UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 16, Page 3
January 5, 1995
Safety corner

     Delaware's Hazardous Chemical Information Act and University
policy require each department and other campus units to compile and
maintain a Workplace Chemical List that contains information on each
hazardous chemical normally used, handled or stored in the workplace
in aggregate quantities that exceed 55 gallons or 500 pounds at any
time.
     The list should include:
        * the chemical name, the common name or the CAS number used on
          the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and container label
          and the manufacturer of the chemical; and
        * the work area in which the hazardous chemical is normally
          stored or used.

     Because of a recent change in state requirements, some chemicals
kept in quantities smaller than those listed above also need to be
reported. The Department of Occupational Health and Safety has
compiled a list of chemicals for review, and that list includes a
Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ), or the amount that requires
reporting. If any of the listed chemicals are handled or stored in the
workplace in aggregate quantities equal to or greater than the TPQ,
they also must be included in a unit's report.
     In addition, MSDSs should be checked to determine if any of the
listed chemicals are components of any chemical products that are
handled or stored. The same information listed above for each chemical
or chemical product over the TPQ should be included in the report.
     The Workplace Chemical List should be prepared for individual
work areas and must be posted in an area readily accessible to
students and employees.
     The act also requires the Workplace Chemical List to be updated
at least annually. Copies of the updated Workplace Chemical List or a
statement certifying hazardous chemicals are not used, handled or
stored in the quantities specified, must be submitted to the
Department of Occupational Health and Safety by Feb. 1.
     Failure to comply with Workplace Chemical List requirements can
result in civil penalties to the University.
     For information or to receive a copy of the list of chemicals
along with their TPQs, contact the Department of Occupational Health
and Safety at 831-8475.