Office of Research Services

Access the Chemical Hygiene Plan, Hazard Communication Plan, and other required policies and guidance documents for safely managing chemical hazards. 

• Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Chemical Safety Guide
• Hazard Communication Program
• Update to Chemical Hygiene Plan

Report all chemical incidents and near misses promptly to the Division of Safety. 

• Report an Incident (myCority)
• Safety Tips for Avoiding Chemical-Related Incidents

An accurate chemical inventory is essential for managing chemicals safely and preventing laboratory incidents. The LabArchives Chemical Inventory module is a helpful tool to create and maintain your inventory. 

• How to use LabArchives for Chemical Inventory 
• How to use LabArchives (Lab Managers & Supervisors) 
• Lab-Specific SOP Template

PHS are carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and highly toxic chemicals that require special handling, storage, and disposal. 

Know how to respond to chemical spills and emergencies before starting to work with chemicals.​                 

• Spills in Laboratory

Store chemicals safely by segregating incompatible materials to prevent fires, reactions, and other incidents. Review the fact sheets and reference materials for guidance on safe chemical storage.                   

• Chemical Segregation and Storage 
• Chemical Segregation Table 
• Fact Sheet: Compatible Chemical Storage 
• Fact Sheet: Chemical Storage Cabinets

Peroxide-forming chemicals can react with oxygen in the air over time to form unstable and potentially explosive peroxides. Proper labeling, periodic testing, and timely disposal can help prevent incidents.​​                   

• Fact Sheet: Managing Peroxide Formers
• Peroxide Labels (Avery 5196312)
• Peroxide Labels (Avery Business Card)
  

A chemical fume hood is the primary engineering control for reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals — learn how to use it safely.             

• Fact Sheet: How to Safely Clean Chemical Fume
• Hoods 
• Primary Barrier Program
  

Improper storage of flammable materials can create hazardous conditions. Limit quantities stored and use approved flammable storage cabinets to reduce the risks.              

• OSHA Guide on Flammable Liquids OSHA
• Guide to Storing Flammable and Combustible Liquids​
  

Pyrophoric and water-reactive chemicals can ignite or react violently when exposed to air or moisture. Follow established guidelines when working with these chemicals to prevent serious incidents.              

• Managing Pyrophoric and Water-Reactive Chemicals

OSHA requires exposure monitoring for certain hazardous chemicals to assess personal exposures and ensure appropriate controls are in place. Refer to the NIH Chemical Monitoring program for details.             

• NIH Chemical Monitoring
• ​Occupational Exposure Limits for Chemicals
  

​Compressed gases and cryogens present unique hazards due to pressure, extreme temperatures, and potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals. NIH has established a safety program to manage these hazards and promote safe handling, storage, and use across​ the organization.             

• Safety Guidelines for Compressed Gases​

Nanomaterials, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size, may present unique health and safety hazards. Follow established guidance for safe handling, containment, storage, and disposal.              

• NIOSH Guidance on ​Nanotechnology
• AIHA Nanotechnology Working Group
  
• NIH Nanotechnology Safety and Health Program