Hazardous Materials

Helping campus units manage their hazardous materials by providing assistance with shipping, waste pick-up and disposal, and chemical inventory needs.

5.8 Pyrophorics (Air Reactives)

GHS symbol showing a flame

Characteristics

Substances that ignite spontaneously upon contact with air.

Laboratory Chemicals

Solids

sodium

finely divided metal (e.g., aluminum, chromium, zinc)

Liquid

aluminum borohydride...

5.9 Water Reactives

GHS symbol showing a flame

Characteristics

These substances often react violently with water and may ignite or generate toxic, flammable, or corrosive gases.

Laboratory Chemicals

Solids

aluminum chloride (anhydrous)

calcium carbide

magnesium

...

5.7 Cryogens

GHS symbols showing a snowflake. Characteristics

These materials are extremely cold (-110°C to -270°C). Upon contact with cryogenic materials, living tissue can freeze and become brittle enough to shatter. Additional hazards include rapid pressure buildup, oxygen enrichment, and asphyxiation. Rapid pressure buildup could lead to an explosion if cryogen is improperly contained.

Laboratory Chemicals...

5.6 Compressed Gases

GHS symbol showing a canister

Characteristics

Compressed gas cylinders are pressurized vessels designed to store gases at high pressure. Because of this internal pressure, damage to a cylinder, such as dropping or tipping it over, can result in sudden, uncontrolled release of contents and forceful movement of the cylinder. In addition to the physical hazards associated with pressurization, further risks may arise...

5.5 Oxidizers

GHS symbol showing a ball with flames coming from the top.

Characteristics

Oxidizers are a fire hazard. They will readily decompose under certain conditions to yield oxygen or react to promote or initiate the combustion of flammable or combustible materials.

Laboratory Chemicals

Solids

ammonium nitrate

...

5.4 Highly Toxics

GHS symbol showing a skull and crossbones

Characteristics

These chemicals can cause serious injury or death at low concentrations. Highly toxics are chemicals with a lethal dose (LD50) of less than or equal to 50 milligrams per kilogram body weight or a lethal concentration (LC50) in air of less than or equal to 200 parts per million.

Laboratory Chemicals

Solids ...

5.3 Toxics

GHS symbol showing a skull and crossbones

Characteristics

Overexposure to toxic chemicals can cause injury or death. Toxics are chemicals with a lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50 and less than 500 milligrams per kilogram body weight or a lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 and less than 1,000 parts per million.

Laboratory Chemicals

Solids ...

5.2 Corrosives

GHS symbol showing substance corroding both skin and surfaces it's poured onto

Characteristics

Strong acids and bases can destroy human tissue and corrode metals. Acids and bases are incompatible with one another and may react with many other hazard classes.

Laboratory Chemicals

Acids

Organic Acids

...

5.0 Chemical Storage Guide: Individual Hazards and Mixed Hazards

Sections 5.1 through 5.11 provide basic storage guidelines for the most common hazard classes. Each section describes the characteristics of the hazard class (consistent with California Fire Code). It includes common examples of laboratory and non-laboratory chemicals and provides basic storage requirements and precautions. Note: These examples do not constitute a full list, and the laboratory/non-laboratory classifications may not strictly apply.

Please note that many chemicals have multiple hazard classifications. Consequently, you may need...

5.11 Peroxide Forming Chemicals

Characteristics

Over a period of time, these chemicals can form peroxides that may explode when the cap is removed or when they are concentrated during laboratory activities. It is important to note on the container the date the chemical arrived in the laboratory, when it was opened, when it should be tested for peroxide concentration, and when it should be discarded. Dispose of the chemical before the discard date indicated on the container or follow the guidelines below.

Dispose of within 24 Hours:

...