A hazardous or toxic substance is a biological, chemical or physical agent (or a combination of agents) whose presence or use in the workplace may endanger the health or safety of a worker. Materials considered potentially hazardous include:
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Flammable substances (ex: H2 gas, Na metal and solvents)
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Toxic substances (ex: Be, Heavy Atom compounds, and Fluorine gas)
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Corrosives (ex: acids, bases Ozone gas)
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Cryogenic Liquids (ex: liquid N2 and He)
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Radioactive Materials (ex: radioactive materials as well as radiation producing equipment)
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Biological Hazards (ex: viruses and toxins)
What are select agents and toxins? Select agents are viruses, bacteria, rickettsiae, fungi, and toxins that, according to HHS and USDA, have the potential to cause substantial harm to public health and agriculture.
For information regarding the handling of these substances at CHESS see Dealing with Biohazards. -
Lasers (ex: Class III and above)
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High Voltage Equipment (ex: >28VDC or capable of stored power)
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White beam at the station (other than B1)
As part of the OSHA standard, you have a right to know what, if any, hazardous materials exist in the workplace.
CHESS provides a set of Material Safety Data Sheets on all hazardous materials located at the facility. Hazardous materials are clearly labeled and stored in designated areas.
There is also a hazardous materials board hung above the user radiation badge rack in the CHESS Operator Desk area which identifies any hazardous materials currently being used at CHESS:
Experiments that involve hazardous materials must be approved by the CHESS Safety Committee as part of the proposal process.
New hazards related to a proposal require a minimum of 4 weeks advance notice to provide sufficient time for a thorough review. Hazardous materials not listed as part of your experiment cannot be brought to CHESS.
If, as a User, you are involved with an experiment that generates hazardous wastes, you will be expected to follow the procedures and other protocols outlined by the Safety Committee when your experiment was approved. Be sure to notify the Safety Officer of any hazardous materials you will be shipping ahead or bringing with you, and check-out with the Safety Officer when you leave the CHESS facility at the end of your experiment. You will be responsible for the safe transport, handling, and disposal of any wastes you may generate.
