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This Chemical Safety page covers the three phases of a chemical agent's life cycle in the University research and teaching labs. We begin with links to recognizing chemical hazards, remembering that before you get to the chemical storagephases of a chemical agent's life, you need to be aware of the hazards involved.

After purchase and delivery, the chemical must be properly and safely used and handled in the lab. When not in use, containers are placed in storage for future application. Once the chemical has been used and is no longer in a form that can be used again, it must be disposed of according to federal, state, and local regulations. Each of these phases carries its own set of safety parameters. Information about these relevant guidelines can be found in the links below. 

Chemical safety is closely related to laboratory safety and emergency procedures. These pages can be reached through this site as well. 

Recognizing Chemical Hazards

Hazardous Chemical Definitions
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
On-Line Resources for Hazard Data

Chemical Use

Guidelines for Handling Chemicals 
Exposure to Chemicals 
Hazards of Chemical Groups  including Highly Reactive Chemicals 

Chemical Storage 

Proper Storage of Specific Hazard Groups 
Proper Chemical Labeling and Segregating Hazard Groups 

Chemical Disposal 

Chemical Waste Management
Acid Neutralization Procedures
Base Neutralization Procedures
Deactivation of Ethidium Bromide
Deactivation of Ammoniacal Silver Solutions 
Chemical Waste Minimization
Sanitary Sewer or Ordinary Refuse Disposal
Mercury Thermometer Swap Program

Shipping of Hazardous Materials or Dry Ice 

Internal ORS Links: What's New | Emergency Response | Administration | Biological Safety | Chemical Safety | Hazard Communication | Laboratory Safety | New to NU? | Radiation Safety

External ORS Links: Northwestern Home | Vice President for Research | Big 10 EH&S Links | Risk Management | Employee Safety Handbook

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Phone 847/491-5581 or 312/503-8300 • FAX 847/467-2797 or 312/503-0547
e-mail researchsafety@northwestern.edu
Last Revision 05/16/2007
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