Flow Chat

Use the chart below to determine the conditions within which a Hazardous Material can safely be used at the GSD.

If you need to consult with Fabrication Lab Staff about the possibility of use, please contact us as soon as possible.

  1. Determine whether a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is already available.
  2. Obtain a material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from product manufacturer or vendor.
  3. Identify the Signal Word in Section 2.2 of the Safety Data Sheet.
  4. Use the Signal Word (NONE, WARNING, or DANGER) as a starting point in the flow chart, below:
Graphic flow chart starting with three options for Signal Word: None, Warning, or Danger. If Signal Word is None, then Is an SOP on file with the FabLab? If 'No', then no SOP is required. If 'Yes', then use according to the SOP. If Signal Word is Warning, then is the material being used in the manner recommended by the manufacturer? If 'Yes', then are any of the hazard categories in Section 2.1 of the SDS listed as category 1? If 'No', then if there is no SOP on file with the FabLab one is not required. However, if an SOP is on file, use it according to the SOP. If a hazard category in Section 2.1 of the SDS is listed as category 1 or if the material isn't being used as recommended by the manufacturer, then if there is no SOP on file with the FabLab, Lab Staff must first be consulted to investigate possible use, either creating a custom SOP to then use, or determining the material cannot be used at the GSD. If there is an SOP on file, use the material according to the SOP. If Signal Word is Danger, look for an alternative. If no alternative is available and the material is being used as recommended by the manufacturer and there is an SOP on file with the FabLab, then use according to the SOP. If the material is not being used as recommended by the manufacturer or there is not an SOP on file with the FabLab, then consult with Lab Staff to investigate possible use, either creating a custom SOP to then use, or determining the material cannot be used at the GSD.