Chemical Safety & Hazard

Chemical Safety

Towson's Chemical Safety program aims to minimize the occupational and environmental exposure of hazardous materials used on campus. This is done through conducting inspections, providing information and recommendations, training, receiving feedback, and the proper use of hazard controls and equipment. The program is intended to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, in addition to TU Policy. Chemical safety is supported by our Chemical Hygiene and Hazard Communication programs.

Chemical Hygiene 

We provide departments with recommendations on proper laboratory safety (PDF) and chemical hygiene, chemical storage guidelines (PDF) and chemical labeling (see Chemical Labels under Hazard Communication below). We also offer safety procedures for personal protective equipment (PDF), mercury (PDF), and ethidium bromide (PDF). We also offer dedicated laboratory safety and chemical hygiene training programs. Contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 410-704-2949 or register here to sign up for the online training course. 

Report chemical spills to EHS immediately. We will follow up on chemical spills to ensure that they are managed properly. Other chemical hygiene guidance is provided below:

Compressed Gas Cylinder Use & Local Exhaust Ventilation
Compressed Gas Cylinder Program (PDF) 
Fume Hood: Instructions (PDF) | Airflow Video | Use Video
Snorkel Exhaust: Instructions (PDF) | Video
Vented Gas Cabinet: Instructions (PDF)

Eyewash/Safety Shower Use
Instructions (PDF) | Locations (PDF) | Video

Hazardous Waste Management Program

We maintain careful hazardous waste management procedures (PDF) to minimize exposure to hazardous materials on campus. Our dedicated electronics recycling program (PDF), battery recycling program (PDF), and light bulb recycling program (PDF) help to minimize waste and exposure.

Individuals who handle hazardous waste on campus are required to take hazardous waste generator training. You can register for training and see the training prerequisites online.

Hazard Communication (Right-to-Understand)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Hazard Communication Standard outline employees' right to understand potential health risks in the workplace. This also includes information on protective equipment and clothing, to procedures for identifying chemicals, their hazards, and protecting against exposure to those hazards. As part of our Hazard Communication Program, we offer online training to help employees learn proper procedures, as well as their rights and resources, in the hopes of keeping them safe on the job. This program is supported by access to information involving chemical inventory, labels, and safety data sheets. 

Training will be assigned virtually through Vector Solutions SafeColleges. Workers shall request training by contacting EHS at 410-704-2949 or . EHS will verify completion of the online training. In addition to the course, you will need to review information on the Hazard Communication Program (PDF), personal protective equipment (PDF), and our smoke-free campus policy, and each section below.

Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

OSHA requires companies to follow GHS for classifying and labeling chemicals. If you handle chemicals on campus, read and follow the brief on chemical labels and pictograms (PDF) and chemical safety data sheets (PDF). You can also print quick reference cards on pictograms (PDF), labels (PDF), and safety data sheets (PDF). For more information on these topics, continue reading below.

Chemical Inventory Database (Vertere)

Towson uses the Vertere Chemical Inventory Management Database (CIDB) to track all containers which fall within the OSHA criteria of hazardous chemicals. The database is used to identify the chemical or product name containing hazardous chemicals and the location of the containers. Once entered, chemicals are tracked by a unique barcode number.

There are two Vertere databases on the Towson server. The developmental/practice database can be used for training or testing the system. The production database is the university's certified database, and should only be accessed to add, edit, transfer, dispose, and track real inventory items. A username and password are required to access the databases. Please complete the assistance request form for any issues regarding the database, its hardware, or training. For further reference, use the documents listed below:
CIDB Manual (PDF) | SC Compressed Gases Management (PDF) | Printer Use (PDF) | Mobile Scanner Use (PDF) | Glossary (PDF) 

Chemical Labels

Towson's aim is to have all hazardous chemicals labeled. The chemical user is responsible for ensuring all chemicals are appropriately labeled within their area. Any hazardous chemical containers used, stored, or transported at Towson, should have on its label, at a minimum, the chemical identity, hazard warning, and its manufacturer, as detailed in chemical container labeling requirements (PDF). This is typically achievable through the use of Right-To-Know (RTK) adhesive labels. GHS-compliant labels (PDF) will have the following: Product Identifier (Chemical/Common Name), Signal Word, Hazard Statements, Precautionary Statements, Supplier Identification (Name, Address, Phone Number), and Pictograms (GHS Hazard Symbols). Chemical users may create GHS-compliant or RTK labels via the Chemwatch website with GHS Label Printing Instructions (PDF).

Laboratory Door Signs

Laboratory door signs are used to communicate quick information about hazards and precautions to take before entering the laboratory to first responders including TUPD, Facilities Management, EHS, laboratory personnel, and accompanied visitors. Signs typically display room location and function information, hazards (biological, chemical, and physical), emergency equipment available, required laboratory hygiene including personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency and laboratory personnel contact information, and when the sign was last updated. Sign information should be accurate and kept current. Please complete the sign request form, if a new, updated, or replacement sign is needed. The requested sign will be printed and delivered to the appropriate location.

Safety Data Sheets

Always check with the manufacturer first for safety data sheets (SDS), formerly known as material safety data sheets (MSDS). If you cannot contact the manufacturer, you may be able to access SDS via the Chemwatch website, to which Towson subscribes. For faculty and staff who maintain chemical inventory with Vertere, SDS are also accessible through the database. You must access Chemwatch or Vertere using a Towson IP address. You can also search for SDS and other chemical information via the resources below: