Particularly Hazardous Substances
Chemicals designated as Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) are dangerous chemicals that are known to have immediate or long term toxic health effects, as defined in the OSHA Laboratory Standard.
The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines Particularly Hazardous Substances as chemicals with any of the following characteristics:
- Carcinogens- materials that may cause cancer
- Reproductive Toxins- chemicals that may adversely affect male and female reproductive health and the developing fetus
- Highly Toxic on Immediate Contact- Chemicals having high acute toxicity are those that have oral, inhalation, or dermal LD50 values below specified values listed in the OSHA Lab Standard.
In general PIs that wish to work with PHSs must obtain prior approval from the Chemical Hygiene Officer. For approval to be considered the PI must:
- Develop instructions or a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the use of these substances in your lab to ensure healthy and safe use.
- Designated the usage area with a sign.
- Keep the materials locked and limit access. This can be accomplished with a lockable drawer, cabinet, or safe. Note that the controlled substances safes cannot be used for this storage as only controlled substances are permitted to be stored in them.
- Keep storage and procurement to a minimum.
- Be aware of, and have available any special antidotes that may be required in case of accidental exposure.
- Pay particular attention to the selection of gloves and other personal protective equipment.
A full list can be found in Section 6.2 of our Chemical Hygiene Plan
Examples of Particularly Hazardous Substances:
| Hydrogen cyanide | Hydrogen Fluoride | Select Carcinogens |
| Toxins | Sodium cyanide | Nitrous oxide |
| Osmium tetroxide | Organic mercury compounds | Chlorine |