Chemical Safety

Ensuring the safe and compliant use of chemicals on campus.

Russ Blackmar

Chemical Inventory Specialist
Chemical Inventory
Chemical Safety
Hazardous Materials
Lab Safety

Chemical Waste Recharge

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2003

Directions for completion:

Complete all of the information on the form. For additional instructions, double click on the question marks on the PDF. Print one copy to sign and send to EH&S and print one copy to keep for your records. Email, fax, or mail the completed Recharge Authorization Form to the Office of Environment, Health & Safety.

E-Mail: ehsrecharge@...

Guidelines for Explosive and Potentially Explosive Chemicals: Safe Storage and Handling

Office of Environment, Health & Safety

Potentially Explosive Chemicals (PECs) include peroxidizable organic chemicals which oxidize, dry out, or otherwise destabilize over time. Examples include isopropyl ether, sodium amide, and picric acid. Old or mismanaged chemicals and can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of laboratory personnel, emergency responders, building occupants, and chemical waste handlers.

For additional information, contact the Hazardous Materials Team at hwp@berkeley.edu or the Chemical Hygiene Officier at...

Joseph Marini

Lab Safety Specialist
Lab Safety
EH&S Inspections

Dispose of Waste

Master list of waste types is displayed below. Note: If you cannot find the item that you are trying to get rid of in this list, please contact EH&S at ehs@berkeley.edu or (510) 642-3073. collapse all expand all Aerosol Cans

Please log into the...

Unknowns Questionnaire

2024

For disposal of unknowns, fill out template as completely as possible to communicate known hazards and relevant information to EH&S, or describe in comments as appropriate. Print and attach to each bottle for pickup.

Please log into the Hazardous Waste Program (HWP) to create a waste label and request a pickup.

Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQ) Project

The California Fire Code establishes requirements for Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQ) of hazardous materials, which ensures amounts used and stored within buildings do not pose fire and life risks. Following the management of hazardous chemicals guidelines issued by the University of California Office of President in 2023, EH&S is implementing the directives outlined in...

Alan Bolind

Lab Safety Specialist
Lab Safety
EH&S Inspections

New Chemical Inventory Requirements

July 12, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) is in the process of tagging all chemicals in all buildings on campus in response to new chemical inventory requirements issued by the UC Office of the President (also see MAQ project page).

Town Halls: Introduction to chemical tagging

EH&S is hotsting virtual town halls throughout the...

Drain Disposal Restrictions for Chemicals

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2024

Disposal of chemicals into the sanitary sewer is regulated by federal and state laws and regulations, by the local East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Wastewater Control Ordinance and by the EBMUD Wastewater Discharge Permit issued to the campus. These laws and regulations prohibit any drain disposal of hazardous wastes and limit the allowable wastewater concentration of a number of specific substances. The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is committed to protection of the local community and the environment through strict compliance with these laws and regulations...