Chemical/Gas Safety

Chemicals often have hazards associated with them, whether they be laboratory reagents, common cleaning products, engineering oils, woodworking dusts, or soldering fluxes. These hazards can be associated with fires or explosions, or can be due to the hazards presented to the health of individuals.

Guidance on Chemical Safety can be found here: Chemical SafetyLink opens in a new window

Gas cylinders and pipelines are used as a means of delivering specific gases throughout the University. There are hazards associated with the cylinders, the gases contained in the cylinders, the pipework and connections and the use of the gases. There are requirements for inspection and maintenance of gas delivery systems and guidance is available to help determine what is required. Gas cylinders pose risks in the event of a fire.

Guidance on Lab and Workshop Gases can be found here: Lab and Workshop GasesLink opens in a new window

All chemicals and gases need to be uploaded to LabCup, the chemical inventory database. If you require access please see details below:

What is LabCup?

LabCup is a user-friendly inventory system that provides consistent tracking and storage for chemicals within the University, whilst supporting researchers and students to get more done safely.

You must add chemicals you purchase or retrieve from stores to your inventory.

Access & Training

LabCup training is mandatory for all staff and students who wish to use the LabCup inventory system.

To gain access to LabCup, all users must complete the LabCup training and send your Principal Investigator/Supervisor or Line Manager, a copy of your course completion certificate.

Training is available via Moodle, please click below:

LabCup Moodle

Once you have completed your LabCup training, your Principle Investigator or Admin will assign you a role. This will enable you to access the system.

A form to request new users is available on the central H&S LabCup page:

LabCup Webpage

Helpful information and guidance

Please see central guidance (title linked) for the following:

1. How to assign a new role

2. How to delete a user and reassign their chemicals

3. How to do a stock take

4. How to add a hidden storage location for restricted chemicals

Frequently Asked Questions

One Minute Wonder Videos

For questions and administration of LabCup please refer to the LabCup H&S webpage

Chemical samples are not required to be added to LabCup however you are still required to keep a local inventory. Items must be labelled with the chemical name, composition and preparer's name.

Guide to Ordering Chemicals and Gases

This procedure ensures that all chemicals and gases are ordered, stored, and used safely, with full awareness of their hazards and legal requirements.

✅ 1. Before You Order

Check Existing Stock: Use LabCup to confirm the chemical or gas isn’t already available.
Order Minimum Quantities: Only order what you need to reduce waste and disposal costs.
Review SDS: Read the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the supplier’s website or LabCup.

⚠️ 2. Understand the Hazards

Review Hazard Statements:

H-Codes: Standard hazard statements (e.g., H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapour)
P-Codes: Precautionary measures for safe handling and storage.

Check Storage & Handling Requirements:

Do you have the right PPE, fume cupboards, and trained staff?
Is your lab equipped to store the chemical safely?

🧾 3. Add to LabCup

Add the chemical/gas to LabCup before ordering.
This generates a unique barcode for tracking.

🛒 4. Place the Order in Opera

For each chemical or gas:

Enter the LabCup barcode into internal note on OPeRA separately per each item ordered.
Input the hazard categorisation level from LabCup. Please note all pressurised gases are HIGH hazard due to H280 (Pressurised Gas).
Add a statement in the internal comments confirming:
A COSHH Risk Assessment has been completed.
The chemical has been reviewed for safe use.
If non-hazardous, state this clearly.

⚠️ Orders missing this information will be returned to the originator.

📄 5. COSHH Risk Assessment

A COSHH Risk Assessment is legally required for all hazardous substances.
Include identified hazards and control measures.
Templates and guidance are available on the central COSHH webpage.

📦 6. Receiving and Labelling

For Chemicals:

You’ll receive an email when your order arrives at Stores.
Collect the printed label from Stores—items will not be released without it.
Bring the item to its nominated storage location, attach the label, and update its location in LabCup.

For Gases:

Gas location will already be decided at the point of ordering. Once you have the gas cylinder, you can update the short LabCup-generated barcode for the BOC barcode on the cylinder.

🔐 7. Final Storage

Store the chemical in the correct cabinet based on its hazard class.
Ensure all safety measures are in place before use.
Remove expired, used up chemicals (empty bottles) and/or chemicals no required anymore via the Departmental Waste Procedure. Remember to update the LabCup records to ensure the information is accurate.

What needs to be added?

LabCup is expected to include, at least:

any commercially sourced chemical material for which an SDS can be provided (even if not hazardous, such as "HPLC water")
any hazardous material, chemical, or formulation that is labelled with GHS or CLP pictograms.
any pressurised gas cylinders, regardless of size that are procured for the purposes of research, teaching, or operations in laboratories and workshops.
These need to be recorded whether they are in goods reception, connected to an instrument in use, regular storage, or waste storage.

Additionally, it is recommended to include:

hazardous materials generated in-house, especially those flammable or that pose inhalation hazard.

As a guide, items that are required to be recorded in LabCup are items with OPeRA material numbers:

74523 (Chemicals - Biochemical reagents)

74524 (Chemicals - Formulated Products)

74525 (Chemicals - General)

74539 Consumables (Gases & Cryogenics)