Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

generation of unknowns, allowing for the correct disposal of wastes, and facilitating emergency
responses such as cleaning up spills and obtaining the proper medical treatment.
New chemical containers have the proper labeling information on the chemical label. The
OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that labels on all incoming containers must be maintained
and not defaced. As part of laboratory good housekeeping and self-inspections, if any chemical
labels appear to be falling off, then laboratory personnel should tape the label back on the
container or relabel entirely. All personnel working in the laboratory must be fully trained on
how to label chemicals. Training must occur when a new person begins working in the
laboratory, when new chemicals are introduced, and at least once a year in any event.
4.2 Non-Original Containers
Non-original containers (secondary use containers) such as wash bottles, squirt bottles,
temporary storage containers, beakers, flasks, bottles and vials, or any container that a chemical
from an original container is transferred into, must be properly labeled. EPA and OSHA
regulations require the listing of any hazards associated with that chemical and, whenever
possible, writing out the full chemical name. In order to satisfy New York State and EPA
regulations (6 NYCRR 372.2 (a) (2); 40 CFR 262.11) all chemical containers used for storing
and handling chemicals must be labeled with enough information that when they do become a
waste, a proper “waste determination” can be made. Since a chemical in use or storage can
instantly become a waste through spillage, fire, or water damage, it is imperative that the
information required to handle the waste properly be on the label. Laboratory personnel are
encouraged to use commercially available pre-labeled containers (such as squirt bottles) for
chemicals that are used frequently.
The information required is not extensive or difficult to determine. If the material:
1. Is flammable (flash point under 141 o F)
2. Is an oxidizer
3. Reacts with water or air
4. Spontaneously combusts or polymerizes
5. Has a pH less than 2 or greater than 12
6. Is explosive
7. Contains heavy metals
then the container must indicate the hazard. Any organic solvent must also be listed.
For small containers such as vials and Eppendorf tubes, laboratory personnel can group them by
class into a larger vessel and simply label the outside of the vessel once. A brief description
indicating all hazard characteristics should be included. While this type of system is available
for laboratory personnel to use, using such a system for hazardous chemicals is not
recommended. Such a system would be more appropriate for non-hazardous compounds such as
agar and buffer solutions. Examples of similar systems can be found below:
• Placing the vial or small container in a Ziploc bag or other type of overpack container
(e.g., a beaker or plastic bottle) and labeling the overpack container with the chemical
name and hazard characteristics.
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