Particularly Dangerous Chemicals
The use of hazardous substances is regulated through an authorisation system. While it is advisable to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives, this may not always be possible.
Particularly hazardous chemicals include those classified as Category 1 under GHS for their acute toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity (CMR), single exposure specific target organ toxicity (STOT-SE), or those with highly reactive properties, such as strong oxidizers.
Examples of substances under authorisation (non-exhaustive list):
- Metals and their salts: lead, nickel, cadmium, chromates, arsenic, mercury, beryllium, osmium tetroxide
- Reagents: Aflatoxins, sodium azide, TMAH
- Cyanide salts
- Acids: picric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid, hydrofluoric acid
Always check the safety data sheet (SDS) of your chemicals substances prior to using them.
In the event of pregnancy (or pregnancy project), employees should contact the Occupational Health Service as soon as possible and complete the online maternity announcement form (Maternity protection – EPFL).
EPFL authorisation procedure
- Complete the Request Form: Fill out the form online via the Authorisation Request platform.
- Approval: The request must be approved by the professor or lab head.
- Follow OHS Guidelines: Comply with all Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) instructions.
- Workplace Visit: During the visit, the OHS will provide specific waste disposal procedures, if necessary.
- Download Safety Summary: Obtain the general safety summary for metal derivatives and adhere to the procedure.
EPFL authorisation renewal
If you have an authorisation that is about to expire and you still need the chemical you can renew it by following this link if the amount and procedure are the same as in the original authorisation.
Forbidden substances
List of substances that are forbidden in Switzerland.