Chemical Safety Cabinets

• All areas that have a significant amount of chemicals in one location are required to have a chemical safety cabinet.
• Review your chemical inventory to identify hazards of chemical used or stored in your area.
• Purchase the appropriate chemical safety cabinet appropriate for your chemicals.
• Separate safety cabinets are required for flammable liquids, aerosols, paints, corrosives, poisons and oxidizers.
• All safety cabinets must meet the latest requirements of EPA, OSHA and any other relevant agency.
• The venting of chemical safety cabinets is not required.  Please consult EHRS at 215-707-2520 if you have a condition in which you feel that the cabinet needs to be vented.
• Place the cabinet in a cool dry location out of direct sunlight and away from any possible heat or ignition source.
• Always maintain continuous and adequate room ventilation.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of chemicals and their properties to prevent dangerous reactions from incompatible chemical storage.  Never store chemicals  based on alphabetization, as this can result in dangerous chemical compatibilities.
• Store chemicals only in containers that are made of materials determined to be chemically compatible so that leakage/damage will not occur. Consult the SDS or manufacturer for their recommendations. Frequently inspect containers for signs of damage and aging.
• Always make sure that caps are replaced on containers tightly, and that the outside of containers is clean and free from residual liquids.
• Regularly inspect inside the cabinet for spills, and clean immediately if found.
• Regularly inspect cabinets and any metal items in surrounding area for signs of rust, corrosion or other visual indications that the vapor levels are excessive and mechanical ventilation would be needed.
• Dispose of any aging chemicals that could become unstable.
• Use of vapor absorbent inside the cabinet can also reduce the irritant level of vapors.
• All chemical safety cabinets must be properly labeled. Example: For Flammable Storage Cabinet-“ Flammable-Keep Fire Away”
• The Department is responsible for ensuring that all Chemical Safety Cabinets are available and are maintained according to the requirement as specified by the manufacturer, appropriate regulation or Temple policy.

Contact EHRS at 215-707-2520 for additional information or guidance on chemical safety cabinets.

Chemical Spill Kits

• Chemical Spill kit must be readily available to handle minor spills for chemicals that are used in your area.
• Review your chemical inventory to identify hazards of chemical used or stored in your area.
• Purchase or assemble a spill kit appropriate for your chemicals. Consider special needs for acids, bases or poisons.
• Signage shall be posted indicating the location of all chemical spill kits.
• All individuals who may use a spill kit must be provided with training by the Department Head/Area Head or Faculty on the spill kit use and Personal Protective Equipment.
• The Department is responsible for ensuring that all Chemical Spill Kits are available and are maintained according to the requirement as specified by the manufacturer, appropriate regulation or Temple policy.

Contact EHRS at 215-707-2520 for additional information or guidance on chemical spill kits.

Emergency Shower & Eyewash Stations

• Must be installed and maintained in accordance with the latest version of ANSI Z358.1 standard and all other applicable regulations.
• The activation and use of such devices for emergencies must be immediately followed by medical treatment.
• Must be activated and operationally tested on a weekly basis by Department/Area to assure proper function and to minimize bacterial contamination.   Eyewash covers must be returned to their protective position after each activation.
• The weekly operational activation must be documented and available for review upon request.  The EHRS weekly checklist can be used to document the weekly operational check.
• All eyewashes and showers must be checked on an annual basis by Facilities Management.
• Signage shall be posted indicating the location of all emergency eyewashes and showers.
• Portable eyewash bottles or drench hoses do not meet the regulatory requirement for locations that are required to have an emergency shower or eyewash.
• The Department Chair or Area Head is responsible for ensuring that all Emergency Showers and eyewashes are operating appropriately and are maintained according to the requirement as specified by the manufacturer, appropriate regulation or Temple policy.

Visit the EHRS Policy 10.5-Emergency Equipment (Eyewash, Shower and Drench Hose)  for additional information.

Miscellaneous

Additional safety equipment may be necessary in your area. It is the responsibility of the Department Chair, Area Head or Faculty to recommend, provide and maintain supplementary safety equipment as needed. The Universities Fire Marshal is responsible for providing guidance on Fire Extinguisher, Fire Blankets and other relevant fire safety equipment. Contact EHRS at 215-707-2520 for additional information or guidance on safety equipment.