Chemical Information
Understanding the hazards of the chemicals you work with is an essential part of laboratory safety. Before working with any chemical, researchers should understand its physical and health hazards, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), storage requirements, incompatibilities, emergency procedures, and disposal requirements.
The following resources can help you locate reliable chemical safety information.
Start Here
For most laboratory work, these are the first resources you should consult:
| If you need to know... | Recommended Resource |
|---|---|
| Safe handling, hazards, first aid, PPE, and storage | Safety Data Sheet (SDS) |
| Laboratory-specific procedures | Your laboratory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) |
| How the chemical is used in your research | Your Principal Investigator (PI) or supervisor |
| Department-specific guidance | Department Safety Coordinator |
Chemical Safety Resources
| Resource | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Safety Data Sheets (SDS) | Hazards, PPE, first aid, storage |
| American Chemical Society (ACS) | Resources, information, networking |
| SciFinder and scietific literature | Chemical properties, synthesis, and literature |
| Merck Index | Chemical properties and toxicology |
| CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics | Physical and chemical properties |
| NIOSH Pocket Guide of Chemical Hazards | Occupational exposure limits |
| Prudent Practices in the Lab | Laboratory best practices |
| Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards | Reactivity and incompatibility information |
| The Manipulation of Air-Sensitive Compounds 2nd Edition | Air-sensitive comound details |
| Lab notebooks and experienced lab personnel | Valuable sources of laboratory-specific knowledge and historical procedures |
Before Working with a New Chemical
Before beginning work, ask yourself:
- What are the primary hazards?
- What PPE is required?
- Are there incompatible chemicals?
- Is a fume hood or other engineering control required?
- Do I need a laboratory-specific SOP?
- How will waste be collected and disposed of?
- What should I do if a spill or exposure occurs?
Taking a few minutes to answer these questions before beginning work can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and exposures.
Additional Resources
For department and university guidance on chemical safety, visit the Department Safety webpages or the UNM Environmental Health & Safety Chemical Safety Program.
