Chemical Safety

The health and safety of personnel (staff, students, and visitors) in a laboratory and/or non-laboratory environment in which hazardous or potentially hazardous materials or substances are used is the concern of everyone at this University. A “safety first” attitude emphasizes hazard identification and risk minimization as a part of any laboratory/chemical planning activity. Chemical Safety procedures and practices are designed to minimize potential exposure to hazardous materials.

 

Safety Signs and Labels for Hazardous Materials Areas

The information below is provided to help researchers and information support technicians (ISTs) use and download printable versions of safety signs and/or GHS labels to comply with all Cal State LA, local, and federal regulations and policies.


 

GHS is a regulation the United Nations manages for classifying and communicating chemical hazards for a specific space. Every area that stores or uses chemicals must comply with GHS labeling standards and Title 8 CCR § 5194 "Hazard Communication" Standard to define what a hazard is and how to protect themselves. GHS labels are meant to ensure that any person can look at a GHS label on a container and understand the hazards associated with the chemical inside. 


When are GHS Labels Needed?

GHS labels are needed when the chemical is transferred to a secondary container that will be permanent. Manufacturer containers already have proper GHS labels, but once you transfer the chemical to another container, then a GHS label is required. The container must:

  • Be clean
  • Have no visible signs of damage
  • Be compatible with the chemical that will be stored

The following GHS labels are meant to be downloaded and used across all laboratory spaces at Cal State LA. They can be used in conjunction with the Avery 60505 labels that can be purchased. If more custom or smaller labels are needed for labeling purposes, please contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer for help. 

The following Safety Signs are meant to be downloaded and used across all laboratory/workshop spaces at Cal State LA. If more custom or smaller labels are needed for labeling purposes, please contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer for help. 


SIGN NAMEPURPOSE / DESCRIPTIONAVERY LABEL NUMBERDOWNLOAD
Eyewash/Shower Sign-Keep ClearKeep the eyewash/shower station area clear for emergency precautions.60521 
DANGER- Acid Storage AreaAcid storage area identification for designated storage space (i.e., shelf, cabinet, etc.).6579 
DANGER- Base Storage AreaBase storage area identification for designated storage space (i.e., shelf, cabinet, etc.).6579 
DANGER- Flammable Storage AreaFlammable storage area identification for designated storage space (i.e., shelf, cabinet, etc.).6579 
DANGER- Oxidizer Storage AreaOxidizer storage area identification for designated storage space (i.e., shelf, cabinet, etc.).6579 
First Aid Kit LocationFirst aid sign for designation identification to help mitigate faster response during an emergency.60505 

No Food or Drink

A reminder that there is no food or drink is permitted in the lab or workshop space. 

Whole Sheet

LAB  

WORKSHOP  

NOTICE-Do Not Overfill Waste ContainersReminder for hazardous waste generators to not overfill waste containers helping prevent an accidental spill/ exposure.Whole Sheet 
NOTICE-Keep Door Closed and LockedReminder to ensure all restricted (laboratories/workshops) remain closed and locked when work has concluded. Whole Sheet 
NOTICE-Lab Use Only- No FoodReminder that household items bought for laboratories/workshop areas are not to be used for personal/food items (i.e., fridges, microwaves, etc.).5163 
NOTICE-No PPE In RestroomsReminder for those working in a lab and using PPE to not take lab-worn PPE into public spaces, like the restroom.Whole Sheet 
NOTICE-Wash Hands Before Leaving LabReminder for those working in a lab to wash their hands before leaving their lab space to encourage awareness and good hand hygiene. Whole Sheet 
Search for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)QR Code link to SDS search on Risk and Safety Solutions (RSS) platform. Can be placed in areas where inventory is housed to reduce accidental exposure, improper waste management, and increased PPE awareness.60505 
Spill Kit LocationSpill kit sign for designation identification to help mitigate faster response during an emergency.60522 

TRASH ONLY

Trash-only sign for public trash containers. Reminder for lab workers to not dispose of recyclables, broken glass, or hazardous materials in public trash containers.

60502

 

WARNING-No Flammable StorageReminder to hazardous materials handlers to store items according to compatibility.5163