Acutely Hazardous Chemicals

These are substances of high acute toxicity which include materials that may be fatal or cause damage to target organs as a result of a single exposure or exposures of short duration;  or are capable of causing intense irritation that can result in pulmonary edema (fluid and swelling in the lungs), chemical asphyxia, and systemic (body-wide) poisoning. 

The EH&S MSDS Web Site should be consulted to determine the toxicity of substances. 

An EH&S Industrial Hygienis t may also be contacted for additional guidance.

Hazard Assessments

Hazard assessments are conducted to identify the hazards and necessary controls for chemicals used in shop and laboratory work environments. These are performed so that protective measures can be put into place.  In accordance with Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) principles, line managers are responsible for "integrating ES&H into work and for ensuring active communication up and down the management line with the workforce".  To this end, line managers must be aware of and approve the work performed within their jurisdiction and shall ensure that appropriate hazard assessments are conducted in their work areas.  An EH&S Industrial Hygienis t  may be consulted to provide assistance and guidance in performing hazard assessments.

Activity Hazard Documents

The protocol for conducting hazard assessments is delineated in Pub 3000 Chapter 6, EH&S Documentations and Approvals.

An AHD is a safety document that identifies hazards and describes mitigation. It is the Laboratory document used to describe the controls necessary to ensure that the risks associated with an activity are at an acceptable level. The line manager must identify and evaluate any potential hazards associated with the proposed project or activity and develop satisfactory measures to reduce these hazards to an acceptable level.  The line manager shall also determine whether an AHD is needed. The AHD must be completed before the beginning of the work. When reviewed and approved, the AHD becomes the principal safety document for the research project or activity. The ultimate determination of the appropriate operational authorization is the responsibility of the using Division Director. The AHD is reviewed by EH&S Health and Safety Professionals and line management. It is approved by the using Division Director.

Examples of operations requiring AHDs include:

• Operations requiring the use of glove boxes for safety reasons
• Activities using toxic and/or pyrophoric gases such as
• . The following list provides examples of these gases.  (Pub 3000 Chapter 13, Gases, should be consulted for further guidance for toxic and pyrophoric gases controls).

• Use of extremely reactive and/or explosive substances. The following list provides examples of these materials.

If there is any uncertainty regarding the need to develop an AHD, the line manager shall contact an EH&S Industrial Hygienist for guidance.

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