The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires the University to establish a chemical
labeling policy. Because it is the policy of Binghamton University to
comply with all Federal, State and local regulations, all containers
of hazardous chemicals must be properly labeled in accordance with section
1910.1200(f) of the Hazard Communication Standard.
A
hazardous chemical is any chemical or mixture of chemicals having properties
capable of producing adverse effects on the health & safety of human
beings and/or the environment. It
is recommended that containers of non-hazardous materials also be labeled
when those containers are stored or used around other hazardous materials
(e.g.: a water bottle in a chemistry lab).
It
is the responsibility of all employees to assure that labels are properly
attached and legible. Any labels that are not legible, are degraded,
or are missing must be replaced. This
is necessary to prevent the generation of unknown compounds which present
health & safety hazards and require additional costs for identification
before final disposal.
When
it is necessary for chemical products to be transferred to other containers,
it is the responsibility of the employee making such transfers to assure
a proper label is attached that contains at a minimum, the name of the
chemical written out. Structures, formulas or abbreviations are not
acceptable. It also requires
that any special hazards also be identified on the container label. Examples include, but are not limited to, carcinogens,
mutagens, teratogens, highly toxic, explosives, etc. Preprinted labels
for this purpose are available at Science Stores.
In
addition, it is also recommended that all chemicals be given a “Date
Received,” “Date Opened,“ and/or “Expiration Date.”
This policy is mandatory for peroxide forming compounds such
as ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, etc.
The Binghamton University Hazardous Waste Management
Guide (available on-line at http://ehs.binghamton.edu)
lists specific examples and procedures for dealing with peroxide forming
compounds. This policy is necessary to prevent peroxide
forming compounds from becoming unstable and potentially explosive over
time which requires special handling and disposal at a cost of $1000
or more PER container.
Questions
concerning chemical labeling should be directed to the Hazardous Waste
Manager at 7-5799.
