Apply
Apply
  1. U of R Home
  2. Health and Safety
  3. Hazardous Materials and Equipment Safety
  4. Chemical Safety

Chemical Safety

U of R ChemWatch User Guide (PDF)

To access Safety Data Sheets (SDS), please use the ChemWatch database:


On Campus - (no login required)

Off Campus - (login required)
Enter ureginaca under the domain name. This will redirect you to the U of R authentication page.

U of R ChemWatch User Guide (PDF)

Chemical Inventory

What chemical inventory program does the U of R use?

The University of Regina is currently transitioning from Vertere to a new chemical inventory system, Campus Optics. More information will be published here as the transition progresses.

User roles and permissions are being established in Campus Optics and individual account access will be available soon.

If you require any changes to your chemical inventory or have any questions, please email health.safety@uregina.ca

How do I add chemicals to the inventory?
If you require chemicals to be added to your inventory, please fill out the Chemical Inventory Form (Excel Doc) and e-mail the completed form to Health and Safety.
What materials must be included in the chemical inventory?
With a few exceptions, all supplied hazardous laboratory chemicals must be on the chemical inventory. This includes all supplier bottles of hazardous solids and liquids, as well as gas cylinders/lecture bottles.
What materials do NOT need to be included in the chemical inventory?
  • Solutions, dilutions, and decants that are generated in the laboratory
  • Formulations/compounds generated in the laboratory
  • Samples
  • Non-hazardous buffers, broths, agars, media
  • Consumer kits (enzyme preparations, tissue culture, assays, PCR kits, analysis kits)
  • Consumer products (cleaners, detergents, bleach, items available for retail purchase)
  • Radioactive materials (inventoried in the Radiation Safety Program)
  • Biohazardous materials (inventoried in the Biosafety Program)
  • Non-hazardous substances (glucose, sand, water)
  • Chemical waste

WHMIS

What is WHMIS?

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada's national hazard communication system. WHMIS helps workers understand the hazards of products they use through education and training, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and labels.

Do I Require WHMIS training?

WHMIS training is required for all workers who may be exposed to hazardous products or chemicals in the workplace, either directly or indirectly. This includes employees, laboratory personnel, teaching assistants, maintenance staff, and others who handle or work near hazardous products.  Recertification is required every three years.

WHMIS training is included as part of Chemical Lab Safety Training, or in conjunction with an applicable course where you will be required to handle hazardous materials. Training consists of short modules focused on hazard classes and information, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and components of proper WHMIS labelling. To achieve a WHMIS Training Certificate, you must pass the final exam with an 80% or higher. More specific training will be required by your supervisor for exact products you will be using.

Unsure if you require WHMIS training? Contact health.safety@uregina.ca.


NOTE: WHMIS training is valid only for use at the University of Regina

How Do I Request WHMIS Labels?
Check the WHMIS label drawers outside of UR Stores (RI110) for commonly used products. If no labels are available, you can request WHMIS labels by using the online WHMIS Label Request Form.

Acquisition, Importation, Shipping/Transportation

Acquisition

There are specific procedures that apply to the acquisition of hazardous materials and equipment.

Chemical
All chemicals must be ordered and received through UR Stores. Please contact UR Stores for more information.

Policy
See Purchasing Goods and Services Policy and Purchasing Cards Policy. Note: In the Purchasing Cards Policy, all hazardous materials are considered controlled items, and are prohibited from being purchased using a purchasing card.

Radiation
All radioactive materials must be ordered/transferred and received through UR Stores, with the Radiation Safety Officer's approval. Please contact the Radiation Safety Officer for more information.

Importation

Supply Management Services is responsible for managing customs compliance on goods crossing the border. The importation of goods (dangerous and non-hazardous) into and outside Canada may require permits, certified infrastructure, and licenses.

Shipping/Transportation of Dangerous Goods

There are specific procedures that apply to the shipping of hazardous materials and equipment. Do not physically offer/ship hazardous materials. Due to the complexity of shipping these items legally, please ensure you begin the process at least a week in advance of your expected shipping date. This ensures that trained personnel have adequate time to evaluate classifications, prepare paperwork, shipping materials/labels, and secure a suitable courier for your shipment.

Lab Safety Guides & Posters


The posters below can be used as quick reference guides for various lab safety topics. If you would like a printed copy of any of these posters, please contact Health and Safety.

Chemical