Each
container must be labeled with the identity of all hazardous chemicals
and the appropriate hazard warnings. Whenever a chemical is transferred
to an unlabelled container, a new label must be created and securely attached
to the container.
Stock
Chemicals
The label on all
stock chemicals must remain legible and securely fastened at all times.
Never remove the original manufacturers label until the container is completely
emptied of its contents and is ready to be either discarded or reused for
another purpose. If the original manufacturers label becomes defaced
in any way, immediately replace it with a new label containing all appropriate
information. Place the date upon which the chemical was received
upon the original manufacturers label immediately upon receipt.
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Chemicals
Taken from Stock
A chemical removed
from an original container and transferred to a smaller container for use
must be properly labeled. The label must be legibly written in proper
English. It must be attached to the new container in a permanent fashion
which will reasonably protect it from damage during typical use.
The label must contain the following information:
-
Storage Requirement
(if applicable)
-
Warning of physical
or health hazards
-
Include the expiration
date and receipt/opened date (if applicable)
Sample labels
may be downloaded from the links below:
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Definition
of Hazards
Health Hazard:
A chemical for which acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed
employees. The typical types of health hazards are:
-
Carcinogens
-
Reproductive Toxins
-
Irritants
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-
Corrosives
-
Sensitizers
-
Agents which may damage
the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membrane
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Physical Hazard:
A
chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a:
-
combustible liquid
-
compressed gas
-
explosive
-
flammable
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-
organic peroxide
-
oxidizer
-
pyrophoric or unstable
-
water-reactive
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Peroxide-Forming
Chemicals
These compounds may
absorb oxygen from the air and react to form unstable peroxides.
The following procedures must be followed for all peroxide forming chemicals:
-
Date all peroxide-forming
compounds when received and when opened.
-
Inspect all containers
of undetermined age prior to opening. If the container appears old, in
bad condition or dried chemical residue is visible, do not attempt to open
the container. If crystals are present or if liquid has been allowed to
evaporate, do not touch or move the container.
-
Order less than six
months supply of these chemicals.
-
Store these materials
separately from oxidizers and mineral acids.
-
When shelf life is exceeded,
manage as hazardous chemical waste. Contact the Environmental Health and
Safety Manager to request pickup of these chemicals.
-
Class B
chemicals may be tested for peroxides using kits available from chemical
suppliers using the procedure provided below. If tested and no peroxides
are present, the chemical label may be redated and initialed, and the chemical
kept for an additional 6 months.
There are four classes
of peroxide forming chemicals that must be properly handled labeled; they
are:
Class A – Severe
Peroxide Hazard: These must be disposed within 3 months after opening.
Manage as hazardous chemical waste. Contact the Environmental Health and
Safety Manager to request pickup of these chemicals.
Note:
If crystals are present or if liquid has been allowed to evaporate, do
not touch or move the container.
Spontaneously decompose
and may become explosive with exposure to air.
Butadiene (liquid
monomer)
Isopropyl ether
Sodium amide (sodamide) |
Chloroprene (liquid
monomer)
Potassium amide
Tetrafluoroethylene
(liquid monomer) |
Divinyl
acetylene
Potassium metal
Vinylidene chloride |
Class
B – Concentration Hazard: Require external energy for spontaneous decomposition.
Form explosive peroxides when distilled, evaporated or otherwise concentrated.
These must be tested every six months after opening. A record of
the test results, including the date and the actual test strip used, must
be affixed to the container. If a Class B Peroxide Forming Hazard
fail testing, manage as hazardous chemical waste. Contact the Environmental
Health and Safety Manager to request pickup of these chemicals.
Click
here for test procedure
Acetal
Diethylene glycol
dimethyl ether (diglyme)
4-Methyl-2-pentanol
Acetaldehyde
Diethyl ether
2-Pentanol
Benzyl alcohol
Dioxanes
4-Penten-1-ol
2-Butanol
Ethylene glycol
dimethyl ether (glyme) |
1-Phenylethanol
Cumene
Furan
2-Phenylethanol
Cyclohexanol
4-Heptanol
2-Propanol
Cyclohexene
2-Hexanol
Tetrahydrofuran
2-Cyclohexen-1-ol |
Methylacetylene
Tetrahydronaphthalene
Decahydronaphthalene
3-Methyl-1-butanol
Vinyl ethers
Diacetylene
Methylcyclopentane
Other secondary
alcohols
Dicyclopentadiene
Methyl isobutyl
ketone |
Class C – Shock
and Heat Sensitive: Highly reactive and can auto-polymerize as
a result of internal peroxide accumulation. The peroxides formed in these
reactions are extremely shock and heat sensitive. Dispose of within
6 months of opening. Manage as hazardous chemical waste. Contact the Environmental
Health and Safety Manager to request pickup of these chemicals.
Acrylic acid
Chlorotrifluoroethylene
Vinyl acetate
Acrylonitrile |
Methyl methacrylate
Vinylacetylene (gas)
Butadiene (gas)
Styrene Vinylpyridine |
Vinyladiene chloride
Chloroprene
Tetrafluoroethylene
(gas)
Vinyl chloride (gas) |
Class D – Potential
Peroxide Forming Chemicals: May form peroxides but cannot be clearly
categorized in Class A, B, or C. If you suspect that peroxide crystals
have formed on a container of any chemical, manage as hazardous chemical
waste. Contact the Environmental Health and Safety Manager to request pickup
of these chemicals.
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