Chemical Safety

Chemical Inventory

Labs also need to provide UCF with an inventory of hazardous materials on hand. You can submit this inventory initially using this spreadsheet. For more information about Chemical Inventory, see the Chemical Inventory page or refer to UCF’s Chemical Inventory Policy for additional information.

Hazard Communication – including Labeling and Lab Hazard Signs

UCF requires each lab that will be working with hazardous chemicals to communicate these hazards to others that may potentially be exposed. The proper labeling of chemical containers is covered under our HazCom Program. It is also important that people who do not work in the lab are aware that hazardous chemicals are stored within. To accomplish this, all labs are required to post lab signage provided by EHS.

To order your lab sign click here.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

A commonly asked question is how do I find out more information about chemicals that may be present in my lab? These types of questions may be brought about by a concerned Graduate Assistant or another person curious about exposure risks. The EHS group keeps SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for all chemicals that are shipped to campus. In addition, many SDS sheets can be found online.


FAQ

Chemical Inventory

The initial inventory worksheet must be submitted to Environmental Health and Safety so that we can create an account for you. Once your account has been set up and you have access to your inventory, you will be responsible for adding/removing items as you receive/consume them. Each lab will be required to re-inventory their items annually to ensure that the database’s information is accurate.

Any chemical that has an NFPA rating of 2 or higher must be included in your inventory. You may include non-hazardous chemicals, but it is not required.

Excluded are: commercially available cleaning products, stock solutions and samples that have been prepared from an inventoried parent container, biohazardous materials, radioactive materials, and non-hazardous chemical products.

It is a legal requirement imposed by local, state, and federal hazardous material agencies. For more information, please refer to UCF’s Chemical Inventory Policy.

ReChem

Just send us an email. In the subject line, type “ReChem Request”. Be sure to include your name, contact number, lab information (building and room), PI’s name, the bar code number, name and amount of the chemical(s) you are requesting. Your request will be processed and your chemical(s) will arrive within 7 business days. If you have any questions, please call (407) 823-3307 or send us an email.

In order to maintain the quality and ensure conformance with the program’s objectives and goals, chemicals accepted into the program must meet the following criteria:

  • Only UCF personnel can offer or accept chemicals.
  • The recipient must have the knowledge, training, and facilities to safely use the chemicals.
  • Chemicals should be in their original containers, be of uniform color, and in good condition. (Secondary containers will only be accepted if chemical name, date, and purity are clearly labeled.)
  • All chemicals must be inspected by Environmental Health and Safety personnel for deterioration before being offered for redistribution.
  • To ensure the safety of personnel and environmental regulatory compliance, restricted chemicals are prohibited from redistribution.

Faculty and staff are responsible for the proper use and disposal of chemicals as indicated by UCF’s Environmental Health and Safety in accordance with chemical and Lab Safety guidelines and requirements.

If your chemical does not meet the criteria, please visit the Hazardous Waste page for more information about Hazardous Waste Pick Up.

Chemical donations are greatly appreciated. Be sure that your chemical(s) fits the criteria for acceptance into the redistribution program. If your chemical meets the criteria, submit a waste pick-up request with “chemicals-Unused” selected. Place your donation in your Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA), and Environmental Health and Safety will pick up your donation within 14 business days.