Chemical Safety
Chemical safety focuses on reducing health and safety risks, lowering environmental impact, adherence to all appropriate policies and procedures, and reducing operation costs. If chemicals are not used, stored and handled properly, they can cause injury, illness, fire, explosions, or property damage.
EHS provides information and guidelines to address proper use, handling and storage of chemicals. This information supplements the Lab Safety Manual for laboratories and the Hazard Communication Program for labs and non-lab settings. EHS provides resources, training, and consultation to departments using chemicals.
All personnel that are responsible for an area where chemicals are stored or used must maintain a complete inventory of all hazardous chemicals and report to EHS on the types, quantities, and storage locations. Chemical inventories can be accessed through the web-based portal, EHS Assistant.
Plans and Reference Material
Hazard Communication Program
Chemical Hygiene Plan (under construction)
Waste Disposal Guide (under construction)
General Information
Chemical safety begins with lab directors (faculty/lab managers/supervisors) identifying and reducing the risks involved when working with chemicals. Many facilities within TAMIU contain chemicals and hazardous materials that are essential for their operation.Laboratories using hazardous chemicals must:
- Follow the Laboratory Safety Manual
- Maintain an accurate chemical inventory
- Keep all chemical containers properly labeled
- Reduce the chemical inventory to only those chemicals necessary for operations
- Store chemicals in appropriate cabinets, shelving units, refrigerators, etc. according to hazard class
- Inspect chemical containers and storage units regularly to identify any unsafe conditions, including, a corroded metal shelf, a leaking chemical container, or a flammable cabinet door that no longer closes properly
Chemical Waste Disposal
Chemical waste must be disposed of as hazardous waste. For information on chemical waste disposal, contact the Office of EH&S.
Hazardous materials Shipping
Contact EHS with questions pertaining to hazardous materials shipping.
Emergency Response
Contact safety@tamiu.edu with any questions or to report a general concern. Call 911 or 956-326-2911 (University Police Department) with immediate safety concerns.