Rensselaer’s Hazard Communication Program outlines the written procedures and guidelines to comprehensively address the process of evaluating the potential hazards of chemicals, and the communication of hazards and appropriate personal protective measures to Rensselaer employees, contractors, and visitors. The communication of chemical hazards is the responsibility of all individuals in the campus community and is coordinated by EHS. Hazard Communication involves the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), container labeling and other forms of warning, information and training and comprehensive risk assessment.

Individuals must be aware of chemical hazards and appropriate safety procedures as described in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), as may be specified by the PI/Laboratory Supervisor, and through other appropriate references, as may be necessary.

Laboratory workers can find more information in Section 5.2 General Precautions for Chemical Handling of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Working safely with chemicals and following good lab practices are an integral part of conducting work and research safely.  Engineering controls can limit exposure to hazards and PPE can protect a individual's body, but making sure your behavior doesn't expose you or your colleagues to risks is important. For safe lab practices that cover many of the common routes of exposure but are by no means a comprehensive list, see 5.1 Safe Lab Practices and Routes of Exposure of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

A safety data sheet (SDS) includes information on the properties of each chemical including physical, health, and environmental health hazards. Guidelines on protective measures and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical are also listed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) along with Rensselaer requires that the chemical manufacturer provide a specific SDS for each chemical. 

At Rensselaer, safety data sheets can be obtained through the Research Material Management (RMM) chemical inventory system located within the OSCAR procurement system (once in OSCAR, within the Preferred Scientific and Specialty Gas Suppliers section, click on the "Chemicals" tile). In the lab, SDSs can be accessed electronically or in paper form, as long as each lab worker is trained on how to obtain an SDS for the chemical being used. If a paper SDS index is used, it must be updated whenever a chemical product is added to or deleted from the inventory. 

OSHA and Rensselaer follow the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Hazard Classification for labelling of chemical containers. Every container of a hazardous chemical, except containers that will contain chemicals for immediate use, must be labeled, tagged, or marked to identify the substance and appropriate hazard warnings. 

Manufacturer’s Labels

The manufacturer’s original label shall provide:

• Identity of the hazardous substance
• Signal word
• Hazard statement(s)
• Pictogram(s)
• Precautionary statement(s)
• Name and address of the manufacturer, importer or responsible party

Labels shall be: Legible, in English, and prominently displayed on the container. The original label shall not be removed or defaced unless the container is immediately marked with the required information.

Workplace Labels

Every container of a hazardous chemical must be labeled, tagged, or marked, in English, to identify the chemical and to provide appropriate hazard warnings. Chemical identification and hazard warning labels on containers used for storing chemicals should include the following information: 

• Identity of the owner
• Chemical identification and identity of hazard component(s)
• Appropriate hazard warnings

Materials transferred from primary (labeled) bulk containers to transfer vessels (e.g., safety cans and squeeze bottles) should be labeled with chemical identification, hazard precautions, and first-aid information.

Portable secondary containers used immediately by the person performing the transfer do not need labels. 

Non-hazardous substances (e.g., distilled water) should be labeled with the chemical name, with no abbreviations in order to avoid confusion.

The purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) is to protect individuals from potential hazards. However, eliminating hazards through engineering or administrative controls is more effective and the first priority of Rensselaer safety programs. These controls provide better and more consistent protection than relying on PPE alone. If PPE is necessary, it is best used with engineering and/or administrative controls along with good work practices.

When selecting appropriate PPE, consult the chemical’s SDS for recommendations on the appropriate PPE to wear to keep yourself safe from the chemical’s hazards.

For additional information on PPE in the laboratory, see Section 5.3 Protective Equipment of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. 

• Glove Compatibility Chart (for reference only)
• Laboratory PPE Matrix
• Prescription Safety Glasses Program