The health and safety of personnel (staff, students, and visitors) in a laboratory and/or non-laboratory environment in which hazardous or potentially hazardous materials or substances are used is the concern of everyone at this University. A “safety first” attitude emphasizes hazard identification and risk minimization as a part of any laboratory/chemical planning activity. Chemical Safety procedures and practices are designed to minimize potential exposure to hazardous materials.
Laboratory Safety
Laboratory safety issues affecting faculty, students, and staff are coordinated and implemented through the Risk Management and Environmental, Health & Safety (RMEHS) Office.
If you have questions about Chemical/Laboratory Safety, email rmehs@calstatela.edu or call (323) 343-3531. You can also use the "Report a Safety Concern" button to notify RMEHS.
Safety Signs and Labels for Lab Use
The information below is provided to help researchers and information support technicians (ISTs) use and download printable versions of safety signs and/or GHS labels to comply with all Cal State LA, local, and federal regulations and policies.
GHS is a regulation the United Nations manages for classifying and communicating chemical hazards for a specific space. Every area that stores or uses chemicals must comply with GHS labeling standards and Title 8 CCR § 5194 "Hazard Communication" Standard to define what a hazard is and how to protect themselves. GHS labels are meant to ensure that any person can look at a GHS label on a container and understand the hazards associated with the chemical inside.
When are GHS Labels Needed?
GHS labels are needed when the chemical is transferred to a secondary container that will be permanent. Manufacturer containers already have proper GHS labels, but once you transfer the chemical to another container, then a GHS label is required. The container must:
- Clean
- Have no visible signs of damage
- Be compatible with the chemical that will be stored
The following GHS labels are meant to be downloaded and used across all laboratory spaces at Cal State LA. They can be used in conjunction with the Avery 60505 labels that can be purchased. If more custom or smaller labels are needed for labeling purposes, please reach out to the chemical hygiene officer for help.
The following Safety Signs are meant to be downloaded and used across all laboratory spaces at Cal State LA. If more custom or smaller labels are needed for labeling purposes, please reach out to the chemical hygiene officer for help.