Chemical Safety & Hazard

Chemical Safety

Towson's Chemical Safety program aims to minimize the occupational and environmental exposure of hazardous materials used on campus. This is done through conducting inspections, providing information and recommendations, training, receiving feedback, and the proper use of hazard controls and equipment. The program is intended to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, in addition to TU Policy. Chemical safety is supported by our Chemical Hygiene and Hazard Communication programs.

Chemical Hygiene

Chemical Hygiene Program

We provide departments with recommendations on proper laboratory safety (PDF) and chemical hygiene, chemical storage guidelines (PDF) and chemical labeling (see Chemical Labels under Hazard Communication below). We also offer safety procedures for departments using compressed gas cylinders (PDF), mercury (PDF) and ethidium bromide (PDF).  We also offer dedicated laboratory safety and chemical hygiene training programs.  Contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 410-704-2949 or register here to sign up for the online training course.

Report chemical spills to EHS immediately. We will follow up on chemical spills to ensure that they are managed properly.

Hazardous Waste Program

We maintain careful hazardous waste management procedures (PDF) to minimize exposure to hazardous materials on campus. Our dedicated electronics recycling program (PDF), battery recycling program (PDF), and light bulb recycling program (PDF) help to minimize waste and exposure.

Individuals who handle hazardous waste on campus are required to take hazardous waste generator training. You can register for training and see the training prerequisites online.

Hazard Communication (Right-to-Understand)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Hazard Communication Standard outline employees' right to understand potential health risks in the workplace. This also includes information on protective equipment and clothing, in addition to the proper procedures for handling and storing chemicals and hazardous materials. As part of our Hazard Communication Program (PDF), we offer online training to help employees learn proper procedures, as well as their rights and resources, in the hopes of keeping them safe on the job. This program is supported by access to information involving chemical inventory, labels, and safety data sheets. 

Contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 410-704-2949 or register here to sign up for the online training course. In addition to the course, you will need to review information on the hazard communication/right-to-know process, Globally Harmonized System (GHS), personal protective equipment (PDF) and our smoke-free campus policy. After you have passed the online training course and reviewed the programs, complete the right-to-know verification form and submit it to EHS with the training certification sign-in sheet.

Chemical Inventory Database (Vertere)

Towson uses the Vertere Chemical Inventory Management Database (CIDB) to track all containers which fall within the OSHA criteria of hazardous chemicals. The database is used to identify the chemical or product name containing hazardous chemicals and the location of the containers. Once entered, chemicals are tracked by a unique barcode number.

There are two Vertere databases on the Towson server. The developmental/practice database can be used for training or testing the system. The production database is the university's certified database, and should only be accessed to add, edit, transfer, dispose, and track real inventory items. A username and password are required to access the databases. Please complete the assistance request form for any issues regarding the database, its hardware, or training.

Chemical Labels

Towson's aim is to have all hazardous chemicals labeled. The chemical user is responsible for ensuring all chemicals are appropriately labeled within their area. Any hazardous chemical containers used, stored, or transported at Towson, should have on its label, at a minimum, the chemical identity, hazard warning, and its manufacturer, as detailed in chemical container labeling requirements (PDF). This is typically achievable through the use of Right-To-Know (RTK) adhesive labels. GHS-compliant labels will have the following: Product Identifier (Chemical/Common Name), Signal Word, Hazard Statements, Precautionary Statements, Supplier Identification (Name, Address, Phone Number), and Pictograms (GHS Hazard Symbols). 

Laboratory Door Signs

Laboratory door signs are used to communicate quick information about hazards and precautions to take before entering the laboratory to first responders including TUPD, Facilities Management, EHS, laboratory personnel, and accompanied visitors. Signs typically display room location and function information, hazards (biological, chemical, and physical), emergency equipment available, required personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency and laboratory personnel contact information, and when the sign was last updated. Sign information should be accurate and kept current. Please complete the sign request form, if a new, updated, or replacement sign are needed. The requested sign will be printed and delivered to the appropriate location.

Safety Data Sheets

Always check with the manufacturer first for safety data sheets (SDS), formerly known as material safety data sheets (MSDS). If you cannot contact the manufacturer, you may be able to access SDS via the Chemwatch website, to which Towson subscribes. For faculty and staff who maintain chemical inventory with Vertere, SDS are also accessible through the database. You must access Chemwatch or Vertere using a Towson IP address. You can also search for SDS and other chemical information via the resources below: