Chemical Use and Waste Management

Chemical Use

PIs must complete a Lab Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT) for their labs and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all procedures involving hazardous chemicals or processes. All users of these chemicals and processes must review and sign the SOP.  Templates for SOPs can be found at EH&S’ SOP page.

In addition, an online chemical inventory must be maintained and updated at least once a year for all areas storing hazardous materials including compressed gases. EH&S uses Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) to track inventories and current lab personnel and to assist labs with generating their lab placards. EH&S has provided a User Guide for the EHSA Chemical Inventory database and a Placard SOP to help users of the system.

All personnel storing and/or using chemicals should familiarize themselves with the USC Chemical Hygiene Plan.  Please note that food and drink cannot be stored or consumed in any lab containing hazardous materials and that the minimum attire for occupying a lab includes full-length pants and fully closed shoes (no skin exposed).  If any work is taking place in the lab, Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the hazards (most commonly lab coats, gloves, and eye protection) is required to be worn in addition to the minimum attire.

Waste Management

EH&S now requires hazardous waste requests to be submitted through the Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) website.  Instructions can be found at the EH&S Hazmat Pickup webpage.

Disposal requests for large items such as furniture, packing crates, and other items that will not fit easily into a dumpster must be submitted to FMS through the Customer Resource Center by calling 213-740-6833 or through the Waste and Recycling Supervisor’s office at 626-862-1750 | gwhisna@usc.edu.  Payment may be required for the removal of these items.