Chemical/Gas Safety

Chemical Ordering and Storage

Ordering Chemicals/Gases

1. In OPeRALink opens in a new window search for the chemical e.g. using the CAS number, and add it to the cart. Identify the specific item with product code at this point so that hazard and storage compatibility requirements can be assessed.
   • Don't buy large quantities unless you are really going to use it. Small amounts are less hazardous, and disposal is expensive. Ordering more of smaller containers offers better control of hazard. For instance, order Nitric acid in 1L containers rather than 2.5L Winchester.
2. Decide where the material will be stored in the laboratory (guidance on this is above). Storage in the default location is reserved only for big bulky items - for instance, gas cylinders. Majority of containers must be stored in defined locations - cabinet, fridge, freezer, etc. not just "in the lab".
3. Add the chemical to the LabCup - to the inventory where you are member.
   • Leave the barcode entry blank. LabCup will assign the barcode number. Do not manually assign an old barcode unless the item is a 'high turnover' material such as a solvent. In this case, use the old barcode and add the tag "High Turnover".
   • Add the tag “not yet received”.
   • H- and EUH- codes should be generated by LabCup. You no longer need to copy & paste these to Opera, but you do need them in order to assess the Hazard Level (guidance below).
   • Copy the link for each LabCup entry (the "datasheet"). Here is how to find the icon that copies the link to the clipboard. The link has the form https://warwick.uk.labcup.net/#/datasheet/xxxxx where xxxxx is the barcode number. You need this link for Opera...
4. Back in Opera, for each chemical:
   • In the "Internal Note", paste the link you just copied i.e. https://warwick.uk.labcup.net/#/datasheet/xxxxx.
   • Set the Hazard Level (guidance below) in the drop-down menu.
5. For level 3-High Hazard chemicals only, you need to provide special information for approval so that the PI/team leader or their delegate can check that appropriate transport, handling, storage and disposal plans are in place. Note that PIs are accountable that this is correct, not the Top Tier approval team. This is currently spot-checked by HSO and checked during a safety inspection. So, in the Comments section of Opera, please paste this textLink opens in a new window and edit it according to the notes below.
   • Are risk assessments for the transport, handling and storage of the Level 3-High chemicals in place? Y/N
     • You MUST have a COSHH assessment in place for the chemical.
   • Are suitable storage locations available? Y/N
     • See Notes for PI or their delegates above.
   • Is disposal by conventional means? Y/N
     • By "disposal" we mean sending to commercial contractor, so this is principally about transport to that contractor. Note here any special considerations about commercial disposal e.g. need for transport to contractor under inert atmosphere, particularly reactive or hazardous materials. If you are unsure, send the name of the chemical and the UN Number to Roger Moss, Chemical Technician who will assess whether or not the department has reasonable means to dispose of the chemical.
     • Disposal by other safe and responsible means e.g. in-house is also allowed.
6. Fill in all the other required order details such as cost code, VAT etc. and submit.
7. After delivery, pick up the chemical and bar code from stores in the correct containment, and stick on the barcode label if it has not already been done.
8. In LabCup, remove the “not yet received” tag and store the chemical in the correct location.