American University is committed to providing a safe environment for all community members and visitors. This Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) establishes policies and procedures to ensure the safe use of hazardous chemicals within all University-owned laboratories.

The purpose of this plan is to protect laboratory worker health and ensure that chemical exposures are minimized. It also defines roles and responsibilities for working with hazardous chemicals, details provisions for lab worker training, outlines emergency procedures, and establishes a number of safety practices that must be observed when handling hazardous chemicals. Environmental Health & Safety manages the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) for American University.

You can find details about the Chemical Inventory program here.

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Chemical Storage Guidelines

Expand the table below for appropriate storage methods for several common research laboratory chemical classes.

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Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Safety Data Sheets, formally known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), describe hazardous properties of chemicals and appropriate risk mitigation techniques. They must be readily available in physical or digital format in work areas. Laboratory personnel may access digital SDSs from a variety of sources:

• Google search (enter "[chemical name] SDS" as search terms)
• VWR SDS search
• Sigma Aldrich SDS search
• Fisher Scientific SDS search
• Carolina Biological SDS search

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Chemical Labeling

• Each chemical in the laboratory must be properly labeled.
• Most chemicals are shipped with a manufacturer’s label, which contains all necessary information. These labels should not be removed or damaged as long as they contain their original contents.
• Each chemical bottle, including diluted chemical solutions, must be labeled with its contents and its associated hazards. It is also recommended that each bottle be dated when received and when opened to assist in determining which chemicals are expired.
• When new chemicals and compounds are generated by laboratory operations, they must be labeled with the name, date, and hazard information. The owner of the chemical should also be listed in case questions arise about the container’s contents.
• Peroxide forming chemicals (e.g., ethers) can degrade to form shock sensitive, highly reactive compounds and must be labeled with the date of receipt and on first opening the bottle. These chemicals are only allowed a one-year shelf life before they must be either be tested for peroxides or disposed of.  The most recent test date must be listed on the label.

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Compressed Gases

Compressed gases are hazardous because of the potential energy of compression and because the gas may be toxic, flammable, and/or act as an asphyxiant if released in a confined area. Compressed gas cylinders must be used and stored in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines and in accordance with Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (CGA) Handbook for Handling Compressed Gases.   

Written procedures must be developed and implemented for each compressed gas used.  The procedures must describe allowable use, engineering and administrative controls, and required PPE, as applicable. 

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Spill Response

American University has developed procedures and a chemical spill response plan to contain and clean up chemical spills. In the event of a chemical spill, it is important that those in the immediate area take responsibility for initiating a prompt, safe cleanup. This responsibility may entail direct response by lab personnel to contain, absorb, or neutralize the spill, or notification to outside personnel to provide adequate controls to engage the more challenging spills.

Since chemical spills can be potentially dangerous, only small spills shall be handled by employees knowledgeable about the contents of the spilled material. Consult the SDS for chemicals involved in the spill for safety precautions and spill cleanup.  If the nature of the material spilled is unknown or if the spill exceeds the minor spill volume (1 liter in volume) the employee must immediately contact the laboratory supervisor, Departmental Chair, EH&S, and public safety to determine appropriate response.

Cleanup guidelines are intended for small volume spills and are general procedures only. They are superseded by information contained in an SDS or other specific directions.  If the hood ventilation should fail evacuate the area and notify Public Safety.  For more information please refer to the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

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Tax-Free Ethanol

American University maintains a permit to purchase and use tax-free ethanol. Only pure ethanol at ≥190 proof is subject to the provisions of the permit. Provisions include, but are not limited to:

• Containers must be defaced when empty
• Containers must be secured from unauthorized access
• A copy of the permit must be posted in the use area
• Receipt and usage of tax-free ethanol must be recorded
• Records must be retained for at least 3 years
• Inventory must be conducted biannually
• Use volume must be limited per the permit

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Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Safety

HF is a unique acid that can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in addition to skin and eye damage. A crucial immediate treatment for skin exposure (in addition to rinsing and calling 911) is the application of 2.5% calcium gluconate gel to the affected area. EH&S provides this gel to laboratories that work with HF. Laboratory supervisors are responsible for developing SOPs for work with HF and for communicating proper safety procedures to laboratory employees.

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Peroxide-Forming Chemicals

Peroxide-forming chemicals are a class of chemicals that may develop explosive peroxides upon storage or concentration. Therefore, these chemicals must be monitored closely and discarded before they become seriously hazardous to personnel. Details of the peroxide-forming chemical program, including a list of common laboratory chemicals, can be found in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Briefly, the following steps must be taken:

• Chemicals must be dated upon receipt and opening. EHS will provide appropriate labels.
• If unopened, containers must be discarded or evaluated for peroxides within 18 months of receipt or upon expiration.
• If opened, containers must be discarded or evaluated for peroxides within 12 months of opening, and every 6 months thereafter.
• Containers that are found upon testing to contain peroxide levels in excess of 50 ppm must be discarded immediately through EHS.
• Researchers must develop SOPs for proper use, storage, and monitoring of peroxide-forming chemicals.