Common everyday chemicals can be just as hazardous as lab chemicals. Just because they can be purchased at hardware stores does not mean they are safe.
You have the right to know about chemicals you work with in non-lab settings. These areas include facilities shops, student shops, art studios, maintenance and cleaning operations, and many other non-lab settings at MIT.
You are required to take training to work with common chemicals that are hazardous. Ask your supervisor about your required training or contact the EHS Office about the Hazard Communication Program. Contact EHS at 617-452-3477 or environment@mit.edu.
We have the right to protect ourselves. You will learn to find information about chemical hazards using Safety Data Sheets and how to work with chemicals safely. You should know the Hazard Pictograms for all chemical work you do. Refer to the OSHA Quick Card for more information about the Hazard Communication Standard Pictograms (also known as Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) Pictorgrams).
SDS and Chemical Safety Information
One of the fastest ways to get an SDS is to use a search engine.
- Type in the chemical or product name and SDS.
- For a company specific SDS, you can add the company name in the search.
Below are links to database or company sites where you can get an SDS. The companies listed are sources of many of the products and chemicals at MIT.
Company SDS Sites
Lab chemicals
Miscellaneous sites for products used at MIT
- Linde Gas SDS
- Airgas Distributors – SDS Library Link at left on page.
- Pharmacal Research Labs – Site with information on disinfectants used for animal research
Links to Chemical Safety Information other than SDS
- NIOSH – On-line chemical safety information
- Compressed Gas Association – information on Compressed Gas Safety
Common everyday chemicals can be just as hazardous as lab chemicals. Just because they can be purchased at hardware stores does not mean they are safe.
You have the right to know about chemicals you work with in non-lab settings. These areas include facilities shops, student shops, art studios, maintenance and cleaning operations, and many other non-lab settings at MIT.
You are required to take training to work with common chemicals that are hazardous. Ask your supervisor about your required training or contact the EHS Office about the Hazard Communication Program. Contact EHS at 617-452-3477 or environment@mit.edu.
We have the right to protect ourselves. You will learn to find information about chemical hazards using Safety Data Sheets and how to work with chemicals safely. You should know the Hazard Pictograms for all chemical work you do. Refer to the OSHA Quick Card for more information about the Hazard Communication Standard Pictograms (also known as Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) Pictorgrams).
SDS and Chemical Safety Information
One of the fastest ways to get an SDS is to use a search engine.
- Type in the chemical or product name and SDS.
- For a company specific SDS, you can add the company name in the search.
Below are links to database or company sites where you can get an SDS. The companies listed are sources of many of the products and chemicals at MIT.
Company SDS Sites
Lab chemicals
Miscellaneous sites for products used at MIT
- Linde Gas SDS
- Airgas Distributors – SDS Library Link at left on page.
- Pharmacal Research Labs – Site with information on disinfectants used for animal research
Links to Chemical Safety Information other than SDS
- NIOSH – On-line chemical safety information
- Compressed Gas Association – information on Compressed Gas Safety