Safety and Chemical Hygiene

Safety and Chemical Hygiene

Our Commitment to Your Safety

The members of the Chemistry Department are committed that students, staff, faculty members, and other workers carry out their jobs in the safest possible environment, and that all individuals have the safety equipment, training, and information they need.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency (fire / chemical spill / flood): DIAL 911.  If calling with a cell phone, immediately tell the dispatcher that you are on the VT campus.  Additional contacts are provided below.  Useful web links are provided in the right side-bar.

• VT Police Dispatcher (non-emergency number): 231-6411*
• Poison: 1-800-451-1428 (Blue Ridge Poison Center)
• VT Environmental Health and Safety Services:  231-7611; 231-3600 
• Chemistry Dept. Office, Hahn Hall North 306: 231-5391
• Thomas Bell: 231-8226 (office) or 382-6612 (home) 
• James Tanko: 231-6687 (office) or 953-1845 (home)

*Procedure for Building System Failure:  When a building system fails and needs immediate attention and the Department Main Office is not open, call the University Police Dispatcher at 231-6411.  Tell the dispatcher the nature and location of the problem.  They will contact the "on-call" university maintenance person. Then call Thomas Bell (231-8226 before 6:00PM on weekdays or 382-6612).  Leave a message if he does not answer; he will get back to you. 

Chemistry Department Safety Policy

Undergraduate researchers, research staff, post-doctorate students, graduate students, and faculty are required to attend one safety session per year. Additional EHS training is required for some work tasks (see http://www.ehss.vt.edu/training/). 

• Chemistry Department Safety Statement (PDF)
• Safety Training Policy (PDF)
• Evacuation Policy (PDF)
• Gloves Policy (PDF)
• Transport of Chemicals Policy (PDF) and Affidavit (PDF)
• Goggles for Laboratory Course GTAs Policy (PDF)
• Quenching Reactive Substances -- Procedure Guidelines (PDF)
• Laboratory Window Obstruction Policy (PDF)
• Pregnancy and Childbirth Accommodations (PDF)