This website provides supporting documents and information support for you in lab safety and chemical safety practices. ASU Occupational Health and Safety provides support and guidance to faculty, staff, students, and other ASU community members in the development and implementation of appropriate lab safety practices and procedures.
A laboratory is a facility or room where potentially hazardous chemicals, biological agents, or sources of energy such as lasers, high voltage and radiation are used and scientific experimentation, research, or education occurs. See ASU Policy EHS 104. Each laboratory at ASU is required to annually complete a safety registration.
Chemical hygiene plan
Compressed gas safety
Forms and references
- Bunsen burner safety.
- Chemical abbreviations.
- Chemical container labels.
- Chemical purchase or transfer.
- DEA controlled substances.
- Flammable storage containers.
- Fume hood usage guide.
- Hazmat storage guide.
- Lab specific training plan template.
- Laboratory coat selection.
- Laboratory safety reminders.
- Lookup training records.
- Minors in the lab.
- PPE hazard assessment.
- Prior approval new hazardous chemicals.
- Risk category chart.
- Shared lab space guidance.
- Safety tips for oil baths.
- Working alone procedures.
Printable Signs
Federal and state regulations require laboratories to post signs in particular areas and on various pieces of equipment to warn or caution personnel of hazards present. As a convenience, EHS has provided a list of common signs for use in your lab which meet the ANSI Z535 safety standard. Please print from the list below and post signs you need in your research or teaching lab.
- Acid storage.
- Base storage.
- Carcinogen use area.
- Coldroom.
- Corrosive storage.
- Emergency eyewash.
- Emergency shower and eyewash.
- Flammable storage.
- Food use only.
- HF area.
- High voltage.
- Lab fridge freezer.
- Lab microwave.
- No chemicals under sink.
- No ice.
- Noise hazard.
- Peroxides.
- Spill kit.
- Strong magnet.
Programs
SOP templates
The ASU CHP and the OSHA Lab Safety Standard specifically mandates that labs develop Standard Operating Procedures when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals, especially for PHSs. PHSs are defined as select carcinogens, reproductive and acute toxins. If you are unsure if a chemical falls into one of these categories, check the chemical’s SDS and the container label. Email EHS if you have questions about the chemicals you intend to use.
For your convenience, EHS has compiled SOPs for frequently purchased, particularly hazardous substances. We also offer other SOP templates for PHS and a blank template.
If your lab contains thiols, mercaptans or other stench chemicals, please use the following SOP.
If your lab contains corrosive materials and no eyewash and safety shower unit located inside the lab, please use the following SOP.
Please adapt these SOPs to your specific lab and use in your lab-specific training.