Skip to Content

Chemical Safety & Hazardous (Chemical) Waste

Hazardous Chemicals are used by nearly all of the research labs at the University of Virginia (UVa), as well as in many of the construction, maintenance and housekeeping operations performed on UVa grounds. On this page you will find useful information regarding the policies and procedures that UVa has implemented to keep you and the environment safe from hazardous chemical exposure.

Basic Chemical Safety and Hazardous (Chemical) Waste collection information can be found in UVa's Hazard Communication ("Right-to-Know") document (Word or PDF). More detailed Chemical Safety and Hazardous (Chemical) Waste collection information can be found in UVa's Chemical Hygiene Plan (Word or PDF).

By making available, to all faculty, staff and students, the Hazard Communication ("Right-to-Know") and Chemical Hygiene Plan documents it is the goal of the University to communicate the potential hazards which are present when handling hazardous chemicals and to describe the proper methods of collecting Hazardous (Chemical) Waste, thus reducing the number of chemically related occupational illnesses and injuries, and protecting the environment. 

Training

Anyone who works in a laborator/area where chemicals are used, or who generates Hazardous (Chemical) Waste, must be trained by Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Online training modules are available to satisfy this training requirement, click here to start.

In addition to training, all persons working with Hazardous Chemicals should be well acquainted with UVa's Chemical Hygiene Plan (Word or PDF), which includes University protocols and information for working safely with chemicals and instructions for the safe handling and collection of Hazardous (Chemical) Waste.

Supervisors may also provide you with any specialized training for using particular chemicals or chemical products, and where appropriate, how to use personal protective equipment. If you have any questions about a material or about your personal protective equipment you should contact your supervisor or contact EHS.

Hazardous (Chemical) Waste Collection

Instructions for the proper collection of Hazardous (Chemical) Waste can be found here.

To schedule a Chemical Waste Pick-up and/or to order waste containers click here.

Hazardous Waste Collection Guidelines for persons generating/collecting Hazardous (Chemical) Waste in NON-laboratory areas can be found here.

UVa Policies

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

MSDS provide specific information regarding the hazards associated with a chemical or chemical product. MSDS may be kept in your work area and are also available from EHS. Requests for MSDS can be made by contacting your supervisor, calling EHS (982-4911), or searching on-line here.

UVa Online (searchable) MSDS Database (NetBadge required)

If you have MSDS that you would like to include in this searchable archive, please contact Vaughn C. Kowahl (982-4906 or vaughn@virginia.edu).

Chemical Inventories

The area in which you work may have a list of chemicals/chemical products stored and used in that area, please check with your supervisor. If not, here is a listing of materials which may be found at UVa.