NIOSH Pocket Guide to Hazardous Chemicals

Cancer and Cancer Drug Information

National Toxicology Program's (NTP) List of Known Human Carcinogens

International Agency for Research on Cancer

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's List of Carcinogens

NFPA Labeling System and Chemical Reference

Periodic Table and Information on the Elements

Emergency Response Guidebook

Large Chemical Spill Cleanup Procedure

Small Chemical Spill Cleanup Procedure

Mercury Spill Cleanup Procedure

The EPA Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA)

Does your lab or department ship new or existing chemicals to other universities in the United States or abroad for research? If so, the EPA Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) may affect you.

The Toxic Substance Control Act, TSCA, was established by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1976 to ensure that the human health and environmental effects of chemical substances are identified and properly controlled before production or transport. The chemicals regulated include:

"Any organic or inorganic substances of a particular molecular identity including any combination of such substances occurring, in whole or in part, as a result of chemical reaction or occurring in nature and any element or uncombined radical."

Chemicals that are not regulated by TSCA are:

1. Pesticides regulated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodentcide Act (FIFRA)
2. Tobacco and tobacco products regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
3. Radioactive materials regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Comission (NRC)
4. Food, food additives, drugs, cosmetics or devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Laboratories here at UAB are generally not subject to most requirements of the act if they meet the Research and Development (R&D) exemption. However, all appropriate forms must be filled out and sent with the shipments regardless of the exemption. Forms are required so EPA can monitor the amount of chemicals shipped between borders. The R&D exemption requires chemicals be:

1. imported, manufactured or used in small quantities; and
2. used solely for purposes of non-commercial scientific experimentation, analysis or research; and
3. under the supervision of a technically qualified individual

These guidelines and documents will help you determine the procedures to take when handling substances regulated by TSCA.

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New DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Regulations

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized Appendix A of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) in the Federal Register on November 20, 2007. UAB OH&S is preparing specific information and processes for complying with the new standards and to make compliance as "lab friendly" as possible.

Please refer to this website for information and answers to frequently asked questions geared for colleges and universities. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

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MSDS On Demand

3E MSDS on Demand is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call 1-800-451-8346. You will be asked if this is an emergency or non emergency. Have available Product Name, Manufacturer Name, Product Number, UPC Code, and your FAX number. MSDSs will be faxed to you immediately.

Instructions for use of the MSDS On Demand*

Packing and Disposing of Chemical Waste
by Judy McBride - Assistant Director of Chemical Safety

At some time, all labs will need to dispose of waste chemicals. Some generate large amounts of chemical waste requiring regular, scheduled pickup, such as those synthesizing proteins or other compounds. Others may not generate waste until they move or review their inventory for outdated material. No matter what the amount generated, it is critical that all materials be identified and packed properly.

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