Chemical Hazard Control Plan

Purpose

This program outlines the minimum guidelines for the safe laboratory use of hazardous chemicals at Western Michigan University (WMU) to prevent overexposures. This program does not cover the laboratory use of radioactive materials, recombinant DNA, or bloodborne pathogens.

The guidelines address common laboratory practices, chemical handling and storage, engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods), administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene.

This program does not supersede applicable Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) standards, including Personal Protective Equipment (Part 433) and Respiratory Protection (Part 451). As a state-plan state, MIOSHA standards are equivalent to federal OSHA requirements. Additional information on these requirements is available through OSHA resources on personal protective equipment and respiratory protection.

WMU’s related programs are available on the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Programs and Plans webpage, including the PPE Program and Respiratory Protection Program.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available through WMU’s online SDS database.

Scope

This program applies to Western Michigan University employees who perform or supervise activities in laboratories.

Definitions

Fail-Safe: An experiment that is monitored or controlled by a device designed to automatically shut down the process in the event of unsafe conditions (e.g., loss of water, power failure, or system malfunction).

Guidelines

A. Common Practices

1. Respect and understand the safety and health hazards associated with chemicals and equipment in the laboratory.
2. Ensure unattended experiments are fail-safe.
3. Refrain from pranks, practical jokes, or unprofessional behavior.
4. Use proper equipment that is in good condition. Do not use chipped or cracked glassware.
5. Shield pressurized or vacuum apparatus and safeguard against bumping or overheating.
6. Guard equipment with belt and pulley drives, gears, or shaft couplings.
7. Treat chemicals of unknown composition as highly hazardous. Refer to the Highly Hazardous Chemicals Program.
8. Heat perchloric acid only in a fume hood designed for perchloric acid use.
9. Wash hands prior to eating, drinking, or contact with the face.
10. Prohibit children and unauthorized individuals from entering laboratories.

B. Chemical Handling and Storage

1. Store chemicals by compatibility, not alphabetically.
2. Store large containers on lower shelves.
3. Store volatile toxic substances in ventilated storage cabinets or fume hoods.
4. Use explosion-proof refrigeration when storing flammable volatiles.
5. Date peroxidizable or unstable chemicals upon receipt and opening.
6. Use bottle carriers or carts when transporting glass containers.
7. Keep containers closed and avoid inaccessible storage locations.
8. Pour chemicals carefully and never add water to concentrated acid.
9. Ground and bond containers (>5 gallons) when transferring flammable liquids.
10. Do not place flammable materials in drying ovens.

Compressed Gas Cylinders:

• Store in well-ventilated areas with caps in place
• Secure cylinders to prevent tipping
• Separate flammable and oxidizing gases
• Store empty and full cylinders separately
• Use approved carts for transport
• Avoid moving highly toxic gases through corridors when possible
• Handle all cylinders as if full

11. Maintain original labels; do not deface supplier labels.
12. Label all secondary containers and reaction products.
13. Verify container compatibility (e.g., no hydrofluoric acid in glass).

C. Engineering Controls

1. Use substitution where feasible to reduce hazard potential.
2. Use local exhaust ventilation such as fume hoods.
3. Use enhanced controls for highly toxic gases (e.g., gas cabinets, detection systems).

Fume Hood Practices:

• Do not use hoods for storage
• Keep work at least 6 inches inside the hood
• Avoid overcrowding
• Minimize movement in front of hood
• Do not evaporate chemical waste in hoods
• Keep sash as low as possible
• Contact Facilities or EHS if airflow alarms activate

D. Administrative Controls

1. Minimize exposure time.
2. Restrict access to hazardous areas.
3. Maintain lab signage identifying hazards and emergency contacts.
4. Prohibit eating, drinking, chewing gum, and applying cosmetics in labs.
5. Do not store food with chemicals or hazardous materials.
6. Prohibit mouth pipetting.

E. Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

1. Wear lab coats or aprons and closed-toe shoes.
2. Wear clothing that covers legs and torso.
3. Use appropriate chemical-resistant gloves.
4. Wear eye and face protection at all times in laboratories.
5. Use additional protection (e.g., face shields) for high-risk procedures.
6. Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes following exposure and seek medical attention.
7. Flush skin and remove contaminated clothing following exposure.
8. Use proper technique when handling glass tubing.
9. Wash hands frequently and before leaving the lab.

F. Waste Disposal

1. Dispose of glass in designated containers after rinsing.
2. Use EHS-approved containers for chemical waste.
3. Dispose of sharps in approved sharps containers.
4. Contact EHS for waste compatibility or disposal questions.

Responsibilities

A. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

• Coordinate hazardous waste disposal
• Respond to chemical spills beyond lab capabilities
• Provide respirator training, fit testing, and medical clearance
• Conduct annual fume hood inspections
• Provide PPE and regulatory guidance
• Provide technical assistance

📞 Contact EHS: (269) 387-5593

B. Deans and Directors

• Ensure funding for PPE and safety equipment
• Ensure compliance with MIOSHA standards

C. Laboratory Supervisors

• Ensure proper PPE use
• Maintain awareness of chemical hazards
• Conduct lab inspections
• Maintain labeling integrity
• Coordinate with EHS for high-risk procedures

D. Laboratory Workers

• Use appropriate PPE
• Follow program requirements
• Understand chemical hazards

Appendix A – Chemical Safety Resources

• WMU Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Database:
  https://www.esem.wmich.edu/msds.htm
• OSHA Personal Protective Equipment:
  https://www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment
• OSHA Respiratory Protection:
  https://www.osha.gov/respiratory-protection
• OSHA Chemical Reactivity Hazards:
  https://www.osha.gov/chemical-reactivity
• NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards:
  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
• NOAA CAMEO Chemicals Database:
  https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov
• CCPS Chemical Reactivity Worksheet:
  https://www.aiche.org/ccps/resources/chemical-reactivity-worksheet
• International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC):
  https://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.home

Bretherick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards

Revised 3/18/2026