Welcome to the Highly Hazardous Materials Program
The Highly Hazardous Materials (HHM) Program at Michigan Technological University is a coordinated safety initiative managed by the Research Integrity Office. Established to align with safety standards across peer R1 research institutions, the program provides proactive oversight, verification, and support to ensure that high-hazard chemicals are safely stored, handled, and accounted for across all university laboratories. By maintaining accurate chemical inventories, establishing clear safety guidelines, and assisting with hazardous waste removal, the HHM Program aims to protect campus researchers while supporting cutting-edge scientific innovation.
Scope and Hazard Classifications.
Highly Hazardous Materials represent a distinct subset of research chemicals classified under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard standards. Across campus research spaces, these substances encompass several specific high-risk categories, including:
- Explosives and Peroxide-Forming Chemicals: Compounds capable of severe chemical instability or forming explosive peroxides over time.
- Pyrophoric & Water-Reactive Materials: Substances that ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air or react violently with moisture.
- Acutely Toxic Chemicals: High-potency agents where brief or single exposures can cause fatal or severe physiological harm.
- Extremely Corrosive Agents, Select Carcinogens, and Reproductive Toxins: Materials posing severe long-term health, tissue destruction, or environmental hazards.
Compliance, SOPs, and Website Resources
To ensure safety and regulatory compliance across campus, the HHM Program mandates proper chemical storage, appropriate engineering controls (such as chemical fume hoods), and required Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for retained hazardous materials. Use the navigation menu on the left-hand side to explore specific chemical categories, mandatory visual inspection and testing protocols (such as peroxide testing frequencies and "Never Touch" action limits), FAQs, and the right-hand side to see resources such as links for the campus Chemical Hygiene Plan and how to submit EHS Waste Pickup Requests.
We appreciate the campus community’s cooperation in helping us keep research safe on campus.