Chemicals and gas

Chemical handling and storage

  • All hazardous materials must be risk assessed by designated laboratory staff member using the material safety datasheet.
  • All chemicals must be registered on department level. 
  • Only store chemicals in areas designed for storage and never above 160 cm.

More info at the department online safety course.

Transportation

Dangerous goods (chemicals, dry ice, gas containers, oil, fuel) may only be transported by land, air or sea according to ADR regulations. Some types of goods may not be transported at all.

If a staff member at Aarhus University needs to transport dangerous goods in a university vehicle or by an external carrier, you need to do the following:

Contact the department responsible for chemical waste (Birte Eriksen) who will evaluate the product and contact the university safety advisor. 

The following information is needed:

  • Name of the substance.
  • Quantity (by weight or volume).
  • Concentration.

If the material is considered dangerous goods, the universeity safety advisor needs to fill out the necessary transport documents (note: this may take a while and requires further information i.e. regarding destination, mean of transportation etc.). The safety advisor can also tell you about the requirements for packaging or allowed quantity limitations.

There is always a requirements in regards of packaging (i.e. approved UN containers and packaging, vermiculite), labelling, transport document etc. as well as a proper transport educated driver.

Gas

If possible, use gas from pipes running from the gas storage outside to the relevant lab. If gas cylinders are placed indoor they must be fall-proof and fixed to a wall by using a secure metal chain.

Due to the sloping conditions on the parking lot at 1675, gas cylinders are only to be transported by using the department gas transportation wagon. The following rules apply:

  • The job is considered a 2-people task when crossing the parking lot
  • At least 1 of these must be experienced and have tried it before
  • Use certified safety shoes
  • Choose the flattest stretch to cross
  • Users must handle it in such a way that if the wagon tips the tank will fall away from them
  • Move the wagon slowly

Gas orders are coordinated on a daily basis by Rasmus Andreasen.