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Chemical Safety

The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) and the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) jointly provide oversight for chemical safety management at Miami University. Comprehensive chemical safety includes several interconnected elements, as outlined below, which are foundational to promoting a culture of safety across all research and academic operations.

Inventory, Safety Data Sheets, and Labeling

Hazard Communication Program

The Hazard Communication Program addresses the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, including required training, chemical inventory, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and labeling requirements.
Hazard Communication Program

Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide information including the hazards, engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), storage, and handling required for a hazardous material. Please note that you must be on the Miami University network in order to access Chemwatch.
Chemwatch

Chemical Inventory

Laboratory, studio, or shop spaces that utilize or store hazardous materials must have a chemical inventory in place, as indicated in the Hazard Communication Program. Miami University has acquired access to Quartzy, an inventory management system. Click here for instructions on how to login and upload your chemical inventory to Quartzy.
Access Quartzy

Labeling Guidance

Coming Soon.

Chemical Hygiene Plan & Resources

Chemical Hygiene Plan

The Chemical Hygiene Plan was developed to provide all faculty, staff, students, and visitors with information pertaining to the use of chemicals on Miami University property. This document addresses chemical and physical hazards and includes a variety of information pertaining to lab safety topics.
Chemical Hygiene Plan | Safety | Physical Facilities

Compressed Gas Cylinders

The use of compressed gas cylinders in laboratory, studio, or shop spaces requires special precautions pertaining to gas cylinder use, transportation, and storage. Click the link below for basic guidelines and rules to help ensure the safe handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders.
Compressed Gas Cylinders | Safety | Physical Facilities

Peroxide Forming Chemicals

Peroxide-forming materials are chemicals which can form shock sensitive peroxide crystals over time or upon exposure to air. Click the link below for information regarding best practices for peroxide-forming materials and a list of those commonly encountered.
Peroxide Forming Chemicals | Safety | Physical Facilities

Incompatible Chemicals

Due to the inherent properties of hazardous chemicals, chemical incompatibilities should be evaluated prior to acquisition, storage, and use. Click the link below for commonly known chemical incompatibilities.
Incompatible Chemicals | Safety | Physical Facilities

Reproductive Toxins

Some hazardous chemicals can present an unique risk to the human reproductive system, including reproductive system function, fetal development, and hormone regulation, impacting all genders. Click the link below for additional information.
Reproductive Toxins | Safety | Physical Facilities

Glove Selection Guidance for Chemical Use

While nitrile gloves are commonly found in most laboratory spaces, the hazardous materials utilized may require an alternative glove material. Prior to utilizing a hazardous material, always review the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. Click the link below to learn more about alternative glove materials.
Personal Protective Equipment | Safety | Physical Facilities

Hazardous Waste

Miami University recognizes and accepts its responsibility to provide proper hazardous waste management for university operations including research, teaching, and support functions that generate chemical waste. The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) is charged with the responsibility of coordinating Miami University’s Hazardous Waste Management Program. Click on each link below to learn more about the management of hazardous waste, including generator responsibilities.

Hazardous Waste

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a hazardous waste is either listed in one of the several listed prepared by the EPA or exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: ignitable, reactive, corrosive, or toxic. Click the link below to learn more about hazardous waste categories.
Hazardous Waste | Chemical Safety | Physical Facilities

Chemical Waste Disposal Request

Do you have hazardous waste that you need to dispose of? Click on the link below, complete the Chemical Waste Record, and submit the completed form to ehso@MiamiOH.edu to initiate the hazardous waste pick-up process.
Chemical Waste Record

Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, is a volatile, organic liquid that is commonly utilized as a laboratory chemical. Recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a rule resulting in its regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Click the link for more information.

Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane)

Guidance Documents

Laboratory Sharps
Refrigeration/Freezer Units