I. SIGNAGE and STORAGE  print this page
Room sign present and accurate?		If NO, then		Each lab must have a current room sign that accurately indicates hazard information. EHRS will produce a temporary room sign for your lab. Click here for an online Room Sign Request Form.
Is the Chemical Hygiene Work Plan posted?		If NO, then		The principal investigator must complete and sign the Chemical Hygiene Work Plan (click here for pdf) for his or her laboratory after reviewing all the items outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures. The completed document must be posted in the laboratory by October 1 of each year; when research conditions change; or when new research is initiated.
Labels on chemical containers damaged or not present?		If YES, then		Relabel all bottles with label damage. Unlabeled containers are expensive waste disposal problems.
Is there >10 gallons of flammable liquids stored outside of a Flammable Liquids Storage Cabinet?		If YES, then		Store flammable liquids in a fire-rated cabinet. If one is not available, purchase a flammable liquids cabinet within the next 6 weeks or reduce the quantity of flammable liquids stored in the lab.
Are non-flammable chemicals stored in the NFPA approved flammable liquids storage cabinet?		If YES, then		Only store flammable liquids in a NFPA approved cabinet.
Are acids and bases stored together?		If YES, then		Separate acids and bases. Do not store liquid and solid corrosives together.
Are acids stored on plastic trays?		If NO, then		Store acids on plastic trays unless they are stored in an acid cabinet. Do not store acids or bases above eye level. Specially designed corrosion resistant cabinets (acid cabinets) are present in some laboratories and should be used for the acid storage.
Are cabinets that store corrosive materials damaged?		If YES, then		Damaged cabinets must be repaired. Contact your facilities office to schedule repair work.
Are chemical reactions visible (discolored reagents, white haze on bottles)?		If YES, then		This indicates that incompatible storage is present. Remove chemical containers and clean (wet wipe) all dry chemical storage areas. Examine each container and determine the need for and the condition of each reagent. Dispose of old, unneeded chemicals and those with damaged containers.
Are cylinders secured so they can't fall?		If NO, then		Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to support cylinders.
Are acutely toxic, reproductive hazards and carcinogens handled and stored in a DESIGNATED AREA?		If NO, then		All locations within the laboratory where acutely toxic, including "Select Agents," carcinogenic, or reproductive hazards are handled should be demarcated with designated area caution tape. Preprinted tape is available from EHRS, the Cell Center or the Chemistry stockroom. Click here for the online Chemical Hygiene Designated Area Tape and Label Order Form. Alternately the lab worker may write designated area on yellow tape and use that. Areas that should be designated include all fume hoods, sinks and bench tops where the acutely toxic, carcinogenic, or reproductive hazards are handled. The tape should be used in the same manner as radiation caution tape; the lab worker may designate an area only during the time the chemical is used and then remove it or may permanently designate an area and leave the tape in place.
Is overstocking evident (multiple containers of a single reagent present)?		If YES, then		Order minimum the minimum quantity of material needed. Do not purchase case lots of reagents unless you have sufficient storage space.
Are your liquid chemicals wastes properly stored and labeled?		If NO, then		Liquid chemical wastes must be stored in a closed container. Waste containers must be in secondary containment. Five Gallon Carboys must have a Waste Identification Tag attached. Self-supplied smaller containers must be clearly labeled with their contents.
Are new containers of chemicals dated when opened?		If NO, then		Date chemicals when opened.
Is there insufficient storage space (containers are stacked on top of each other)?		If YES, then		Do not stack reagents. Reduce chemical storage or find other storage locations
Are opened containers of ether stored for more than 6 months?		If YES, then		Ether may form explosive peroxides after exposure to air. Date new containers upon opening and dispose of the chemical after 6 months.
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