Definitions
Hazardous material includes any chemical that is flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic (capable of causing serious harm or injury to humans, animals, and/or the environment).
Biohazardous material includes any biological substance that can cause contamination and/or is pathological (capable of spreading disease).
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
In every area where students or staff work with or may be exposed to hazardous materials, a list of all such materials must be kept in an easily-accessible location.
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining and updating their lists, including a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each hazardous material, usually stored in a binder. Students and staff should know where the binder is kept and be trained in how to use SDS information.
The supplier will provide the SDS with the initial purchase of a material. SDS should be available at the supplier's website and can also be found via online search. If you need assistance with SDS, contact the Safety & Risk Management Coordinator.
- Free SDS Search (msds.com)
- Safety Data Sheet Search (chemicalsafety.com)
- Fisher Scientific SDS Search (Fisher Scientific)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protective clothing and/or equipment MUST be used whenever required by federal, state, or local regulation. Each college area is responsible for providing proper protective equipment for all students and staff, and must ensure such equipment is functional and in good repair.
Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA)
Container Labeling
Every hazardous material container must be clearly and properly labeled.
The label must include the identity of all hazardous component(s) and all applicable hazard warnings. Secondary containers such as squeeze bottles and other refillable storage units must be labeled in the same manner. Whenever possible, obtain pre-labeled secondary containers from the material supplier. Pre-printed template labels are available from many vendors.
- Hazardous Materials Labels and Pictograms (OSHA)
- A Guide to GHS Classification and Labeling (OSHA)
- MSDS / SDS Glossary (msdsauthoring.com)
Biohazardous Waste
All biomedical waste must be handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
To ensure compliance with these regulations, every college area that handles biomedical waste has developed its own specific policies and procedures. Consult the Safety Contact in each area for access to this information.
Operating Plans
All areas of the college which handle biomedical waste are subject to State of Florida Chapter 64E-16 FAC statutes. A model Biomedical Waste Operating Plan is available from the Florida Department of Health.
Lab Safety Training
Area-Specific Protocols
Every area of the college must adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials. Area supervisors are responsible for developing and maintaining a Protocol Guide relevant to the hazardous materials in that specific area. These guides must conform to all federal, state, and local regulations, and must be kept up to date in an easily-accessible area. All students and staff must be familiar with the contents of the Protocol Guide for each area in which they work.
If you have any questions regarding hazardous material regulations, are not sure who to consult about the materials in your area, or need help developing the Protocol Guide for your area, contact the Safety & Risk Management Coordinator.
Outside Contractors
When an outside contractor performs work in an area where hazardous materials are stored or used, the contractor must be informed of all such hazards, including granting the contractor access to the SDS binder and explaining the hazardous materials labeling system. If an outside contractor brings hazardous materials onto campus as part of work performed, they must provide the area supervisor with similar hazard information.