Chemical Safety

The hazards associated with chemicals in the laboratory are numerous and wide ranging.  As with all aspects of lab safety, when dealing with chemical hazards it is important to know what you are working with, what can go wrong and how to prevent it, and what to do in the event something does go wrong. Chapter 4 of the Clemson Laboratory Safety Manual (PDF) discusses the basics of chemical safety: 

• Chemical hazard identification (Page 26)
• Chemical segregation and storage (Page 31)
• Chemical labeling (Page 37)
• Peroxide forming chemicals (Page 39)
• Particularly hazardous substances (Page 42)

These sections discuss general chemical safety topics relevant to the majority of laboratories at Clemson.  However, in the case of specific chemicals, or high-hazard chemicals (i.e. high energy materials, highly toxic chemicals, etc.) it is important that care be taken to fully understand all aspects of the chemical hazards from storage, through the intended use, to the final disposal as hazardous waste.  Contact the Chemical and Lab Safety Manger with any specific questions or concerns about chemical safety.

All laboratories which use or store hydrofluoric acid (HF) must have all personnel receive training on the proper use, storage, and emergency procedures associated with this chemical, regardless of whether they personally handle the chemical or not.  OES provides required in-person training on the first Friday of each month.  Calcium Gluconate gel, signage, and HF spill cleanup materials are also provided to those labs that store and use HF.  Contact the Chemical and Lab Safety Manager to sign up for HF safety training.  Appendix 1 of the Clemson Laboratory Safety Manual describes the HF safety program and requirements.