University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences

The health of building occupants and the health of the local ecosystem can be directly impacted by the chemicals and materials selected for use in clinical and facility operations. Chemical hazards and toxic materials of concern found within the health care environment include sterilants, disinfectants and cleaning products, pesticides, laboratory solvents, laboratory fixatives and stains, hazardous pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals like mercury, lead, silver and cadmium. Some of these are classified as hazardous waste and some are not. It is incumbent upon the health care facility to develop and implement a protocol for the handling, management and disposal of chemical and material hazards to protect the health of patients, staff and the community.

The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Policy was created to ensure that hazardous materials and wastes are identified, handled, stored and disposed of properly. For example, the Materials Management office must notify the Safety Office before approving purchase requests of mercury or mercury containing equipment.

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Safety and Environmental Compliance

5-SAFE (5-7233)

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Our Operations teams ensure the safety, sustainability and efficiency of all our hospitals and facilities that we manage. Click on the links below to request a service or to learn more about Facilities Planning, Design and Construction.