The materials in question were a research grade alcohol, which is highly flammable, and an epoxy resin, which is corrosive. The student claimed that he/she was not aware that the materials had to be treated as hazardous material.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison provided the student and a second student involved in the incident with more intensive training. The university also increased hazardous material awareness efforts among its researchers, students and faculty.
HOW TO MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO YOU
• Identify hazardous chemicals. Material is hazardous if it has the potential to be a physical hazard or health hazard.
• If you’re not sure if something is hazardous, contact your Environment, Safety and Quality Assurance (ESQ) Quality Assurance (QA) Coordinator or ESQ Worker Safety and Health (WSH). • Initiate a hazard evaluation by filling out xink form ANL- 1078: Chemical Hazard Evaluation.
• Do not transport samples or chemicals in luggage. Ship these items following the procedure detailed in LMS- PROC-223: Use of Argonne Shipping Services. Hazardous material is not allowed on commercial airlines.
Safety Share courtesy of: Julie Hanebuth (ESQ) and Elitania Perez (FMS)