Safety

Disposing Chemical Waste

• How do I know if my chemical waste is hazardous?

  Your MSDS sheets will tell you if the chemical is hazardous or not. You can also check the chemical waste registry here. If the chemical has a 05 NH DDC code it is non-hazardous. If you are still unsure, you should treat it as though it is hazardous.

  I do not have the necessary MSDS data sheets. What do I do?

  Any hazardous material can be disposed by following the directions here.
  
  You are required to be able to readily access a SDS for your materials. These sheets usually come with the material when it is ordered. DEHS also has links to several SDS services.
  https://dehs.umn.edu/safety-data-sheetschemical-information-search
  http://www.ilpi.com/msds/faq/partd.html#paperless

Lab Materials and Equipment

• What is the maximum quantity of a combustible or flammable liquid allowed in my lab?

  Your lab should have been built so that there is not more flammable storage cabinet space than allowed by code. You can use all the space under your fume hoods and any built in flammable storage cabinets.All flammables and combustibles should be stored in flammable storage cabinets. See the Flammable Hazard Class SOP for more information.
  
  The maximum size for ANY container is 5 gallons (20 L). If you need to store flammables in a container larger than 5 gallons (such as a drum), contact DEHS at (612) 626-6002 for guidance. Small amounts of flammables (<1 L) may be left out in the lab. On a space-available basis, combustibles and containers <1 L should be stored in flammable cabinets. Halogenated organics which are not flammable are not required to be stored in a flammable cabinet. You may choose to put them there to control vapors on a space-available basis.

  Do I need to have eyewashes in my lab?

  A safety shower and eyewash shall be provided in each lab area equipped with a fume hood. An eyewash shall be provided in other laboratories using hazardous chemical or radiological materials. An eyewash shall be provided in a readily accessible location where BSL2 or BSL3 biological agents are stored and used. Regulations on eyewashes are available in the construction standard 13 00 12.

Clean Up

• How do I get rid of broken glass boxes?

  The box will be picked up by custodians if taped shut.

  How do I get rid of biohazardous waste?

  Biohazardous waste can be brought to the ME dock.

  How do I get rid of old equipment?

  Old equipment can be disposed through reuse.

  What do I do in case of a chemical spill?

  You need to be prepared for such an event. Complete your lab specific emergency plan. The University has numerous resources to help guide you:

  Chemical Spill Planning
  General Chemical Spills
  Emergency Chemical Spill Procedures
  Non-Emergency Chemical Spill Procedures
  Recognize Chemical Spills

   

  Other clean up/disposal

  View the FM Waste Guide for more information.

Safety Training

• Who is supposed to attend the safety training?

  Attendance at our annual safety training is required for faculty, staff, teaching assistants and research assistants. If you are a new graduate student, you need to attend the initial safety training. In the following years, you still need to attend the annual safety training.