NEW Safety Guidelines for the Use of Carcinogens, Teratogens, and Highly Toxic Chemicals in Small Quantities

February 26, 2020

The Safety Guidelines for the Use of Carcinogens, Teratogens, and Highly Toxic Chemicals are designed for labs whose primary work is not chemical in nature but who still use highly toxic, carcinogenic or teratogenic materials in small quantities. Typical groups for whom these guidelines would be useful are biomedical labs using antineoplastics, formaldehyde, acrylamide, or other toxic chemicals in small quantities for in vitro or animal work. The document provides guidance on training, basic precautions around prevention of exposure through the use of PPE, and engineering controls like fume hoods or biosafety cabinets. It also covers prevention of exposure through contamination by appropriate cleaning including spill cleanup and washing of PPE like lab coats. If you have any questions or concerns about chemicals you are using or will be using please feel free to consult these guidelines for tips or contact your HSO or ehs.office@utoronto.ca if you need anything further.