Chemical Hygiene & Lab Safety

The Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety Program is responsible for the development and oversight of programs to ensure the safe handling, use, transport, collection, storage, and disposal of chemicals generated by teaching, research, or administrative support activities.

Chemical Hygiene Plan

Colgate University's Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) defines the university's laboratory safety policies, practices, and procedures to ensure a safe learning environment for students, staff, and faculty.

Laboratory beakers

Waste Management and Disposal Guide

The Waste Management and Disposal Guide has been designed to assist the students, staff, and faculty of Colgate University in the safe and economical management of lab waste, including hazardous chemical waste, radioactive waste, and biological waste. Hazardous materials generated in laboratories, art studios, workshops, and other locations on campus are collected, labeled, and stored according to specific procedures detailed in this manual.

Peroxide Forming Compounds

Certain laboratory chemicals form explosive peroxides on exposure to oxygen in air. Over time, some chemicals continue to build peroxides to potentially dangerous levels whereas others accumulate a relatively low equilibrium concentration of peroxide, which becomes dangerous only after being concentrated by evaporation or distillation. Colgate's Peroxide Forming Chemical Safety Program was developed to prevent accidents and to help EHS track and periodically test all peroxide-forming chemicals.

Important Resources

HAZMAT Contingency Plan

The HAZMAT Contingency Plan provides a written plan of action for Colgate University in the event of a fire, explosion, or unplanned release of hazardous materials or hazardous waste that could pose a threat to human health and/or the environment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy

The Laboratory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy details the types of PPE available and provides guidance on appropriate protections in a variety of settings. PPE is made readily available in the laboratories and, based on laboratory hazard assessments, is to be used by all faculty, students, and staff.

A student in protective gear, including goggles and gloves, in the laboratory

A student in protective gear, including goggles and gloves, in the laboratory