General Safety Considerations

Considering the hazards and liabilities that chemicals bring into a lab,  the following guidelines should be reviewed before purchasing a chemical:

• Check if the chemical is on UH Controlled Chemicals List.
• Order only needed amounts: What amount that will be used in the foreseeable future?
• Order a less hazardous form of the same chemical: For example, if sodium azide solution will fit the research need, avoid ordering sodium azide solids.
• Purchase the chemical in a safer container: For example, order chemicals in shatter-resistant containers to prevent cracks and leaks, order chemicals in septum sealed containers to avoid air or moisture exposure.
• Check the existing inventory before ordering: Does the lab already have the chemical? Does a nearby lab have such chemical that can be shared, if the amount needed was minimal?

General guidelines for receiving a chemical package:

• No chemical shipments shall be accepted without an adequate identifying label.
• Delivery must be refused for leaking containers.
• After receiving the package, promptly open the package and examine the chemical container for labels and container integrity.
• If Safety Data Sheet (SDS) came with the package, save it in a binder for future reference or emergencies.

For chemicals that are transferred or gifted/donated:

• EHS shall be contacted in advance of any acquisition of chemicals that will not be purchased, e.g. transferred to the University of Houston, from another university or organization. For further details, refer to "Chemical Donations from External Organization".