Whenever feasible, all chemicals must be purchased through the University’s procurement system, UMarket Services. Avoid using a credit card to purchase chemicals. Avoid over-purchasing chemicals; only purchase quantities that your lab needs as storage of excess hazardous chemicals poses unnecessary risk to University spaces. 

Every lab has a Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) of hazardous materials based on the building floor (at, above, or below grade), control area, fire suppression system, etc., which is outlined in the fire code. Only purchase chemicals if doing so will not exceed the MAQ in your storage/control area. Contact HSRM to determine your MAQ, how much additional material of a specific hazard class may be added to your inventory, or find alternative storage locations if the MAQ is exceeded.   

When obtaining chemicals for your research lab, you must observe the following guidelines:

• Information on proper handling, storage (such as required flammable-rated refrigerators or corrosives cabinets), and disposal should be known to those who will be involved before a chemical is received.
• Only containers with adequate identifying labels should be accepted.
• Shipments with breakage or leakage should be refused or opened in a chemical fume hood.
• Proper protective equipment and handling and storage procedures should be in place before receiving a shipment.

In 2022, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency enacted a conditional ban on the use of trichloroethylene (CAS # 79-01-6). Only labs that have been authorized by HSRM may purchase trichloroethylene. Similarly, in 2024 the EPA enacted rules restricting the use of Methylene Chloride in research laboratories. Only labs that have been authorized by HSRM may purchase methylene chloride for experimental use. Contact HSRM if you are a new methylene chloride user, existing user who has not been authorized, or an existing user who has significantly changed their process since the last onsite exposure monitoring.