EHS MANUAL

Chemical Management Program

Table of Contents

Purpose and Applicability

Regulatory Requirements Overview

Definitions

Roles and Responsibilities

Chemical Management Procedures

Purpose and Applicability

The Chemical Management Program was designed to ensure that Missouri S&T activities involving the use of chemical materials be performed in a way to protect Missouri S&T students, faculty, staff, and the general public from chemical hazards, and to ensure activities are conducted in accordance with federal, state and local environmental regulations.

This program applies to Missouri S&T students, faculty and staff who acquire, receive, own, possess, use, transfer, or generate a waste from chemical materials. This program is also designed to insure that all personnel receive adequate environmental health and safety training, and are aware of the proper handling and storage procedures for managing chemical materials at Missouri S&T.

Regulatory Requirements Overview

The Missouri University of Science and Technology endeavors to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations including those set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Noncompliance with Federal and/or State statutes and their associated regulations can result in significant penalties and fines to the university and its employees. Applicable statues include, but are not limited to, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Clean Air Act (CAA), and the Clean Water Act (CWA).

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also known as Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III, provides an infrastructure at the state and local levels to plan for chemical emergencies. Facilities that store, use, or release certain chemicals, may be subject to various reporting requirements under EPCRA. Reported information is then made publicly available so that interested parties may become informed about potentially dangerous chemicals in their community.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) protects human health and the environment from the potential hazards of waste disposal, conserves energy and natural resources, reduces the amount of waste generated, and ensures that wastes are managed in an environmentally sound manner. (http://www.epa.gov/superfund)

The Clean Air Act (CAA) restricts the types and amounts of pollutants that may be released into the air and requires permits for large, and sometimes small, polluters.

The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law that protects our nation’s waters, including lakes, rivers, aquifers and coastal areas.

Definitions

  1. Chemical Materials-materials utilized by Missouri S&T that are identified by a Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number.
  2. Chemical Hazards-Chemical hazards are defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Chemical Hazard Identification System and refer to the health effects, flammability, and reactivity properties of a chemical material.
  3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)- MSDS contain information regarding chemical and physical properties, as well as information regarding health, safety, storage, and clean up requirements for a chemical material.
  4. CHEMTRACK-A web-based application which allows chemical users to access relevant information regarding chemical materials on the Missouri S&T campus.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for the development and administration of the chemical management program. EHS provides the Missouri S&T campus with training and assistance on the chemical management program, and assesses the campus for conformance to the requirements of the program.

EHS is responsible for maintaining data contained in the CHEMTRACK system database.

Missouri S&T departments are responsible for properly managing the chemical inventory in their areas by insuring that chemical materials are properly purchased, inventoried, stored and labeled. Missouri S&T departments should promptly notify EHS when new chemical shipments arrive, when chemicals are moved to other locations, or when chemical containers are empty so the inventory system can be updated.

Missouri S&T contractors are responsible for ensuring compliance to all federal, state and local environmental regulations when their work involves the use of chemical materials or other environmental hazards.

Missouri S&T departments are responsible for ensuring appropriate safety equipment is available and departmental employees are properly trained in the event of a chemical spill or emergency. Missouri S&T departments are required to notify EHS and/or the Missouri S&T Police Department in the event of a chemical spill or emergency.

Missouri S&T departments are responsible for periodically inspecting their work areas to insure that chemicals are properly stored and proper safety procedures are followed as set forth in the Chemical Management Program. The EHS department will perform periodic inspections to monitor conformance with the Chemical Management Program.

Missouri S&T departments are responsible for ensuring all personnel receive the appropriate training. The department of EHS will provide training on the Chemical Management Program and will assist departments in developing job specific training.

Missouri S&T departments are responsible for ensuring that all chemicals are shipped, received, and stored in a manner that meets all applicable regulations and conforms to guidelines outlined in the Chemical Management Program. Missouri S&T departments will notify the department of EHS when new chemicals arrive, so bar-codes may be affixed and the chemical inventory may be updated. The department of EHS will perform periodic inspections of storage facilities and chemical inventories within departments.

Chemical Management Procedures

Safety Data Sheets
Chemical Inventory
Chemical Storage
General Storage Guidelines
Storage Guidelines for Specific Chemicals

Acids and Bases
Flammables
Oxidizers
Peroxide-Forming Chemicals
Pharmaceuticals& Drug Precursor
Radioactive Materials
Toxic Compounds
Water-Reactive Chemicals

Bulk Drum Storage Guidelines
Gas Cylinder Handling & Safety
Receiving & Shipping Chemicals
Handling Chemicals
Spills & Leaks


Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that describes the chemical and physical properties of a substance and identifies health hazards associated with it. Other information contained in an SDS includes information regarding safe handling and storage procedures, precautions for use, and first aid procedures. For further information about the explanation of an SDS, refer to the OSHA Quick Card.

SDS information for chemicals stored on the Missouri S&T campus is available to everyone and may be accessed through the Environmental Health and Safety Web Page. SDS information should also be included with all new chemical shipments received at Missouri S&T and should be retained and stored in a place which is easily accessible and near the area where the chemical is stored.


 Chemical Inventory

The Missouri University of Science and Technology maintains a comprehensive inventory of chemicals stored on its campus through the CHEMTRACK system which may be accessed by authorized personnel through the EHS Web Page here. EHS is responsible for maintaining the CHEMTRACK system. The CHEMTRACK system provides the campus with useful hazardous materials information, which is used to ensure employee safety and environmental responsibility. Online access to this information provides employees with fast, easy access to important safety information as well as providing a method of locating chemicals which are available on campus.

Each Department is responsible for properly managing the chemical inventory within their work area. It is their responsibility to insure that all chemicals are properly purchased, handled, stored and labeled. It is the responsibility of each department, that maintains their chemical inventory using the CHEMTRACK system, to promptly notify EHS when new chemical shipments arrive, when chemicals are moved to other locations, or when chemical containers are empty so that the inventory system can be updated.

On an annual basis, EHS will contact departments who store chemicals not covered by CHEMTRACK to gather an estimated inventory of the chemicals stored. This information will be used in preparing the annual EPCRA report, required under SARA Title III.

 

Chemical Storage

General Storage Guidelines

  1. Personnel should be aware of the hazards associated with all hazardous materials and chemicals and must wear appropriate personnel protection equipment. Personnel should also be familiar with the location of safety equipment including eyewash stations, showers, and first aid kits.
  2. Chemicals must be stored by hazard class (i.e. flammable with flammable, oxidizers with oxidizers, etc.)
  3. Incompatible chemicals must be physically segregated from each other during storage.
  4. Chemicals should not be exposed to direct sunlight or localized heat.
  5. Containers of corrosive chemicals (acids &bases) must be stored in trays large enough to contain spillage or leakage.
  6. Chemical containers must be labeled with a Missouri S&T Bar-code and Contents of Container. For some materials with limited shelf life the date of receipt, and date container was first opened may be recorded.
  7. Chemical containers must be in good condition, have tightly closing lids, and be compatible with the contents.
  8. Chemicals which are no longer usable or have exceeded their useful life expectancy must be disposed of properly. Chemicals must be tagged with a chemical waste tag and placed in a waste storage containers which are compatible with the contents. Contact EHS with bar-code information so the Chemical Inventory may be updated.
  9. Liquid hazardous chemicals classified as acids, bases, or solvents should not be stored above shoulder height.
  10. Shelves should be painted or covered with chemical resistant paint or other chemical resistant coating.
  11. Shelves should be strong enough to hold chemicals being stored on them. Do not overload shelves.
  12. All chemical shelving should have at least a 1/2" containment lip on the outer edge or should have doors covering the shelves.
  13. All chemicals should be properly contained with secondary containment when required. This would include acids, bases and other incompatible waste and glass waste containers.
  14. Chemicals should not be stored under sinks or in fume hoods unless these cabinets are properly vented.
  15. Ordinary domestic refrigerators and walk-in coolers must not be used for the storage of flammable liquids because they contain certain built-in ignition sources such as electrical contacts.
  16. Flammable materials should be stored in approved explosion-proof refrigeration.

 

Storage Guidelines for Specific Chemicals

Acids and Bases:

  1. Acids and bases should be physically segregated in storage.
  2. Large bottles of acids and bases should be stored on lower shelves or in a corrosive cabinet.
  3. Acids and bases should be stored in chemical resistant trays that are capable of containing spillage or leakage from the containers.
  4. Make sure that all acids and bases are stored by compatibility

Flammables:

  1. All chemical containers should be properly labeled with the contents, CAS number and hazard identification.
  2. Volume restrictions may apply based on class of material. (i.e. Flammable Liquid, Oxidizer, etc.) (See NFPA 30 4-2.1, 4-4.4.2).

    In addition, the following guidelines are provided for storage of flammable liquids in teaching and other general use labs:

    a.  less than 10 gal/100 SF in UN-sprinkled facilities
    b.  up to 20 gal/100 SF in sprinkled facilities

  3. Storage of flammable liquids outside of approved safety cabinets should be kept to a minimum. The following types of containers are approved for storage of flammable liquids:

    a.  Metal containers up to 5 gallons
    b.  Nonmetal containers up to 1 gallon
    c.  Approved safety cans less than 5 gallons

  4. Only explosion-proof or intrinsically safe refrigerators and freezers should be used for storing flammable liquids.
  5. Bonding and grounding wires should be used where flammable liquids > 5 gallons are dispensed or where flammable liquids are being transferred from one metal container to another metal container.
  6. Make sure that all flammables are stored by compatibility.
  7. Flammable storage should be in accordance with the NFPA 30 & 45 standards.

Oxidizers:

  1. Oxidizers should be stored away from flammables, combustibles, and reducing agents (e.g. zinc, alkaline metals, etc.)
  2. Make sure that all oxidizers are stored by compatibility

Peroxide-Forming Chemicals:

  1. Peroxide-forming chemicals should be stored in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry place.
  2. Peroxide-forming chemicals should be properly disposed of before the date of expected peroxide formation (six months after opening)or periodically tested for the formation of peroxides.
  3. Make sure that all peroxide-forming chemicals are stored by compatibility.
  4. Shock sensitive and detonable materials are to be stored in secondary containers large enough to hold the container contents in case of breakage; i.e., picric and perchloric acids.
  5. Picric, if dry, must remain dry; if wet, must remain wet. Crystal formation on caps, etc., poses an imminent danger and should immediately be reported to the EHS department.
  6. Containers should be routinely inspected for peroxide formation.
  7. Chemicals should be labeled with date received, date opened, and disposal/expiration date.
  8. Suspicion of peroxide contamination should be immediately investigated. Contact Environmental Health & Safety for procedures.

Pharmaceuticals and Drug Precursors:

  1. Pharmaceuticals and Drug Precursors should be securely stored in a locked cabinet at all times. Access to these storage locations should be restricted to responsible personnel only with appropriate security employed as necessary.

Radioactive Materials:

  1. Radioactive Materials must be stored in accordance with the Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRadiation Safety Manual and all applicable regulations. Individuals wanting to use radioactive materials must seek the approval of the Radiation Safety Committee. Departments must notify EHS at 341-4305 when purchasing, receiving or storing radioactive materials.

Toxic Compounds:

  1. Toxic compounds should be stored according to the nature of the chemical, with appropriate security employed when necessary.
  2. Make sure that all toxins are stored by compatibility.

Water-Reactive Chemicals:

  1. Water-Reactive chemicals should be stored in a cool and dry place.
  2. In case of fire, a Class ABC (all-purpose) fire extinguisher, or Class D fire extinguisher for the specific water-reactive chemical, should be used.
  3. Make sure that all water reactive chemicals are stored by compatibility.

Bulk Drum Storage of Chemicals

  1. All bulk containers must be properly labeled with the contents, CAS number, and hazard identification.
  2. Volume Restrictions may apply based on class of material (i.e. Flammable Liquid, Oxidizer, etc.) (See NFPA 30 4-2.1, 4-4.4.2).
  3. Secondary containment requirements must be maintained for bulk storage of materials. (See NFPA 30 4-6.3.5)

Gas Cylinder Handling and Storage

  1. All compressed gas cylinders in service must be securely held upright.
  2. Cylinders must be fastened with an approved restraint device to rigid structures so they will not fall or be knocked over. It is strongly recommended that no more than two cylinders be held by a single chain unless additional supporting devices are provided.
  3. Locate cylinders away from pedestrian traffic areas. Make sure they are in a well-ventilated location.
  4. Keep cylinders out of the direct sun and do not allow them to be heated.
  5. Gas cylinders should be moved by suitable hand trucks to which they are securely fastened.
  6. During movement, cylinder caps must be in place.
  7. Cylinders must be legibly marked with the name of the gas which they contain. A "full/empty" tag is recommended for each cylinder.
  8. When cylinders are not being used, cylinder caps must be in place.
  9. During storage, gas cylinders should be segregated by compatibility groups and separated from incompatible or combustible materials storage by a minimum distance of 20 feet or isolated by a barrier having a minimum fire resistance rating of one half hour. (See NFPA 55 2-1.6.3)

For more information or assistance with chemical storage and proper segregation, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at extension 4305.

Receiving & Shipping Chemicals

  1. All chemicals received on the Missouri S&T campus must bar-coded with an appropriate bar-code and entered into the chemical inventory by authorized personnel from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. It is the responsibility of the departments to promptly notify EHS when new shipments of chemicals arrive, or chemical containers are empty or disposed of, so the Chemical Inventory may be updated.
  2. It is the responsibility of each department to insure that all chemicals or hazardous materials are shipped in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. To insure regulatory compliance, please contact EHS whenever shipping hazardous materials or chemicals.

Handling Chemicals

  1. Always wear appropriate Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals.
  2. Refer to MSDS for information regarding proper PPE for a specific chemical.
  3. Always follow manufacturer recommendations when handling chemicals.

Spill and Leaks

  1. Refer to Missouri University of Science and Technology Spill Clean Up Procedures and MSDS information regarding clean up procedures for small spills. If you are uncertain about clean up procedures or feel you need assistance, contact EHS.
  2. Report all spills to Environmental Health and Safety.
  3. Dispose of chemicals wastes from spills in appropriately labeled waste containers