Chemical and Gas Safety

Liquid Nitrogen Safety

When dispensing liquid nitrogen the following PPE is required:

  • Long Sleeves/Long Pants
  • Closed Toe Shoes
  • Cryogenic Gloves
  • Safety Goggles
  • Face Shield

NONE of the above will be provided by CLAS Science Store, however we do have lab coats, cryo gloves, googles, and face shields available for purchase.

Please see the link below for further safety explanations:

Cryogenic Liquid Safety - Office of Environmental Health and Safety - Wayne State University

Dry Ice Safety

If you are coming to purchase dry ice from science store, please bring the proper PPE.

  • OEHS requires insulated, dry gloves and a face shield.

Please see link for further explanation:

Cryogenic Liquid Safety - Office of Environmental Health and Safety - Wayne State University

CLAS Science Stores will provide hammers to break up the blocks of dry ice and clamps to lift full blocks but will not provide PPE.

Transporting

  • Dry Ice is not regulated by ground transportation under DOT
  • Dry Ice must NEVER be in an airtight, sealed container (e.g. jar with a threaded lid)


Gas Cylinder Safety

  • NEVER move any gas cylinders without the cap properly attached. Regulators must be removed prior to transportation.
    • If you have lost your cap, we charge $25.00 for a replacement.
  • A gas cylinder hand truck must be used for transportation.
  • Cylinders must be secured to the hand truck in an upright position.

    Transportation of Research Chemicals on the WSU Campus - Office of Environmental Health and Safety - Wayne State University
  • When picking up or returning gas cylinders to and from the storeroom, remember to ALWAYS rechain the cylinders (empty or full).
  • CLAS Science Store does have gas cylinder carts that can be borrowed to move cylinders.


Chemical Safety

When picking up chemicals from sciences stores you must bring your own proper chemical secondary containers.

  • If you are carrying a chemical, it must be contained in a bucket with a handle.
  • If you are moving a chemical on a cart, the chemicals must be contained in a tray.
  • You should NEVER transport any chemicals picked up from CLAS Science Stores in a vehicle.
Transportation of Research Chemicals on the WSU Campus - Office of Environmental Health and Safety - Wayne State University


Fires

Pull the closest fire alarm and exit the building.

Call Wayne State University Public Safety at 313-577-2222



Hazardous Material Spills

Emergency spills and after-hours incidents: Call WSU Public Safety 313-577-2222 and OEHS at 313-577-1200



Additional information related to chemical and gas usage and handling, please contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 313-577-1200 or visit their website at https://research.wayne.edu/oehs