C. Hazardous Chemicals On Campus

C1. Procedures for Identifying Hazardous Chemicals.

Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate chemicals produced or imported by them to determine if they are hazardous. Colgate University will rely on the hazard evaluation methods of the manufacturers and suppliers from which we purchase materials. OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health hazard. See Appendix B and Appendix C for a list of hazardous Chemicals. Physical hazard means a chemical that is a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, oxidizer, organic peroxide, pyrophoric, unstable, or water reactive. A health hazard is something for which there is at least one scientifically valid study that health effects may occur in exposed individuals. There are several ways to tell if a chemical or product purchased for use on campus has been determined to be hazardous by the manufacturer. Key words on labels like caution, danger, or causes skin irritation are good indicators. Other resources include vendor catalogues, MSDSs, chemical dictionaries, or technical salespeople. Substances generated in work operations such as dust or fumes may be covered under the Hazard Communication Standard, as well.

C2. Location.

Hazardous chemicals are used daily for many different purposes across campus. Examples of materials that are potential physical or health hazards include but are not limited to adhesives, aerosols, battery fluids, cleaning solutions, compressed gases, degreasers, detergents, etching agents, fertilizers, fuel, greases, inks, oils, paint, pesticides, photographic chemicals, refrigerants, resins, sealers, solvents, strippers, thinners, varnish, and water treatments.

C3. List of hazardous chemicals.

An up to date listing of all hazardous chemicals/materials used in each department will be kept on file or posted in the department in which they are present. The inventory form in Appendix D can be used to compile the inventory. In addition, a campus wide master inventory and MSDS file will be maintained by the Hazard Communication Coordinator (HCC) at the Environmental Health and Safety Office, SB-4 McGregory Hall. It is the responsibility of each department to update and send a copy of their inventory list to the HCC.

Last modified: April 08, 1998