Chemical Safety
Contact: Kate Lumley-Sapanski, sapanski@ehs.psu.edu814-865-6391

Many facilities within the University contain chemicals and hazardous materials that are essential for their operation. The Chemical Safety Program is responsible for the development and oversight of programs to ensure the safe handling, use, transport, collection, storage, and disposal of chemicals generated by teaching, research or administrative support activities.

Services Offered

• Training
• Evaluation of Processes & Facilities for Hazards
• Chemical Waste Collection and Disposal
• Chemical Fume Hood Testing
• Design/Recommend Safety Designs/Equipment
• Develop Protocols & Procedures to Address Hazards
• Emergency Response
• Oversight and Development of Emergency Response Plans
• Personnel Protective Equipment Selection
• Safety Inspections
• Safety Equipment Recommendations

Program Support Information

• Policies
• Storage, Dispensing and Use of Flammable Liquids Policy (SY08)
• Refrigerator - Explosion Proof Policy (SY11)
• Hazardous Waste Disposal Policy (SY20)
• Fluorescent Light Ballast / Capacitor Disposal Policy (SY26)
• Lamp Use and Disposal (SY31)
• Requirements/Guidelines
• Chemical Compatibility Chart
• Chemical Safety Guideline in the Laboratory  
• Controlled Substances
• Flammable and Combustible Liquids Handling (Powerpoint presentation)
• Highly Hazardous Chemicals
• General Safety Manual
• Glove Selection Chart
• Guidelines for Working with Hydrofluoric Acid  
• Information on Controlled Substances
• Latex Allergies Prevention  
• List of Acutely Hazardous Waste  
• Monthly Pesticide Facility Checklist  
• PA Right to Know (Written Program)
• Pollution Prevention Initiatives
• Procedures for Moving Your Laboratory  
• Notification Form  
• Certification Form  
• Recycling of Chemical Containers  
• Requirements for Secondary Containment for 55 Gallon Drums  
• Roofing Project Odors  
• Spills: Chemical and Oil Spill/Release Clean-Up and Reporting Requirements  
• Training
• Chemical and Hazardous Waste Handling (initial)
• Chemical and Hazardous Waste Handling (annual refresher)
• Working Safely With Chemicals
• Special Disposal Procedures:
• Battery Disposal
• Chemical Waste Disposal Guidelines
• Household Disposal of Mercury
• Paint/ Related Materials Disposal  
• Photographic Fixer Disposal  
• Waste Management Logbook 

More Information

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Regulations for Hazardous Waste (40 CFR 260-265 )
Environmental Protection Agency - Region 3 (including Pennsylvania)
OSHA Laboratory Standards
Occupational Health Resource links (Duke University)
OSHA/EPA Occupational Chemical Database