This policy applies to use of compressed gas cylinders containing high-hazard gases in university facilities.
Policy:
Approval by the Office of Chemical Safety in Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) is necessary prior to both the initial purchase and initial use of the high-hazard gases outlined in this policy.
Approval is not required for re-orders of high-hazard gas cylinders as long as their use, procedures, quantity, and location have not changed.
All gases that are designated by Globally Harmonized System (GHS) classification as Category 1 or 2 for acute toxicity;
All corrosive gases as designated by GHS, including both gases that are corrosive to the skin and/or corrosive to metal;
All pyrophoric gases.
The manufacturer and/or vendor must supply hazard classification for all gas cylinders used by UW-Madison laboratories and facilities by providing a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). In instances where an SDS or hazard information is not available, or conflicts with another SDS, the Office of Chemical Safety will make the hazard determination.
