Hazardous Materials Procurement Program

Carcinogens : a substance capable of causing cancer. Most carcinogens work by interacting with a cell’s DNA to produce mutations.

CAS Registry Number® (CAS#): a universally recognized unique and unmistakable identifier for chemical substances assigned by CAS Registry, a division of the American Chemical Society.

Consumer Product: products that are used in the workplace in the same manner that a consumer would use them, i.e.; where the duration, volume and frequency of use (and therefore exposure) is not greater than what the typical consumer would experience.

DEA Controlled Substance : a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by the jurisdiction of the United States DEA - Controlled Substances Act and the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, including but not limited to those substances listed in 21 CFR §1308.11-1308.15.

Explosive chemical : a solid or liquid chemical which is in itself capable by chemical reaction of producing gas at such a temperature and pressure and at such a speed as to cause damage to the surroundings.

Extremely Hazardous Substances : chemicals and compounds that could cause serious irreversible health effects from accidental releases, requiring documented emergency planning and notification as stated in 40 CFR § 355.

Hazardous Materials : biological, chemical, compressed gases, or radiological substances, which if improperly stored, handled, used, or disposed may pose a threat to human health or the environment.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) : product safety and handling information supplied by the product manufacturer. It is a requirement of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard that a copy of each chemical's SDS be made available to any person working with or around a hazardous material.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) : federal and state agencies responsible for establishing and enforcing occupational safety and health regulations.

Peroxide forming materials : a class of compounds that have the ability to form shock-sensitive explosive peroxide crystals

Procurement Card holder : person within a department, college or other administrative unit who has working knowledge of hazardous materials. This individual will also have working knowledge and understanding of all necessary campus specific documented training, and is authorized to review, and/or purchase hazardous materials including those using University procurement card (P-Card) with an approved waiver.

Procurement Card (P-Card) Waiver : a written documented approval for a transaction that requires review by CSUN's Purchasing and Contracts Administration Department prior to purchase.

Pyrophoric Materials : a chemical or substance which, even in small quantities, is liable to ignite within five minutes after coming into contact with air.

Radioactive Materials : any class of chemical or material where the nucleus of the atom is unstable and emits ionizing radiation spontaneously.

Regulated Biological Select Agents : Biological agents and toxins that have been determined to have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety, to animal and plant health, or to animal or plant products.

Regulated Biological Toxins : poisonous substances produced by certain microorganisms, animals, and plants.

RSS Suite : a system of applications for hazard assessment, hazard communication, chemical inventory and safety inspections of laboratory and shop areas. It was developed by the University of California and is now in use across the CSU system.

Shock Sensitive Materials : a relatively unstable material where the energetic decomposition of which can be initiated by merely the input of mechanical energy at normal ambient conditions. 

• Laboratory/site specific documented training
• Safety Data Sheet review
• Spill response procedures
• Observing appropriate chemical hygiene
• Observing proper labeling, storage and segregation of hazardous materials
• Minimum PPE assignments and usage
• RSS Chemical Inventory uploading and re-certifications
• Hazardous waste generation
• Handling and disposal procedures to all laboratory personnel of hazardous materials before the hazardous materials are purchased.

• Hazard Communication
• PPE Awareness
• Hazardous Material Handling
• Chemical Spill Response
• Hazardous Material Storage Requirements
• Hazardous Material Labeling Requirements
• CSUN Hazardous Waste Management Program
• RSS Suite
• CSUN Accident/Incident Procedures, and
• Emergency Action Plan

• Radioactive Materials (radionuclides or isotopes; See (CSUN Radiation Safety Manual)
• Controlled Substances (Requires approval from Research and Sponsored Programs)
• Regulated Biological Toxins and/or Select Agents
• Explosives
• Carcinogens/Potential Human Carcinogens
• Extremely Hazardous Substances
• Pyrophoric materials and compounds
• Peroxides or peroxide forming materials
• Shock Sensitive materials and compounds
• Hazardous commercial products to be used in a laboratory or shop setting
• Radiation emitting equipment, including X-Ray generating devices (i.e. Scanning electron microscopes)
• Laser rated Class III of IV (excludes laser pointers and projection devices)

• the hazardous materials are infrequently needed, and
• the hazardous materials are available only from specialty vendors, and 
• there are no established Blanket Purchase Orders in place with vendors who can supply the majority of a College’s or Department’s hazardous materials needs, and
• an approved P-Card Hazardous Materials Procurement Request Form for the hazardous item(s) is in place, and
• a current P-Card waiver approved by P-Card Help is in place