Committee on Chemical Safety

Publications & Resources

All Audiences

Integrated Science Safety Instruction (Education/Training) [PDF] (2023)
CCS recommends the use of consistent definitions in the chemistry curriculum and in developing safety materials for instruction and in communicating with fellow instructors and safety professionals.
Watch the YouTube video: Integrated Science Safety Instruction.
 
Published in the Journal of Chemical Health & Safety, doi:10.1016/S1074-9098(03)00055-8.
 
Recommendation for Sharing, Cleaning, and Disinfecting Safety Goggles and Glasses  [PDF] (2020)
Reccomendations for using PPE eyewear.
 

Published in the Journal of Chemical Health & Safety, doi:10.1016/S1074-9098(03)00055-8.

High School

The Student Laboratory Code of Conduct (2020)
A template for chemistry teachers and administrators to design safety protocols for student behavior in their chemistry laboratories 
 

Safety Rubric - Assessing Chemical Demonstration Videos [PDF] (2019) 
A template for educators to review the safety and pedagogy of chemical demonstration videos in order to determine whether they should be used in the classroom.

New & Improved Flame Test Demonstration (2018)
A safer alternative to the Rainbow Demonstration

Guidelines for Chemical Laboratory Safety in Secondary Schools [PDF] (2016) 
Foundational tools and guidelines for science teachers to encourage a strong safety culture in classrooms and labs. The R.A.M.P. concept is discussed. Hard copies available to purchase.

How to Make Chemistry Classroom Demonstrations and Experiments Safer 
Developed by Chemical and Engineering News (2015) 
A guide for performing experiments or demonstrations involving open flames, fire, or the use of flammable, reactive, toxic, or corrosive chemicals.

Safety Data Sheets:  Information that Could Save Your Life Published by ChemMatters (2015)
For students, topics include: the importance of safety in the chemistry classroom, identifying hazards and assessing their risks by using Safety Data Sheets, requirements for combustion, flash points, fire points and autoignition.

Safety Alert: The Rainbow Demonstration (2014)
A message from CCS regarding inherent dangers of the Rainbow Demonstration.

Safety Alert: Tornado Experiment (2014)
A message from CCS regarding inherent dangers of the Tornado Experiment.

Undergraduates & Graduates

Safe Transportation Recommendations for Chemicals Used in Demonstrations or Educational Activities [PDF] (2021)
Information regarding regulatory requirements that must be followed when transporting hazardous material.

Security Vulnerablility Checklist for Academic and Small Chemical Laboratory Facilities [PDF] (2009)

Checklist to identify potential security problem areas for smaller chemical facilities, particularly laboratories. (May also be useful for larger chemical facilities.)

Guidelines for Chemical Laboratory Safety in Academic Institutions [PDF] (2016)
Guidelines for instilling a strong safety foundation in students and deepening their knowledge of safety practices. Hard copies are available to purchase.

Creating Safety Cultures in Academic Institutions [PDF] (2012)
Guidance, suggestions, and recommendations to strengthen safety cultures in undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs.

Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories, Eighth Edition [PDF]
Best practices for first- and second-year university students

Laboratory Researchers & Workers

Nanotechnology Safety Resources (2021)
Guidelines for safe handling of low-solubility ultrafine particles in the lab.

Identifying and Evaluating Hazards in Research Laboratories [PDF] (2015)
Information and tools for mitigating hazards in research labs. Also visit the companion website.

Developing Reproductive Protection Programs in Industrial and Academic Settings ACS Committee on Chemical Safety (2012)

Living with the Laboratory Standard (1998)
An interpretation of OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard. It specifically addresses the responsibilities of Chemical Hygiene Officers (CHOs), who are responsible for implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. $10/copy (bulk discounts available). To order:

Guide for Chemical Spill Response Planning in Laboratories (1995)
Framework for laboratory employees to respond to plan for and respond to chemical spills.

Policy

Postion on the EPA Proposal to Regulate Methylene Chloride (2023)
Response to the EPA Docket No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0465 Methylene Chloride; Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

ACS Position on Safety in the Chemistry Enterprise (2022)
The ACS advocates for chemical public policy and practical safety regulations based on robust science and risk assessment. Regulations should encourage safe practices and be clearly communicated so that compliance is easy.

Labpack Land Disposal Restriction comments to US EPA [PDF] (2014)
Response to EPA's request for comment on requirement for land disposal restriction notices and recordkeeping for all hazardous waste labpacks.

Position Statement: Regulation of Laboratory Waste
ACS recommendations concerning environmental regulations placed on academic, commercial, and government laboratories.

Letter to NIOSH: Contact Lenses [PDF] (2001)
Letter to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health regarding safety of wearing contact lenses in labs.

Industry & Small Business

Chemical Safety Manual for Small Businesses, Third Edition [PDF] (2007)
Guidelines for managers, administrators, and employees of small businesses.

Safety Audit/Inspection Manual [PDF] (2002)
How to prepare for worplace safety audits and inspections.

Less Is Better [PDF] (2002)
Outlines practical waste minimization concepts.

Additional Highlighted ACS Resources of Interest

2019 Chemical Health and Safety - This exam is designed to test skills related to safety, but was not designed to certify students in safety to work in laboratories. This exam is intended for students completing their second year or organic chemistry laboratory series.

ACS Guidelines for Bachelor’s Degree Programs - The guidelines reflect the need for students to work in a safe laboratory environment and to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely in their future careers: Learn more about Creating a Safey Culture within undergraduate programs.

Safety Guidelines for Chemical Demonstrations

External Resources

Facility Design & Construction

Reproductive Health

Miscellaneous

Looking for a Document?

Please email safety@acs.org to request information about archived documents.

C&EN Safety Letters
Readers explore chemical safety issues from their own laboratory experiences.

For a complete listing of ACS Safety Programs and Resources, download the RAMP-Up Chemical Safety Brochure