Flow Chat

Regardless of the apparent hazardousness of a material or process, one should always determine whether a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is available. If available, use a material according to the relevant SOP. If an SOP is not available, follow the steps below to determine the conditions within which a Hazardous Material can safely be used at the GSD.

Note: If you need to consult with Fabrication Lab Staff about the possibility of use or to develop an SOP for a material or process, please contact us as soon as possible.

  1. Obtain a material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from product manufacturer or vendor.
  2. Identify the Signal Word in Section 2.2 of the Safety Data Sheet.
  3. Use the Signal Word (NONE, WARNING, or DANGER) as a starting point in the flow chart or decision tree, below:

Flow Chart

Flow Chart consisting of three starting points from the SDS Signal Word (None, Warning, or Danger) and concluding with three options (No SOP Required, Use according to SOP, or Cannot use at the GSD), depending on other circumstances of use and Hazard Categorizations of the material, as described below.

Decision Tree

Similar to the flow chart, above, choose a starting point based on the Signal Word of the SDS, and follow the guidance, below:

The Signal Word is None.

Consider the following and proceed as directed:

  • If an SOP is available, then use according to the SOP.
  • If an SOP is not available:
    • If heat is applied to the material (as in laser-cutting, melting, burning, using a heat gun, or other), or if the material is made by mixing components together (as in rubber or resin casting, or creating bio-materials), then work with a Lab staff member to develop an SOP and use accordingly.
    • If no heat is applied and no component parts are mixed to create the material or form a new material with it, then you may proceed to use the material without an SOP.
The Signal Word is Warning.

Consider the following and proceed as directed:

  • Regardless of the Hazard Categories in Section 2.1 of the SDS, if an SOP is available for the intended use of the material, then use according to the SOP.
  • If any of the Hazard Categories in Section 2.1 of the SDS are listed as 1 (including 1a and 1b) and an SOP is not available for the intended use of the material, then consult with Lab staff to investigate possible use and develop an SOP to use accordingly.
  • If none of the Hazard Categories in Section 2.1 of the SDS are listed as 1 (including 1a and 1b) and an SOP is not available for the intended use of the material, consider the following:
    • If heat is applied to the material (as in laser-cutting, melting, burning, using a heat gun, or other), or if the material is made by mixing components together (as in rubber or resin casting, or creating bio-materials), then work with a Lab staff member to develop an SOP and use accordingly.
    • If no heat is applied and no component parts are mixed to create the material or form a new material with it, then you may proceed to use the material without an SOP.
The Signal Word is Danger.

Consider the following and proceed as directed:

  • If an alternative material is available, please use it instead.
  • If there is no suitable alternative and an SOP is available for the intended use of the material, then use according to the SOP.
  • If there is no suitable alternative and an SOP is not available for the intended use of the material, then consult with Lab staff to investigate possible use.
    • Lab staff may develop an SOP for you to use accordingly.
    • Lab staff may determine that the material is not allowed for the proposed use at the GSD.

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