Chemical Hygiene

What is Chemical Hygiene? 
The term "Chemical Hygiene" refers to working hygienically, or cleanly, with chemicals. The purpose of chemical hygiene is to reduce the risk of chemical-related diseases, such as systemic diseases, cancer, or reproductive effects.

Want to find out more about a chemical you work with?
Look it up in our Particularly Hazardous Substances database. (If you are working with any of these materials, an SOP is required. Please refer to our SOP resources page for help in developing SOPs for various chemicals and hazardous drugs. If you are working with a PHS in powder form, follow these guidelines on working safely with toxic powders.)

Look for a Materials Safety Data Sheet using our MSDS Resources page. 

Everyone working with chemicals should be familiar with certain things, covered by our hazard communication program.

Are you using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment ? Have a question about Reproductive Health?

Is your Eyewash or Safety Shower "up to par"? 
Check out Duke's Emergency Eyewash and Shower Policy in the Safety Manual. Where possible, activate your eyewash or drench hose once a week to verify that it's working properly.

Concerned about chemical exposure or chemical safety issues? 

Call our office at 684-5996 if you have general questions, or to set up exposure monitoring or a workplace audit.