training to laboratory workers for the hazardous chemicals with which they work (which may include training when the worker’s exposure changes or when new workers start in the laboratory/facility).
• Develop and establish SOPs for safe handling and operations applicable to the hazardous chemicals as needed.
• Provide, in collaboration with EHS, all appropriate and required PPE to laboratory workers.
• Assist the CHO or EHS personnel in fulfillment of their duties with respect to his or her laboratory/facility.
• Correct deficiencies identified during inspections, as appropriate.
• Report all accidents and near misses (which are unplanned events that did not result in injury, illness, or damage but had the potential to do so) that occur in their laboratory/facility and take corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure proper disposal of all laboratory waste, including hazardous waste, biological waste, and sharps waste from his or her laboratory/facility.
• Inform visitors, vendors and non-laboratory personnel of hazards before accessing the laboratory/facility.
• Ensure that the laboratory provides access to SDS for hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory/facility.
• Maintain relevant safety information for the laboratory/facility in SciSure and appropriate safety logbooks in a designated Safety Center within the laboratory.
• Comply with the Boston University’s Policy on Minors in Laboratories.

2.6 Laboratory Safety Coordinators

The Laboratory Safety Coordinator is assigned by the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer to assist with safety and compliance efforts in the laboratory, as appropriate. When designated by the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer, the Laboratory Safety Coordinator is authorized to represent the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer in matters related to the implementation of safe laboratory work practices however, ultimate responsibility resides with the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer. The duties of the Laboratory Safety Coordinator include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in specialized Laboratory Safety Coordinator training and discussions sponsored by EHS.
• Assist PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer efforts to maintain and promote laboratory compliance.
• Serve as the primary laboratory contact with EHS for issues related to safety (i.e., biological, chemical, fire and general safety, controlled substances, etc.).
• Take positive actions to help reduce the potential for accidents and incidents associated with laboratory operations.
• Inform laboratory workers of the safety hazards associated with their work and instruct laboratory workers in safe work practices.
• Assist other laboratory workers with reporting all accidents, near misses, or safety concerns to the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer and EHS.
• Work with EHS to determine safe work practices and procedures.
• Work with EHS to ensure that laboratory workers complete all required safety trainings in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all deficiencies identified by EHS or outside regulatory inspectors are addressed and corrected per a schedule for correction.
• Participate in the incident review process.
• Stop operations that are in clear violation of the safety requirements, approved SOPs, or that may potentially result in injuries or potential exposures.
• Maintain relevant safety information for the laboratory in the SciSure and appropriate safety logbooks in a designated Safety Center within the laboratory.

2.7 Laboratory Workers

Individuals who work in laboratories, including visiting scholars, where hazardous chemicals are used or stored are responsible for performing their work in accordance with the CHP.  Responsibilities of laboratory workers include, but are not limited to:

• Follow all University, Federal, State, and local health and safety standards, rules and regulations, as they apply to the laboratory.
• Maintain up-to-date training.
• Report all hazardous conditions to their PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer and EHS.
• Review the SDS prior to work with hazardous chemicals.
• Consult with the PI or appropriate designee before conducting any changes in protocol or using any new chemicals, particularly if highly hazardous or highly reactive.
• Inform the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer or appropriate designee of any unapproved changes in protocol or the unapproved use of new chemicals in the laboratory.
• Wear and use prescribed PPE.
• Follow all appropriate SOPs necessary for the safe operation of laboratory work, and if no such SOP currently exists, contact and work with EHS and the LSC to develop the necessary SOP and obtain approval from the LSC.
• Report any suspected job-related injuries, exposures or illnesses to the immediate supervisor and ROHP and seek treatment immediately.
• Do not operate equipment or instruments that may pose a hazard without the proper instruction, training and authorization.
• Remain aware of chemical hazards in the laboratory.
• Request information and training when unsure of how to handle a hazardous chemical or procedure

2.8 Laboratory Visitors

Laboratory Visitors are individuals who do not normally work in a laboratory but may need to visit a laboratory to perform assigned work or accompany a laboratory worker as a guest (See Visitor Policy). This category includes Facilities maintenance and custodial staff, vendors, contractors, and any other person who enters a laboratory but does not meet the definition of laboratory worker. Responsibilities of laboratory visitors include, but are not limited to:

• Review the laboratory safety placard posted at the entrance to the laboratory and comply with all PPE and work practices listed.
• Do not disturb any laboratory equipment on benchtops or in chemical fume hoods or biological safety cabinets.
• Direct any questions to a person working in the laboratory if available.
• Report unsafe conditions to a person working in the laboratory, supervisor, or the emergency numbers listed on the laboratory safety placard.

Training – 3

• The University’s CHP
• Emergency Procedures
• Medical Consultations and Examinations
• OSHA’s Laboratory Standard
• Hazard Waste Management, Storage, and Disposal
• Hazard Recognition
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Safety Equipment
• Engineering Controls
• Chemical Management, Inventory, Labeling and Storage
• Highly Hazardous Chemical Program
• Chemical Agent specific training, such as 6-OHDA Training or MPTP
• PPE
• Nanotechnology

Signs and Symptoms of Chemical Exposure – 4

• Skin that has become dried, whitened, reddened, swelled, blistered, and itchy or exhibits a rash.
• A chemical odor. Many chemicals can be smelled at concentrations below harmful levels. Harmful levels may also be present for some chemicals without a detectable odor. Consult the SDS.
• A chemical taste.
• Tearing or burning of the eyes.
• Burning sensations of the skin, nose or throat.
• Cough, headache or dizziness.

Medical Services and Surveillance – 5

Exposure Monitoring – 6

EHS is responsible for ensuring that a laboratory worker’s exposure to hazardous chemicals does not exceed the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) specified by OSHA (see below).  Worker exposure determinations will be made by EHS in accordance with paragraph (d) of 29 CFR 1910.1450 or applicable OSHA standard.

6.1 Initial monitoring

Initial monitoring will be completed by EHS to determine worker exposure whenever there is reason to believe that exposure levels for that substance routinely exceed the action level (or in the absence of an action level, the PEL). Initial monitoring should also be considered whenever a substance is first introduced for proposed use, or whenever laboratory practices change in ways that exposure levels of the substance could significantly increase.

The PELs for OSHA-regulated substances can be found in 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Z as indicated below:

TABLE Z-1 Limits for Air Contaminants. – 1910.1000

TABLE Z-2 – 1910.1000

TABLE Z-3 Mineral Dusts – 1910.1000

6.2 Periodic monitoring

Periodic monitoring will be conducted by EHS if the initial monitoring performed discloses worker exposure over the action level (or, in the absence of an action level, the PEL).  BU will immediately comply with the exposure monitoring provi­sions of the relevant standard. Please refer to Section 5: Medical Services and Surveillance for more additional information.

Under recently promulgated EPA rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act, there are additional exposure monitoring requirements associated with certain chemicals, including, but not limited to, methylene chloride (DCM), Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE). EHS will complete the periodic monitoring detailed in each EPA regulation, based on the results of the initial monitoring.

6.3 Notification of Results

Within fifteen (15) working days after the receipt of any monitoring results, the worker will be notified by EHS of these results in writing.

Request for Monitoring

Any BU employee with a reason to believe that exposure levels for a substance exceed the action level or, in the absence of an action level, the PEL, may request monitoring through the CHO or EHS office. Monitoring may be requested at any time. EHS is responsible for coordinating exposure monitoring requests. EHS is also responsible for determining when monitoring is no longer necessary and can be terminated.

Record keeping – 7

• Records of any measurements taken to monitor worker exposure are maintained by EHS for at least 30 years per 29 CFR 1910.1450 in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020;
• Records of any medical consultation and examinations are maintained by ROHP for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years per 29 CFR 1910.1450 in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020;
• Training records are maintained by EHS;
• Fume hood evaluations are maintained by EHS for 3 years; and
• Records of laboratory inspections are maintained by EHS.

Laboratory Design and Engineering Controls – 8

Engineering controls should be implemented within the laboratory to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals. Engineering controls may include, but are not limited to the following: general laboratory ventilation, chemical fume hoods, point-source or local exhaust ventilation, filtered enclosures, product substitution, secondary containment, gas monitoring, gas cabinets, and other physical systems used to minimize exposure.

It is the responsibility of the department and Campus Planning and Operations (CPO) to inform EHS when a laboratory is selected to be renovated, redesigned, or reassigned. EHS will meet with the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer of the laboratory to understand the nature of the work being conducted, including which hazards may be present, and to recommend appropriate engineering controls for the new laboratory. PIs are encouraged to contact EHS at any time to request an evaluation or meeting to discuss engineering controls in their laboratory. In addition to reviewing and approving engineering controls in new laboratory design projects, EHS is responsible for the review of laboratory design plans for compliance with applicable local, state, and federal environmental health and safety codes, regulations, and standards.

If ventilation engineering controls are not supporting safe operations in the laboratory, the laboratory worker must cease all work with volatile and aerosol producing substances immediately, secure all chemicals and contact CPO for repair. Please note: Any modifications to existing ventilation engineering controls must be installed by CPO or a licensed HVAC contractor following approval by EHS. On the CRC, CPO’s Emergency Control Desk can be contacted 24 hours per day at 617-353-2105.  On BUMC, the Control Center is available 24 hours per day at 617-358-4144. NEIDL specific calls should be directed to the NEIDL Control Center at 617-358-9090

A common engineering control installed in laboratories is the chemical fume hood.  Details of chemical fume hood use, maintenance, and annual testing can be found in Section 9.9: Laboratory Safety Equipment.  Other common engineering controls are gas cabinets and gas monitoring systems. Details on these systems, including maintenance and annual calibration/testing can be found in Section 9.9.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – 9

All staff handling chemicals in the laboratory will complete the following:

• Read and become familiar with this CHP and any SOPs developed specifically for the laboratory prior to working in the laboratory.
• Notify supervisors and ROHP of chemical sensitivities or allergies.
• Always read the SDS and label before using a chemical.
• Ensure PI/RDC/Instructor/Lecturer and all other lab occupants are informed of special hazards associated with your work.
• Use appropriate ventilation (e.g., fume hood or local exhaust ventilation) when working with hazardous chemicals.
• In a laboratory setting, long pants or full-length skirt and proper PPE are required, including closed-toe shoes (shoes should be water-resistant or water-repellant or shoe covers should be worn). See Section 9.8 Personal Protective Equipment.
• Become familiar with the location and use of emergency equipment and facilities, such as:
  • Posted emergency instructions
  • Eyewash and safety showers
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire blankets, if applicable
  • Fire alarm pull stations
  • Emergency exits
  • Chemical spill equipment
  • Gas shutoff valve
  • Laser shutoff switch, if applicable
  • Gas monitors and strobes
• Never eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, apply cosmetics, or manipulate contact lenses in the laboratory. Contact lenses may be prohibited in certain chemical laboratories, as indicated in laboratory-specific SOPs.
• Food, beverages, cups, and other drinking and eating utensils should not be stored in areas where hazardous chemicals are used or stored.
• Pipetting should never be done by mouth.
• Never leave exposed sharps, micropipettes, or broken glass on the bench or in washing facilities.
• Keep chemical containers closed unless actively in use.
• Clearly label all containers of any stored substances with the full chemical name(s). Abbreviations, chemical formulas, structures, etc. are insufficient for clear identification. Labels must include the concentration and any hazards of the substance. For chemical containers too small to support complete labeling (i.e., small vials, multi-well plates, etc.), external reference documents may be kept nearby.
• Promptly discard chemicals that have degraded, whose containers are in poor condition or that have gross contamination, that have exceeded their expiration date, and/or are no longer useful.
• Laboratory equipment must be decontaminated prior to moving or disposal. Please refer to BU’s Laboratory Decontamination and Decommissioning Green “decon” stickers can be requested from EHS.
• Remove PPE (e.g., gloves, aprons, protective footwear, and headwear) before leaving the laboratory space. Do not wear PPE in non-laboratory support areas.
• When transporting chemicals and biologicals outside of laboratory spaces, do not touch non-lab surfaces, including door handles and elevator buttons, with gloves.
• Discard, decontaminate, clean, or sanitize PPE on a regular basis.
• Always wash hands immediately after removing gloves and before leaving the laboratory.
• Door placarding is further discussed in Section 9.7, Laboratory Door Labeling.

• Discuss and conduct a risk assessment with the PI/RCD/Instructor/Lecturer before conducting hazardous procedures.
• The worker should inform a co-worker, friend, family member or colleague that they will be in the laboratory alone and give them information on whom to contact in the event that the worker does not contact them when leaving the laboratory.
• On BUMC, the worker can notify Public Safety at 617-358-4444 and officers will include the laboratory on the building’s walk-through, if appropriate.
• On the CRC, the BU Police Department can be reached at 617-353-2121 if non-emergency assistance is needed or to request a walkthrough.

• Store corrosive materials below eye level.
• Segregate acids from bases and bases from acids in different secondary containers or cabinets. BFD strongly prefers segregation in separate cabinets.
• Store concentrated acids and bases in corrosive cabinets or secondary containers large enough to hold at least the contents of 110% of the largest stored container if it should break.
• Use appropriate bottle carriers or a cart when transporting any hazardous chemicals.
• Store flammable corrosives in flammable cabinets not corrosive cabinets. Flammability trumps corrosivity when determining storage locations for chemicals with multiple hazards, i.e., acetic acid.
• Do not store anything directly on top of free-standing corrosive cabinets.

• Store large bottles of acids in bins or trays on low shelves or in acid cabinets, or in a cabinet marked “Corrosives.”
• Segregate oxidizing acids (i.e., nitric acid) from organic acids (i.e., acetic or formic acids) and flammable and combustible materials.
• Segregate acids from active metals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and other incompatible materials, including cyanides and hypochlorites.
• Segregate inorganic acids, i.e., hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric, from organic acids, i.e., acetic, in separate cabinets.;
• All lab-workers must know where spill-control supplies and acid neutralizers are stored, to be prepared in the event of a spill. Do not use bases to neutralize acid spills.
• Highly hazardous hydrofluoric acid (HF) and perchloric acid (HClO4) need dedicated secondary containment.
• All laboratories with Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) must keep unexpired 2.5% calcium gluconate in a location that is known by all laboratory staff.

• Store large bottles of liquid bases in bins or trays in a cabinet marked “Bases” or “Corrosives.”
• Segregate bases from acids and other incompatible materials (i.e., amines and ammonium hydroxide) from hypochlorites.
• Segregate inorganic bases, i.e., sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, from organic bases, i.e., amines.
• Store solutions of inorganic hydroxides in polyethylene containers.
• Know where spill-control supplies and caustic neutralizers are  stored to be prepared for caustic spills.  Do not use acids to neutralize base spills.

• Flammable chemicals must be stored in a spark-free environment and in approved flammable-liquid containers and storage cabinets.
• Store spray and squirt bottles of flammables (i.e., 70% ethanol for disinfection), in a flammable cabinet when not in use/overnight.
• Grounding and bonding should be used to prevent static charge buildups when dispensing solvents.
• Flammable liquids shall be stored in a specially equipped, explosion-proof or flammable-safe flammable storage cabinet.
• If cool storage is required, only laboratory-grade, flammable-rated refrigerators and freezers shall be used to store sealed chemical containers of flammable liquids.
• Keep flammables away from sources of ignition.
• For flammable metals, have a Class-D fire extinguisher available.  See the “Fire Extinguishers” part under Section 7.8: Laboratory Safety Equipment for more information.
• MA fire code (527 CMR) regulates the total quantity of flammable materials that can be stored within each control area. Consult EHS’s fire safety group for guidance.
• Flammables must be dispensed in a chemical fume hood.
• Do NOT dispense flammables inside the flammable cabinet. Avoid ordering flammables, including alcohol, in containers with spigots.  Remove dispensing pumps from bottles and kegs before storage.
• No cardboard inside flammables cabinets.
• Flammable solvents connected to instruments must have commercially available caps designed with the correct number of tightly fitting tubing access septa/ports. Home drilled caps are not acceptable.
• Small flammable gases, i.e., blow-torch propane, needs to be stored in a dedicated flammable cabinet with the torch head removed.
• Do not store anything, including empty Styrofoam and cardboard boxes, directly on top of free-standing flammables cabinets.
• Flammable corrosives, i.e., acetic acid or triethylamine, must stored in a flammable cabinet in plastic secondary containment.

• Examples of oxidizers include, not are not limited to Perchlorates, Nitrates, Permanganates
• Oxidizers can intensify and increase the flammable range for chemicals so they can ignite more readily.
• Store oxidizers in a cool, dry area.
• Do not store oxidizers in the same flammable storage cabinet as flammable chemicals
• Store oxidizers away from flammable and combustible materials, such as paper, wood, etc.
• Do not store nitric acid with acetic acid.
• Oxidizers, reducing agents, and fuels should be stored separately to prevent contact in the event of an accident.

• Examples of peroxide forming chemicals include, but are not limited to, Isopropyl alcohol, Diethyl Ether and Tetrahydrofuran
• Peroxide forming chemicals shall be dated upon receipt and upon opening.
• Store these chemicals in airtight containers in a dark, cool, dry area. Store away from heat and light with tightfitting, nonmetal lids.
• Do not open, do not touch a bottle of liquid peroxide forming material if solid precipitates or crystals are seen in the bottle or along the bottle’s cap. Immediately contact EHS to arrange disposal.
• Test for peroxides before concentrating (i.e. distilling, rotovapping, recrystallizing) peroxidizable solvents using appropriate test strips.
• Dispose of peroxide forming chemicals on or before the expiration date.
• After expiration date or one year, peroxide generating reagents must either be disposed of or tested using indicator strips on a quarterly basis, including peroxide forming solvents in solvent purification systems.
• Indicator strips may be purchased from Millipore-Sigma, Fisher, or VWR.
• A positive test indicates that the reagent should be appropriately disposed of as hazardous waste; a negative test requires quarterly testing until peroxides are detected leading to its appropriate disposal.
• Quarterly peroxide testing results should be documented by recording the date and test result on a label affixed to the container.
• BU’s hazardous waste vendor will not ship peroxidizable materials with peroxides over 20ppm. If test strip indicates peroxides >20ppm, contact EHS to arrange for a high hazard stabilization.
• Refer to EHS Management and Safety of Peroxide Forming Chemicals for additional details.

• EHS must be informed prior to purchase, storage and use of hazardous (pyrophoric, toxic, oxidizing, (including oxygen), corrosive and/or reactive) gases to ensure the appropriate storage conditions, ventilation, PPE and gas monitoring are in place.
• Fire code sets Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQ) regulating the total quantity of hazardous gases that can be stored in each control area. Consult EHS’s fire safety group for guidance.
• Gases in the laboratory must be stored in a 1:1 ratio of active cylinder to back-up cylinder.
• “Active” cylinders are considered attached to regulator, manifold, or equipment.
• Monitor compressed gas inventories and dispose of or return gases for which there is no immediate need. Maintain compressed gas inventory in SciSure.
• Order the smallest quantity possible in a returnable cylinder. Empty or unused gas cylinders should be returned to the supplier on a regular basis. Note that when ordering “lecture” bottles, that empty cylinders are not returnable to the gas supplier and must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
• Store and use hazardous gases in a ventilated space such as a chemical fume hood and/or certified gas cabinet. Refer to Section 9.9.8, Gas Cabinets, for additional details.
• Store compressed gases in a secure and upright position. Secure cylinders individually with a chain or strap, 2/3 to 3/4 up the height of the cylinder from the floor. A cylinder stand may be used to secure a small gas cylinder within a fume hood.
• Routinely inspect gas cylinder straps and chains for structural integrity. Do not use damaged straps or chains.
• Indicate the status of the cylinder: “Full” or “In Use” or “Empty”.
• When not in use, replace the valve cap.
• Use commercially-prepared liquid leak detector (i.e., “Snoop”) to leak test pressure regulator and other gas system fittings when the regulator is replaced or removed or when performing maintenance or modifications to the gas system.
• Gas regulators must be pressure tested with an inert gas prior to use.
• Pressure regulators must be used in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Always use the correct pressure regulator for the gas.
• Use only Compressed Gas Association (CGA) standard combinations of valves and fittings. Do not use regulator adaptors.
• Do not build or modify gas regulators.
• Remove all manifolds and regulators, secure the valve cap, and chain or strap the cylinder to a cylinder cart before moving. Only transport gas cylinders that are capped and secured to a cylinder cart.
• Please refer to the Chemical Inventory Management and Gas Cylinder Safety Guidance sites for more information.

• Requires prior approval and strict record keeping and security measures for receipt, use, storage and disposal.
• Please refer to the Controlled Substances Program site for more information.

• Per ANSI z358.1-2014, laboratory workers must flush their eye wash stations weekly to ensure clean water is available in the event of an emergency.
• Laboratory workers shall maintain a written log to document the weekly eyewash flushing has been completed.
• Eye wash stations should be clearly marked and kept free from obstructions. Please consult with EHS when selecting eyewash signage.
• In the event of eye contamination, the laboratory worker should hold their eye open and rinse for a minimum of 15 minutes; then, they should seek medical attention (see Appendix B: Emergency Procedures and Reporting).

• In the event of a fire on the body, implement the Rescue/Remove, Alert/Activate, Confine, Extinguish (RACE) fire plan, as appropriate. The laboratory worker should activate the safety shower and stand under the water flow until the contamination is removed; then, they should seek medical attention (see Appendix B: Emergency Procedures and Reporting).
• In the event of gross chemical contamination on the body, the laboratory worker should remove contaminated clothing, activate the safety shower, and stand under the water for a minimum of 15 minutes; then, they should seek medical attention (see Appendix B: Emergency Procedures and Reporting).
• Safety shower stations should be clearly marked and kept free from obstructions. Please consult with EHS when selecting eyewash signage

• On sashes that open vertically, keep the sash as low as possible. The sash should never exceed the maximum sash height indicated on the inspection sticker.
• On horizontal sliding sashes, the sliding sash shall be between the worker and any laboratory hazards.
• Keep only what is needed for the task in the hood. Excess equipment in the hood can reduce the provided protection.
• Work as far back in the hood as possible, ideally at least 6” from the opening.
• Permanent chemical and waste storage is not permitted inside a laboratory fume hood. All chemicals and waste containers must be removed at the end of the lab operations for the day or when not in use.
• Do not modify chemical fume hoods without prior approval from EHS and/or CPO.

• Batteries: Batteries may be collected in the laboratory’s hazardous waste area. Collect in a properly labeled plastic bag. Pickup can be arranged by selecting the “Waste Pickup” link on the EHS Chemical Waste website.
• Fluorescent lamps: Fluorescent lamps may be collected in the laboratory’s hazardous waste area. Do not place fluorescent lamps in the broken glass box.  Collect in a properly labeled plastic bag or sturdy box.  Pickup can be arranged by selecting the “Waste Pickup” link on the EHS Chemical Waste website.

Appendix B: Emergency Procedures and Reporting

The Emergency Response Flipchart is provided to all laboratories and should be posted by the telephone to serve as a quick reference in the event of an emergency. The Flipchart includes emergency contact numbers, response procedures, and information on incident and accident reporting.