New safety training is now available through our online and classroom training courses. New for 2014, the Global Harmonized System (GHS) has been recently adopted by OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication Standard). The GHS is a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals.

Under the GHS system, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) have now been replaced by Safety Data Sheets (SDS). SDS are available to all UTHealth personnel and can be found on CHEMWATCH or by contacting EHS at 713-500-5832.

Important Notes

• Keep updated chemical inventories to prevent dispersion of laboratory chemicals used for illegal activities.
• Provide secure storage and keep accurate purchase and disposal records of controlled substances, precursor drugs, and laboratory apparatus.
• Report unauthorized individuals attempting access to labs, missing supplies, unsolicited delivery to the lab without a corresponding purchase and other suspicious or unexplained activity
• Laboratories must compile an annual chemical inventory identifying the location (building and room) and quantity of all hazardous chemicals. Chemical inventories should be submitted to EH&S annually during lab safety surveys.
• Select the proper glove when working with chemicals of interest by using a glove compatibility chart.
• Infectious Substance Shipping (ISS) is required for all persons shipping infectious or diagnostic samples. Classroom refresher training is required every 2 years or as regulations change.
• UT Safety Committees must review and approve acutely toxic/physically dangerous chemicals, use of radioactive materials, and biological agents or recombinant DNA (rDNA) prior to being used.
• Surplus Transfer can be completed for unwanted equipment to surplus by submitting an Surplus form. Do not store equipment awaiting surplus in hallways or egress corridors. More information can be found in the Surplus Guidance document.
• Radioactive materials training is required for all persons working with radioactive materials, X-rays, and lasers (Class 3 & 4). Contact Radiation Safety at 713-500-5840 for more information.

Important Waste Disposal Information

Reduce bio-hazardous waste collection by autoclaving microbiological waste from labs. Non-autoclavable items include chemicals, nano particles, radioactive materials, fecal material, and animal carcasses. For more information call Environmental Protection Program at 713-500-5837.