LABORATORY STANDARD CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1450
The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a regulation which applies to all laboratories that use hazardous chemicals within the definitions of "laboratory use" and "laboratory scale" provided by the Federal Standard. The regulation is entitled Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450). This safety standard, commonly called the "Laboratory Standard" is directed toward protecting employees from the chemical exposure hazards encountered in laboratory situations.
One of the requirements of the Laboratory Standard is that employers develop a written Chemical Hygiene Plan, which describes the safe-work practices which have been implemented to protect laboratory employees. Employers must have developed and implemented a Chemical Hygiene Plan by January 31, 1991. The Chemical Hygiene Plan must meet three important criteria.
1) The Chemical Hygiene Plan must protect employees from health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.
2) The document must be readily available to employees, employee representatives and OSHA (inspectors).
3) The Chemical Hygiene Plan must describe the procedures which have been implemented by the employer to ensure the safety of laboratory employees.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan essentially summarizes how facilities will come into full compliance with the requirements of the Laboratory Standard. This document, the cornerstone of an effective laboratory safety program, covers the following issues:
* Procedures followed when laboratory work involves hazardous chemicals.
* Criteria that the employers will use to determine and implement control measures which reduce employee exposure to hazardous chemicals. These measures may include engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and specific hygiene practices.
* Requirements for the performance of fume hoods and the procurement and maintenance of personal protective equipment.
* Provisions for employee information and training.
* Provisions for medical consultation and medical examinations.
* Circumstances under which a particular laboratory operation, procedure, or activity shall require prior approval from the employer.
* Designation of the personnel responsible for implementing the Chemical Hygiene Plan. This will includes the assignment of a Chemical Hygiene Officer.
* Provisions for employee protection from extremely hazardous substances, such as the following: select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and compounds which have a high degree of acute toxicity.
* Provisions for review, evaluation and update of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
ADVANCED CHEMICAL SAFETY (ACSafety) has prepared a generic, written Chemical Hygiene Plan which addresses all requirements of the regulation and is easily adaptable to all types of facilities. ACSafety can also customize a Chemical Hygiene Plan for any laboratory facility. Please contact ACSafety for additional information on the generic Chemical Hygiene Plan, document preparation for a customized Chemical Hygiene Plan, or the Laboratory Standard. ACSafety also presents a Laboratory Standard Training Program, which meets the training requirements of under the regulation. Information on the training program will be given immediately upon request.
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