Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) are chemicals that present an increased risk of severe health effects or physical hazards and therefore require additional protections beyond standard laboratory safety practices. Under OSHA’s Laboratory Standard, PHS include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and acutely toxic substances. The University of South Dakota also identifies certain explosive, violently reactive, pyrophoric, water-reactive, and other high-hazard materials as requiring special consideration.
Personnel who work with PHS must:
- Review the hazards of each substance before use and follow all laboratory-specific procedures and risk assessments.
- Use appropriate engineering controls, such as chemical fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, glove boxes, or other containment systems, whenever necessary to minimize exposure.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including laboratory coats, gloves, eye protection, and any additional protection required by the hazard assessment.
- Store, label, and handle PHS according to established laboratory procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
- Minimize the quantity of hazardous material used and limit access to authorized personnel when practical.
- Ensure proper disposal of PHS waste through approved hazardous waste management procedures.
Examples of Particularly Hazardous Substances may include carcinogens such as benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, and vinyl chloride; reproductive toxins; acutely toxic chemicals; pyrophoric materials; water-reactive materials; and other substances identified in the University's PHS guidance document.
Proper identification and management of Particularly Hazardous Substances helps prevent serious injuries, illnesses, exposures, fires, explosions, and environmental releases.