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Planning and implementation of control practices for the prevention of occupationally acquired cancer and for the protection of the general environment is to be included in all research programs involving known or suspected chemical carcinogens.

As a generator of hazardous waste, the University is required to comply with federal standards promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). These regulations require documentation of the transfer of hazardous waste from the point of generation to it’s final disposal.

This chapter instructs you how to interpret the labels on chemical containers, and how to safely store chemicals in the laboratory in a way that minimizes incompatible chemical reactions, spillage, breaking, or waste due to expiration.

This chapter discusses the major routes of exposure to chemical substances during laboratory work, and several safe handling practices that can minimize your risk while working with chemical substances. The last section lists practices for the safe use of hydrofluoric acid.

This chapter provides resources that can help you prevent a laboratory accident due to mishandling explosive substances, or mixing incompatible reactive substances. This chapter details several specific examples of explosive and reactive hazards that are common in laboratories.

This chapter supplements previous chapters by giving specific extra precautions, postings, training, and protective equipment necessary when working with substances that are highly toxic and/or select carcinogens. The appendices at the end of the chapter are a thorough (but not exhaustive) list of substances that might be present in your lab that are highly toxic and/or carcinogenic.

The UNC-CH Environment, Health and Safety Office is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring the fire safety program for the University. Fire Safety, as used in the University’s Environment, Health and Safety Manual, includes those areas of safety commonly referred to as “life safety”. The Environment, Health and Safety Office has been designated as the liaison between the University and the Chapel Hill Fire Department for matters involving fire safety.

The University Environment, Health and Safety Office is responsible for inspecting buildings for compliance with the Fire Codes, Life Safety Codes, and the National Electrical Code.

The health and safety of workers and building occupants is the most important factor to consider in laboratory work. In addition to these health and safety concerns, compliance with OSHA, Radiation Protection, and EPA regulations is also important because of the severe financial consequences, especially related to EPA hazardous waste regulations.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and its Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) are committed to the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff and visitors. It is therefore critical that the means of egress in University buildings be maintained and unobstructed to ensure safe emergency evacuation of occupants, as well as allow access for emergency responders.

The use and storage of hazardous chemicals potentially pose threats to the environment, health and safety of employees and citizens at large as evidenced by events such as the methyl isocyanate gas release in Bhopal, India. The threat is especially great for fire and emergency response workers and potentially severe for employees and citizens in the vicinity of bulk storage facilities.

The University uses Occupational Safety and Health Regulations and North Carolina Fire Prevention Codes and recommendations of the NFPA Life Safety Code as minimum standards to be attained. The State Department of Insurance may also impose requirements as a condition for providing insurance on campus buildings and equipment.

Safety glasses which are professionally measured and fitted to the individual are recommended for permanent employees whose job duties require frequent eye protection. These specially fitted glasses are available through the Eye Care Center and the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

This policy applies to all University buildings or portions of buildings used for gatherings of 75 or more persons for such activities as entertainment, dining, amusement, lectures, seminars, etc. Described minimum criteria are for emergency planning and fire prevention practices to be employed by University departments responsible for such gathering places.

The State Workplace Safety Program requires Environment, Health and Safety Office review of hazardous materials and selected safety-related equipment and supplies.