Chemical Safety
Chapter 4: Training and Information
4.1 Initial Training
All University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign employees who work with hazardous chemicals must be apprised of the hazards of chemicals present in their work area. This training must be provided before initial assignment and before new exposure situations. Personal protective equipment necessary for the safe handling of hazardous substances must also be provided.
Employees who work with chemicals in laboratories must be trained on the OSHA Laboratory Standard; employees who work with chemicals in places other than laboratories must be trained under the Hazard Communication (Worker Right-to-Know) program. If you are a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign employee and have not received such training, request that your supervisor make arrangements to provide you with such training. DRS is available to assist in this training.
Topics to be covered during training include the general issues discussed in this guide and the specific hazards that might be encountered on your job.
4.2 Refresher Training
Workers trained under the Hazard Communication program are required by the Illinois Department of Labor to receive annual refresher training.
The frequency for refresher training for employees trained under the OSHA Laboratory Standard is left to the discretion of the employer. At University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign the frequency of refresher training is determined by principal investigators. DRS recommends that refresher training be performed annually.
Additional training is required when new exposure situations arise. Such situations include the use of new chemicals, greater quantities of chemicals, and different procedures.
4.3 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
MSDSs should be the first source of information about the hazards associated with a chemical.
Typically, MSDSs will contain the following information, usually in separate sections on the sheet:
- name, address, and phone number of manufacturer
- chemical name, synonyms, and Chemical Abstracts (CAS) Number
- physical properties
- a listing of hazardous constituents for mixtures
- health hazard information
- first-aid measures
- fire fighting measures
- handling and storage precautions
- exposure controls/personal protection
- stability and reactivity
Newer MSDSs will contain the following additional information:
- toxicological information
- ecological information
- disposal considerations
- transport information
- regulatory information
- other information
Manufacturers are required to provide a MSDS for each chemical product sold. The Division of Research Safety (DRS) maintains a repository of all the MSDSs received by the campus. If DRS does not have a MSDS for a product you are using, DRS will obtain one. Government regulations specify that MSDSs be readily available to employees. DRS recommends that each unit obtain hard copies of MSDSs for the products most commonly used.
Instructions for electronic access to the DRS repository (for the campus community only) and connections to MSDSs available through the Web can be found on the DRS website. Alternatively, MSDSs may be requested by contacting DRS (217) 333-2755 or via e-mail.
4.4 Other Sources of Information
A list of chemical safety references available at DRS are listed in Appendix 3. Of these, Prudent Practices and Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories will most likely be of use to laboratory workers.
DRS personnel are also available to visit work areas and consult with individuals or small groups about specific chemical hazards and alternatives for mitigating those hazards.
In addition to training offered by DRS, the following courses are available:
MatSE 392/Chem 393 "Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety", held every Fall and Spring semester. 1 hour undergraduate or 0.25 unit graduate credit, S/U basis.
This short course presents key aspects of lab setup, operating procedures and emergency preparedness necessary for the experimentalist while at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and in his/her future career. Topics include: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Model Chemical Hygiene Plan; lab set up and operating procedures; material safety data sheets; wet chemistry; liquid and compressed gases; vacuum and mechanical equipment; electricity; chemical waste disposal; and a primer on lasers and radiation. The required text is Safety in Academic Chemical Laboratories (American Chemical Society) and is supplemented by articles and class notes. Fire extinguisher training is provided by the appropriate Fire Department. Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation and first aid is provided by the Illini Emergency Medical Services.
Chem 436 Safety Lecture (one of several lectures) 2 hours, open to all Chemistry graduate students, or instructor's approval. Offered at the beginning of each spring semester. Topics include: general lab safety; handling chemicals; chemical laboratory waste handling; safety equipment; and other hazards such as machinery, vacuums, glassware, flame, electrical, radiation, etc.
