Chemical Safety

"Safe Science Through Compliance, Awareness, and Action" 

At Tennessee State University (TSU), safety is our highest priority in all laboratory environments. This page serves as a resource hub for ensuring the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals within our university laboratories. Whether you are a student, researcher, or faculty member, following established chemical safety protocols is vital for compliance with TSU's policies and regulatory standards, as well as for maintaining a safe and efficient laboratory environment.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and responsibility, equipping all laboratory personnel with the knowledge and tools to prevent accidents and protect health, property, and the environment.

Chemical Safety Training 

Proper training is essential to ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals in university laboratories. The university requires all personnel who work with or around hazardous chemicals to complete Chemical Safety Training before beginning laboratory work and to renew this training annually. 

Who Must Complete Training

  • Faculty, staff, students, postdocs, and visiting researchers working in labs using hazardous chemicals.
  • Laboratory support personnel who may handle or be exposed to chemicals.
  • Supervisors and Principal Investigators responsible for laboratory operations.
  • Any individual with access to chemical laboratories, even if not directly handling chemicals.

Required Training Modules

TSU offers a series of interactive training modules through the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office or Learning Management System (LMS). Required modules include:

  1. Laboratory Chemical Safety
    • Covers chemical hazards identification, safe handling, labeling, and storage practices.
  2. Hazard Communication (HazCom)
    • Meets OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 requirements. Covers Safety Data Sheets (SDS), pictograms, labeling systems (e.g., GHS), and employee rights.
  3. Chemical Waste Management
    • Teaches procedures for identifying, labeling, and storing hazardous waste, and how to request waste pickup.
  4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Chemical Use
    • Describes selection, use, and limitations of PPE for chemical handling, including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
  5. Emergency Response and Spill Procedures
    • Reviews how to respond to chemical spills, exposures, and laboratory emergencies, including first aid and reporting protocols.

Training Format and Access

In-Person Training: The Research Compliance Office (RCO) in the Division of Research & Sponsored Programs (RSP), offers scheduled sessions throughout the year.

Lab-Specific Training: Conducted by PIs or lab supervisors, this includes SOPs, emergency procedures, location of PPE and spill kits, and chemical inventory familiarity. 

For upcoming training dates and times please visit the Training Calendar 

Documentation and Certification 

  • Completion of training is tracked and recorded by the Research Compliance Office.
  • Certificates of completion must be maintained in laboratory safety documentation.
  • Lab supervisors must maintain a current list of trained personnel.

Refresher Training

  • Required annually for all laboratory workers.
  • May also be required after incidents, near misses, or changes in chemical use or procedures.

Failure to Complete Training

Individuals who fail to complete required chemical safety training will not be authorized to work in laboratories using hazardous chemicals. Non-compliance may result in revocation of lab access and/or administrative action.

Guidelines

The following chemical safety guidelines outline the essential practices for safely handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals in university laboratories. Adherence to these guidelines helps prevent accidents, ensures regulatory compliance, and protects the health of all laboratory personnel and the campus community.

For detailed protocols, regulatory references, and laboratory-specific requirements, please refer to the university’s Chemical Policy and Guideline Database

Note: A valid university login is required to access the database.

Resources 

Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)

Chemical Policies & Guidelines

Chemical Compatibility Guide

Chemical Compatibility Chart (Fisher Scientific)

Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist