2f. Working with chemicals
Jump to section:
- Whom do I contact?
- Do I need specific approvals to obtain and work with chemicals?
- How do I get started using chemicals and other hazardous materials in lab research?
- Is training required?
- What are my responsibilities related to the use of chemicals?
- Will there be auditing or monitoring?
- Relevant policies, procedures, ethical statements, etc.
1. Whom do I contact?
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office oversees chemical safety at the University of Iowa. The EHS Chemical Safety section provides oversight and assistance, including:
Chemical inventory programs (for laboratories and non-research areas)
Chemical hygiene programs
Chemical hazard assessments, consultation, and safe handling and management
Respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE) for laboratories
Fume hood performance testing
Hazard assessments for required PPE
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) programs
Emergency and spill preparedness for hazardous materials
Contact information
319-335-9379
Staff Directory
EHS Chemical Safety website
2. Do I need specific approvals to obtain and work with chemicals?
In general, no specific approvals are required to obtain and work with chemicals in research laboratories. However, researchers must obtain only the quantities necessary to complete their work and maintain an accurate, up-to-date chemical inventory in the EHS Assistant system.
EHS uses the chemical inventory for regulatory reporting and to maintain compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations requiring SDSs for all hazardous materials in use.
According to Office of Animal Resources policies, some chemicals may require approval for use in animal protocols.
3. How do I get started using chemicals and other hazardous materials in lab research?
Contact the chemical safety staff to schedule a new principal investigator orientation at your location. This session provides an overview of chemical health and safety programs and the EHS laboratory review process.
For additional questions about chemical use, contact Rick Byrum, chemical hygiene officer, at 319-335-9379.
4. Is training required?
All laboratory personnel must complete at least two online training courses. Follow the instructions for registration.
Lab Chemical Safety – W008CM
This training is required initially and recommended annually. Completion also requires site-specific training. Use the Site-Specific Training Checklist within the course to review requirements with your supervisor or designated trainer.
Audience: Individuals working with chemicals in research laboratories
Approximate duration: 35 minutes
PPE Awareness for Labs – W157CM
This training covers personal protective equipment. It is required initially and recommended annually. Completion also requires site-specific training.
Audience: Personnel using gloves, goggles, safety glasses and other protective apparel.
Approximate duration: 20 minutes
The EHS safety training course guide and on the laboratory-specific training requirements webpage list additional required and optional training.
5. What are my responsibilities related to the use of chemicals?
Guidelines and manuals for chemical safety are available on the EHS website.
Each laboratory must implement a CHP, which the principal investigator manages. EHS provides a general framework that includes safe chemical use, storage, and hazard minimization. Principal investigators must add laboratory-specific procedures, particularly for handling highly hazardous chemicals. Required training includes both general and laboratory-specific components, including emergency preparedness.
Laboratories must comply with OSHA regulations for PPE and respirator use. Each principal investigator or designee must conduct a hazard assessment. Training must ensure that laboratory personnel understand PPE requirements and proper use.
6. Will there be auditing or monitoring?
EHS will assign a safety advisor to your laboratory. The safety advisor conducts safety observations, monitors laboratory practices, and reviews the annual laboratory self-audit to support compliance with safety regulations and university policies.