Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management
Chemical Exposure
In the event of an emergency, call 911 from a campus phone or 278-8400 from a cell phone.
Chemical exposures occur from the following routes:
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
- Dermal
- Injection
Laboratory standard operating procedures, chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS) should be reviewed before using a chemical. Strictly follow all recommendations and requirements.
- Avoid exposures
- Substitute less hazardous chemicals whenever possible
- Use microtechniques whenever possible
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Utilize control equipment, such as fume hoods and safety cabinets
- Utilize recommended Personal Protective Equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses/goggles, face shields, aprons, lab coats etc.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke or apply make-up when working with chemicals.
- Do not store food and drinks in the laboratory.
- Recognize the signs of exposure
- The SDS provides this information.
- Know what to do if an accidental exposure occurs
- Move to fresh air in the event of an inhalation hazard
- Utilize a safety shower and/or eye wash for skin or eye exposures
- Obtain medical assistance by calling 911 from a campus phone or 278-8400 from a cell phone.