Chemical/Laboratory Safety

List of Programs and Plans

Animal Care and Use Occupational Health Program

It is the policy of CSUF to protect personnel from occupational injuries and illnesses. The overall safety of faculty, staff, volunteers and students is the main focus of this program so as to not subject them to avoidable risks and/or accidental injury or illness. No person will be required to perform any task that would be considered unsafe or unreasonably hazardous. 

To accomplish this, personnel who work in a laboratory or field setting having substantial contact with animals shall be provided with the proper materials, equipment, and training in accordance with federal and state requirements. This program also follows the guidelines set forth by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

The purpose of this program is to establish a uniform set of guidelines for the handling and use of captive and wild animals at CSUF. Refer to the links below for information regarding program scope, roles and responsibilities, required health screenings, vaccinations, personal protective equipment, training, and mechanism for reporting injuries or illnesses.

Chemical Hygiene Plan

The Chemical Hygiene PlanPDF File Opens in new window is a written program that provides for and supports the procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, and work practices for protecting laboratory personnel from potential health hazards of using hazardous chemicals in the laboratory. 

Controlled Substances

Cal State Fullerton currently holds a federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration governing the use of controlled substances (CS) for research and teaching purposes. The Student Health Center holds the registration for prescription drugs. Principal investigators (PIs) must obtain a CSUA and be screened to possess and use Controlled Substances for research. Note: Clinical trials performed on campus through the pharmacy don't require a CSUA.

The Controlled Substances Program Procedure Manual describes the responsibilities of the principal investigator, department chair, and employee responsibilities and procedures.

Hazard Communications

State law requires that employees be provided information regarding hazardous substances in their work area. Refer to the Hazard Communication ProgramPDF File Opens in new window for additional information.

Hazardous Material Safety

EHS provides resources, training, and consultation to the campus community to ensure the safe handling, transport, use, collection, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials on campus. Refer to the links below for additional information.

Hazardous Waste

CSUF’s hazardous waste management program ensures the proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemical, medical, and radioactive waste produced on campus.  Refer to the links below for additional information. 

Laboratory Equipment Safety

Laser Safety

The use of lasers is becoming increasingly widespread in all walks of life, especially in education and research.  Refer to the links below for additional information about laser safety and laser use authorization at CSUF.

Mercury Replacement

In order to reduce the amount of toxic mercury in the environment, Environmental Health and Safety has a Mercury Replacement ProgramPDF File Opens in new window for mercury containing devices and equipment. 

Radiation Safety

The radiation safety program requires authorization to conduct research, clinical, and teaching activities with radioactive materials.  Refer to the links below for additional information.

Safety Data Sheets

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a detailed fact sheet summarizing information about a chemical, including health and physical hazards, emergency procedures, chemical reactivity and incompatibility, and disposal procedures. 

SDSs for chemicals used on campus may be accessed at MSDSOnline.comOpens in new window . Type the chemical name in the search field, click ‘search,’ and then select the appropriate SDS.  For additional assistance in obtaining SDSs, contact EHS at x7233 or safety@fullerton.edu.

How to Access SDSsPDF File Opens in new window contains instructions for accessing SDSs from on-campus and off-campus locations.

How to Read a Safety Data SheetPDF File Opens in new window contains information about interpreting SDSs.

X-Ray Safety

X-Rays are a form of invisible, high-frequency electromagnetic radiation.  They are produced by accelerating electrons at a metal target.  X-Rays are used in various medical and research applications.  Refer to the links below for information on X-Ray Safety. 

More Program Information:

Environmental Compliance      |      Safety and Health     |      Training