Chemical Safety and Regulatory Compliance
In a university environment, the use of hazardous chemicals is common. While the primary goal of the Chemical Safety Office is that these substances are used in a manner that is safe for the user, community, and environment, they must also be used in a way that is compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. Below is a brief description of some of the ways that hazardous chemical use that is regulated. Click on the links to get more information.
Laboratory Use of Hazardous Chemicals
Laboratories are unique workplace settings with very diverse use of chemicals. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has outlined special workplace requirements for labs in the OSHA Laboratory Standard. However, OSHA is not the only organization that regulates use of chemicals in the lab.
Non-Lab Use of Hazardous Chemicals
The use of hazardous chemicals on campus is not limited to the laboratory. OSHA regulations cover the non-lab use of hazardous chemicals in the Hazard Communication Standard.
Shipping and Transporting Hazardous Chemicals
Shipping hazardous chemicals is not as simple as handing the package off to a carrier. The process is highly regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and requires special packaging requirements and well as training. Restrictions also apply to simply transporting chemicals across campus.
Use of DEA Controlled Substances
Both the federal government and the State of Wisconsin have special controls for drugs which have the potential to be abused.
Pesticide Usage on Campus
Pesticide usage on campus imposes requires compliance with a number of regulations involving worker protection, community notification, and environmental controls.
Environmental Regulations
Chemical usage on campus requires compliance with a variety of regulations from such agencies as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Some of the requirements include stormwater permitting, Community Right-to Know submittals, and notifications of environmental releases.