Hazardous Materials

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

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:

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4.0 Basic Storage Requirements

The following basic storage requirements apply to all hazardous chemicals. Refer to the “Chemical Storage Guide” sections of this website for additional requirements that apply to chemicals in a specific hazard class (e.g., flammables and corrosives).

Storage Area Requirements

Label storage areas according to the type of chemical family or hazard classification found there.

Use secondary containment to segregate incompatible hazard classes & to contain leaks or spills.

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3.1 Common Incompatibles

Do not store incompatible chemicals in close proximity to each other. In an earthquake, fire, or other spill, they could mix and react violently and/or release poisonous gas.

Laboratory Material

Incompatible With

Alkali metals like calcium, potassium, and sodium

water, carbon dioxide, carbon tetrachloride, other chlorinated hydrocarbons

Acetic Acid

chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl-...

3.0 Segregate Incompatibles

Chemical Families

Materials should always be segregated and stored according to their chemical family or hazard classification. Do not store chemicals alphabetically unless they are compatible! The most common hazard classes include:

flammables/combustibles

corrosive acids

corrosive bases

toxics

highly toxics

oxidizers

compressed gases ...

2.0 Label Your Chemicals

All hazardous chemicals must be clearly labeled for the benefit of current users, emergency personnel, and future users. Unknown chemicals can be expensive to dispose of. Make sure all labels are legible and in good condition. Repair or replace damaged or missing labels.

Manufacturers’ Labels

Cal/OSHA requires that manufacturers provide labels with the following information:

contents of the container

physical and health hazard information

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1.0 Take Inventory of Your Chemicals

Safe storage begins with an up-to-date inventory of hazardous chemicals that can be used to apprise personnel of the dangers in a laboratory, shop, or work area. An accurate inventory is also necessary if emergency responders are to respond effectively to a fire or chemical release in the area. The campus can be fined if it does not provide an inventory to emergency response personnel and appropriate regulatory agencies.

The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) coordinates the collection of chemical inventories for the campus...

Labs and Research

Providing support, in the form of risk assessment, review, consultation(link sends e-mail), training, and the necessary resources and guidance for research at UC Berkeley.

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...

Workplace Safety

California state regulations require every employer to establish, implement and maintain an effective Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). In August 2017, the University adopted a campuswide Workplace Safety Program that serves as the University’s central IIPP for creating a safe and healthful work environment. Having one program for the whole University helps to improve access, consistency, and usability across all departments. EH&S is the responsible department for overseeing the campuswide Workplace Safety Program. The campus Workplace Safety Program is based on the Injury...

Label Waste Manually

Office of Environment, Health & Safety

Hazardous Waste - Blank Label

If the HWP is temporarily unavailable when you need a label, you must still label your hazardous waste container with specific information. If the EH&S web site is functional, you may print a blank label and write in the start date, the hazardous characteristic, physical property, and the chemical components.