Purpose and Scope
Responsibilities for managing hazardous chemicals on campus lay primarily with the departments and individuals that use them. Access to hazardous chemicals in shops is generally not restricted except by security and control measures practiced by shop staff. Numerous people in addition to those working in a given shop have access to those areas—delivery persons, technical and department staff, colleagues, friends, and family. Controlling access to hazardous chemicals and providing an appropriate level of security against unauthorized procurement must remain with shop personnel.
Policy
The Physical Facilities Department of Miami University is firmly committed to provide each employee a safe and healthy work environment. To meet this commitment, the following mandatory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been established by PFD to control access to hazardous chemicals.
Procedure
Three levels of security and control will deter unauthorized persons from accessing hazardous chemicals at Miami University:
• Lock the door – Locking the door to a work area or shop limits access to those individuals having a key. It is understood that others have key access; therefore, locking the door is considered the lowest level of security and control.
• Lock hazardous chemicals in an appropriate storage cabinet – A good line of defense against unauthorized access is storing hazardous chemicals in a locked cabinet.
• Line-of-site view of hazardous chemicals – The best method of security and control is having a clear view of the laboratory or shop, the hazardous chemicals in the room, and who is entering and leaving the area.
The above steps do not address deliberate acts by persons familiar to you. Contact your department and the Miami University Police Department if you suspect theft or suspicious activities. Be proactive. Approach and challenge anyone you do not know who enters your work area or shop or contact University Police for assistance.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each supervisor to ensure that hazardous chemicals are stored and secured in accordance with this SOP and Miami University’s Policy Manual. Employees shall be made aware of these procedures.
Revision History