Acceptable Chemicals for Nova Scotia School Laboratories

The table below outlines the various chemicals permitted for use in Nova Scotia school laboratories. Please note that the approvals are not universal and some substances may only be used by certain grade levels.

All chemicals must be stored appropriately and permission to use/store a chemical is dependent on the availability of safe storage facilities. Safe use and handling of chemicals should be in accordance with WHMIS 2015 guidelines. Regional Centres for Education (RCE) and the Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial (CSAP) are responsible for ensuring that teachers are trained in WHMIS.  Fume hood extraction should be used as required for respective chemicals. Where applicable, the anhydrous form of a chemical as well as the related hydrates are permitted. It is a school-based decision whether to purchase and store the hydrated or anhydrous form of these chemicals.

Household products are permitted and should be used and stored according to package instructions (eg. baking soda, food colouring, table salt, sugar, etc…).

A note on Biological Samples: 

• Preserved specimens should only be purchased from a scientific supply company. 

• Fresh or frozen mammalian tissue should only be purchased from a federally inspected source. Experiments using mammalian blood, urine and fecal materials, human cells or fluids are prohibited.

Should a teacher wish to use a chemical not on this list, they must apply in writing to their RCE/CSAP for approval using this Google Form. The approval request should be directed to the Principal and Program Coordinator. 

In addition to those chemicals that are approved for use in Nova Scotia's schools there are several that are prohibited and must be removed as soon as possible should they be found. Disposal of all chemicals, preservation fluids, and used specimens should be in accordance with regional waste guidelines and instructions from the supplier.

Note: The linked Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documents were sourced from recognized chemical suppliers and are provided for reference only. They were the most current available at the time of the site's publication. Schools are reminded that they are responsible for following the included SDS documentation included with any purchases.