Healthy Indoor Environments
The purpose of the Chemical Hygiene Plan is to provide specific work practices and procedures to ensure that employees are protected from health hazards associated with any hazardous materials with which they work |
The Laboratory Safety Standard (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.145) requires employers with employees working in laboratories to formulate and implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan. This includes professional as well as school/college science and biology laboratories. The purpose of the Chemical Hygiene Plan is to provide specific work practices and procedures to ensure that employees are protected from health hazards associated with any hazardous materials with which they work. How does your Chemical Hygiene Plan stack up against the Standard? The following are the major components of the Laboratory Safety Standard: Basic Rules & Procedures All laboratory workers are required to know and follow all rules and procedures delineated in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Items that should be outlined in the Plan include:
Chemical Procurement, Distribution & Storage Procurement Procedures should be developed and implemented for accepting/ordering chemicals for your laboratory. Be sure to have the proper information as to storage, handling and disposal for each chemical ordered. Never accept a container that is not adequately labeled. Distribution Safe work practices and procedures for distributing chemicals to your laboratories should be implemented. Storage Proper storage areas should be defined that will adequately contain your chemicals. Toxic chemicals require adequate exhaust ventilation. Chemicals that have been opened and are stored in breakable containers should be stored in a nonbreakable secondary container. A periodic inspection/inventory should be conducted to check for deterioration, container integrity and chemical replacement. Environmental Monitoring Instrumental monitoring of laboratories is usually not necessary; however, it may be appropriate when testing or redesigning hoods or other ventilation devices or when highly toxic substances are stored and used on a regular basis. Housekeeping, Maintenance & Inspections Housekeeping and chemical hygiene inspections should be conducted on a routine basis to make sure appropriate cleaning procedures are being implemented. Routine inspections should be conducted of all equipment (eyewash/showers - to be flushed weekly for three minutes, fume hoods - to be tested twice a year), and procedures should be in place for repair/replacement. Medical Program A medical surveillance program may need to be established for those persons who frequently handle toxic/hazardous substances, should a consultation with a qualified physician determine (on an individual basis) that such a program would be beneficial. If employees will be required to wear respirators, a medical surveillance program is required to determine initial and continued suitability to wear a respirator. Personnel trained in first aid should be available during working hours (school nurse) and an emergency room staffed with medical personnel should be designated. Protective Apparel & Equipment Each laboratory should have protective clothing available which is compatible with the degree of protection necessary for substances being handled, such as:
Recordkeeping Facilities are required to maintain the following records:
In addition, the Chemical Hygiene Plan should clearly state that all necessary precautions taken and contained within the Chemical Hygiene Plan are compatible with current knowledge and regulation. The facility should maintain an inventory and usage record of all high-risk substances utilized in their laboratory. Signs & Labels All chemical storage containers should be labeled with their contents and their associated hazards. This includes waste receptacles. Areas or equipment where unusual hazards exist should have appropriate warning labels. The emergency numbers for emergency personnel/facilities, supervisors and laboratory workers should be posted. Locations of emergency gas shut-off valves should be posted. Those areas where food and beverage consumption and storage are permitted should be clearly marked. Spills & Accidents The facility needs to establish a written emergency plan that should be distributed to all laboratory workers. In addition, an alarm system should be in place that can alert all areas of a facility. A spill control policy should be developed that specifically outlines prevention, containment, cleanup and reporting. Information & Training Programs All individuals at risk should be informed about the work of the laboratory, its risk and what to do in case of an accident. They should also be instructed on the location and proper use of available protective apparel and equipment as well as first aid procedures. Those persons handling incoming shipments of chemicals, should be made aware of their hazards, appropriate handling procedures, protective equipment (if necessary) and relevant regulations. Waste Disposal Program A waste disposal program should be developed that minimizes harm to employees and the environment. The program should specify how waste is to be collected, segregated, stored and transported. Transportation of waste from the facility needs to be in accordance with DOT regulations. Unlabeled containers of chemicals and solutions should be discarded immediately and appropriately. If an unlabeled container has been partially used, it should not be opened. Incineration in an environmentally acceptable manner is the most practical method of disposal for combustible laboratory waste. Disposal by pouring chemical down the drain or adding them to mixed refuse for landfill burial is unlawful. When possible, recycle. The Institute for Environmental Assessment has available a Chemical Hygiene Plan that can be adapted to your specific laboratory. If interested in more information on our chemical hygiene services, please contact the Institute at 763-315-7900.
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Suite 600
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
