Fayetteville Policies and Procedures  727.2 

Toxic Substances Use on Campus

The University is committed to the health and safety of its students, faculty and staff. It is recognized that during their work or education at the University, some individuals will be involved in activities that require the use of substances or materials that are hazardous or toxic in nature. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has prepared the University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. This document addresses the safe acquisition, use and disposal of toxic substances and hazardous materials. In addition, it defines the minimum acceptable standard safety practices for execution of laboratory work for both research and teaching. The Chemical Hygiene Plan is the full statement of the campus policy and procedures for handling toxic substances and hazardous materials.

As noted in the Chemical Hygiene Plan, substances defined by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1450) as “Particularly Hazardous Substances” require advance coordination with EH&S and must have a laboratory/research specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).  The laboratory/research specific SOP must be approved in writing by the Toxic Substances Committee prior to the acquisition, receipt, storage or use of any Particularly Hazardous Substances.

Materials believed to present a significant and immediate health risk shall be reported promptly by any concerned individual to the Chemical Hygiene Officer. As formally delegated by the Chancellor, the Chemical Hygiene Officer (or designated assistant) has the authority to suspend, with or without prior notice, any operation and secure the immediate area when, in the opinion of the Chemical Hygiene Officer (or designated assistant), the health and safety of individuals may be compromised or when there is a significant failure to comply with applicable federal, state and UAF regulatory and policy requirements.  Upon such termination of any operation, the Chemical Hygiene Officer shall, within twenty-four (24) hours, inform the Laboratory Manager, Department Chairperson or Director, the Chair of the Toxic Substances Committee, and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities of the reasons for halting operations and the steps required to resume operations

Revised June 13, 2018
Reformatted for Web May 16, 2014
Revised May, 2012
January 25, 2002