Emergency Information Posters

Emergency Information Posters (EIPs)

Emergency Information Posters are 8.5"x11" posters designed to provide an easily recognizable and consistent means of displaying essential information about the status and contents of laboratories and facilities. The posters assist first responders and emergency personnel who may not be familiar with the contents and layout of a particular space on campus.

Post EIPs on the outside of doors leading into areas where there are potential hazards.

Emergency Information Poster (EIP) example

Instructions

Obtain a Poster Template: There are poster templates with room diagrams printed on them or previously completed posters located in SHIELD. Within individual laboratory pages, click on the Spaces tab, choose the individual room, then click the Documents tab to see or create Emergency Information Posters for that room. Sketch appropriate fixed furniture (fume hoods, lab benches, storage cabinets, etc.) in the room diagram if necessary.

Fill in Description of Lab Hazards Table: If there are no hazards, state “no hazards” in the table. Otherwise, identify hazardous materials stored in the laboratory above the threshold quantity shown in the Hazardous Material Classification Table below. Copy the appropriate pictogram from the key to represent the hazard and paste it in the Description of Lab Hazards table. If an item has more than one hazardous material classification, choose the pictogram that represents the main hazard. Adjacent to the pictogram, name the chemical(s) or name the general category of chemicals as appropriate. 

Naming Instructions:

  • When there are multiple chemicals associated with a hazard classification pictogram, those chemicals may be generalized (e.g. acids, bases, solvents, inert gases).

  • Indicate “small quantities in various locations”, where the material is located in many locations in small quantities less than the threshold throughout the room. (See sample poster).

  • Use a specific name when a chemical exhibits properties outside of the general class (e.g. perchloric acid should be called out specifically from general acids because it is an oxidizer as well as an acid).

  • Use specific chemical names for materials on the Particularly Hazardous Substance list. Comment on the storage conditions and any unusual hazards. 

Place Hazard Classification Pictogram(s) on floorplan: Copy and paste the appropriate pictogram from the Description of Lab Hazards Table onto the room diagram in the principal storage location(s). For hazards described as “small quantities in various locations,” it is not necessary to place a pictogram on the room diagram. 

Evaluate Personal Protective Equipment pictograms: Review personal protective equipment pictograms against laboratory hazards. Add or remove pictograms as necessary using the Personal Protective Equipment Pictograms Table to recommend minimum PPE requirements.  

Identify responsible individuals and contact information: List the names and phone numbers of the individuals who are responsible for and most familiar with laboratory operations in this room. Spaces are provided on the back side of the poster. 

Initial and date the poster with the date created or reviewed: The poster should be reviewed every six months. Minor changes may be made directly on the poster (e.g. contact names and phone numbers). Replace the poster every two years (and whenever there are significant changes in hazardous materials or room layout).

Send a draft of new and revised posters electronically to EHS at [email protected] for review. EHS will return the approved version to be posted.

Post two copies of the poster: Post two copies of the completed poster outside the room next to the main entry or on the door. If there is more than one main entry to the room, post two copies at each entry.

Contact Joan Hutzly or 609-258-6251 for additional assistance regarding the completion of this form.

Staff

Joan Hutzly
Laboratory Safety Specialist
609-258-6251

Stanley Howell
Sr. Program Manager - Chemical Safety
609-258-2711

Steve Elwood
Director for Research Safety
609-258-6271