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As part of the CHESS Chemical Hygiene Plan, a system has been implemented to control risks arising from the use, storage, and transport of hazardous chemicals. 

As a User, it is up to you to:

• Obtain prior approval from the CHESS Safety Committee for any chemicals you plan to bring as part of your experiment.

• Know how to properly handle the chemicals you are working with.

• Know how to manage the hazards posed by those substances.

• Ensure that material safety data sheets and Standard Operating Procedures for substances you are working with are on file at CHESS.

• Properly label and store any chemicals you use.

• Follow laboratory standard safety procedures.

Properly labeled chemicals should have a "Right to know" label which includes the date, name of User, and the types and amounts of chemical contents.

CHESS maintains a regularly updated list of chemical SOP's and MSDS's for chemicals stored at CHESS. These are kept in binders outside the chemistry room door for your reference, and as part of your right to know the identity of chemicals you could be exposed to. Also provided at this location is a copy of the OSHA Laboratory Standard, and CHESS's copy of the Cornell University Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Response to Chemical Spills:

Spills of chemicals or chemical wastes must be immediately addressed.

Spill response kits for acids, solvents and caustics are available in the chem room and should be used to prevent release to drains and to clean minor spills.

In the event of a chemical spill:

• Do not attempt to clean up a spill unless you have the appropriate training and materials to respond appropriately.

• Any major leak or spill that poses the risk of an uncontrolled airborne release of a hazardous material should be treated as an emergency.

• Report all spills to the CHESS Operator.

A spill DOES NOT have to be reported if:

• The spill occurs indoors (and not into a drain) on an impermeable surface like a countertop or tile floor, AND

• The substance in NOT highly toxic or volatile AND

• The spill has been cleaned up properly.

• All clean up materials for hazardous chemical spills must be placed in a plastic bag and labeled with a Cornell EH&S Hazardous Waste Label (see CHESS Operator for assistance).

List of our common Chemical SOP's and MSDS's.