Before starting any procedure that requires the use of a chemical, you must identify the hazards associated with the chemical. Reading and understanding the warning or hazard labels on the chemical containers and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each of the chemicals used can help achieve this.
At a minimum, you should post the following signs in each laboratory:
1. A listing of telephone numbers for CMU Police, safety coordinator, and supervisory personnel.
2. Location signs for safety equipment, such as safety showers, eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, emergency cut-off switches, and first aid equipment.
3. Signs designating the location of MSDS information.
4. Signs designating the areas where food and beverages are NOT permitted.
5. Warning signs where dangerous equipment is in use or where potentially dangerous operations are taking place.
At a minimum, each new chemical container must be labeled with the following:
1. Name of chemical.
2. Hazard warnings.
3. Name and address of supplier.
At a minimum, you must label each transfer chemical container with the following:
1. Name of chemical
2. Hazard warnings.
You must also properly label containers of non-hazardous materials. (Example: distilled water).
Hazardous Chemical Waste
Chemical waste container labels must read "Hazardous Waste" and list the contents and hazard warnings.
Example Label:
Hazardous Waste
Acetone
Flammable