Move Manual: Appendix B	Return to Table of Contents

Checklist for Chemicals

Old Space Deactivation

Identify and do not handle chemicals that are unsafe to move, and contact EH&S for immediate assistance in managing the following:

• All unknown or unlabeled chemicals
• Chemicals in corroded or leaking containers
• Potentially explosive chemicals (PECs) such as unstable ethyl ether, opened containers of peroxide-forming materials more than six months old, or sealed unstabilized peroxide formers greater than one year old. See the EH&S publication, Guidelines for Explosive and Potentially Explosive Chemicals.

Identify other unwanted chemicals. Safely package these items for EH&S pickup and submit a completed Materials Packing List (available electronically at mpl.ehs.berkeley.edu) to EH&S. For complete instructions, see the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Unwanted Hazardous Chemicals.”

Identify equipment that could be contaminated with hazardous chemical residues. Contact EH&S for proper decontamination and clearance prior to moving or disposing of the equipment.

Contact the Chemical Inventory Program coordinator at EH&S to report that you will no longer be using chemicals at this location.

Old Space Preparation

If you will be moving to an off-campus location and need to ship chemicals, contact EH&S to make the necessary arrangements. Do not transport hazardous materials on public roadways except through contractors and services approved by EH&S.

If you are moving your own chemicals (i.e., your move is within your building), obtain carts, secondary-containment trays, and other equipment you will need. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Transporting Hazardous Materials.”

Identify the safest route for transporting items within your building — for example, use a freight elevator whenever possible, and do not carry heavy, fragile, or hazardous items in stairwells.

Packing

Ensure that all chemical containers are in good condition, not leaking, tightly capped, and labeled with the chemical name and primary hazard. Chemicals in inadequate containers should be disposed of or repackaged prior to moving.

Use sturdy boxes with partitions or cushioning to prevent bottle breakage.

Divide chemicals into their compatible groups (e.g., flammables, acids, bases) and provide separate, labeled boxes for each group. For guidance on chemical compatibility, refer to the Safe Storage of Hazardous Chemicals booklet available electronically at http://ehs.berkeley.edu/publications.html, or contact EH&S for a hard copy.

Keep an inventory as you pack, so that you can identify the contents of each box.

Clearly label each box with the primary hazard (flammable, corrosive, toxic, etc.).

Pack boxes so that they can be completely closed and taped shut. Do not allow bottle necks or stems to protrude.

After packing all chemicals, decontaminate all potentially contaminated surfaces or contact EH&S to arrange for decontamination services. (Your laboratory will be recharged for these services.) If you are unsure of the appropriate procedures for decontaminating your lab or equipment, contact EH&S for guidance.

In Your New Space

Update your laboratory’s chemical inventory to reflect the new room location and any changes to the inventory. Log onto the chemical inventory database to complete these changes within 30 days of your move. For complete information, see: http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/cheminv/cipaperinvins.html.

Contact EH&S for a new hazardous materials door sign once you have updated your chemical inventory.

There are many things to consider when choosing where to store chemicals in your new laboratory. For detailed information about proper storage, please refer to the EH&S booklet Safe Storage of Hazardous Chemicals at: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/publications.html.

Here are some basic precautions:

• Label and segregate chemicals, including waste, by hazard class.
• Store containers larger than one half-gallon in secondary containment tubs.
• Store corrosive materials in low cabinets or on shelves below eye level.
• Provide cords, guards, or shelf-lips for chemical-storage shelves, in case of earthquakes.

Store flammables correctly and in accordance with fire codes.

Revise and post the Chemical Hygiene Plan and ensure that all laboratory employees have read and signed the updated document.

Ensure that the chemical fume hood is clean, uncluttered, and functioning. Contact EH&S if the hood has not been tested within one year.

Verify that all labeling requirements have been met (contact your DSC or EH&S for these labels):

• All sinks are labeled with required “No Chemicals” sticker.
• All refrigerators and microwaves are labeled either “Safe for Food” or “No Food.”
• All refrigerators are labeled as either “Unsafe for Storage of Flammables” or “Approved for Storage of Flammables.”
• The chemical fume hood is labeled with the required “Clean Air” sticker.

Storage and consumption of food and beverages is prohibited in laboratories where hazardous chemicals, biological hazards, unsealed radioactive materials, research animals, and/or human blood or tissues are present. See the Food in Laboratories Policy for additional details: http://campuspol.chance.berkeley.edu/policies/foodinlabs.pdf.

In certain cases, a designated “clean area” may be established by clearly demarcating the perimeter with blue adhesive–backed tape (at least ½ inch wide) and at least one adhesive-backed “clean area” sign. The tape and sign are both available from EH&S (642-3073).

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