AZASSP Technical Meeting FY27-08

Title: Beyond the SDS: Solving Real-World Chemical Storage & Management Challenges

Instructor: Darryl Ferra, ASP, CHO Maricopa Community Colleges

Description: Chemical management can quickly become complicated, whether chemicals are being used on an active construction site, in a maintenance facility, or within a laboratory. Simply having an SDS and a chemical cabinet does not necessarily mean chemicals are being stored or managed safely.

In this technical session, Darryl Ferra will explore common chemical management mistakes and practical solutions safety professionals can apply across a variety of work environments. Topics will include proper use of chemical and flammable-liquid storage cabinets, chemical compatibility and segregation, labeling and storage practices, and frequently overlooked conditions that can create unnecessary risk.

Using real-world examples, attendees will learn how to recognize improper storage practices, identify incompatible chemicals, and strengthen chemical management systems to help prevent fires, exposures, spills, and dangerous chemical reactions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify common chemical storage and handling deficiencies, including improper use of flammable-liquid and chemical storage cabinets, labeling issues, and unsafe storage practices.
2. Evaluate chemical compatibility and segregation requirements to recognize conditions that could result in fires, hazardous reactions, exposures, or other unintended consequences.
3. Apply practical chemical management strategies to improve chemical inventory, storage, segregation, handling, and oversight in construction, laboratory, maintenance, and other workplace environments.

Bio:

Darryl Ferra, ASP, CHO is an environmental health and safety professional serving as Manager of Safety Services at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. In this role, he supports occupational safety, health, and regulatory compliance within a complex higher-education environment that includes classrooms, laboratories, facilities operations, and other diverse workplace exposures. His work focuses on developing practical safety solutions while helping employees understand and manage workplace hazards. His role with Chandler-Gilbert is independently supported by both Maricopa Community Colleges and the League for Innovation.

Darryl holds the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) and Certified Health Officer (CHO) credentials and is actively engaged in the Arizona safety community. His professional interests include OSHA compliance, hazard recognition, chemical safety, and effective safety training.