The OSHA Laboratory Standard

The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides for a safer laboratory work environment with a specific set of guidelines made to answer specific questions on how to deal with the storage, handling, and exposure to hazardous situations and chemicals prior to, during, and after use. These safety standards have been put into use in order to protect both individuals and the environment.

The most important parts of Regulations 29 CFR state that they chemical hygiene officer must be appointed and a chemical hygiene plan must be established and put into use. The established plan must meet all specific requirements of 29 CFR for the protection of employees. An employees exposure level must also not exceed the requirements to any defined chemical. Definitions for particulars are also provided in 29 CFR.

Subpart Z is broken down into sections. Section A is General Principles for work with Laboratory Chemicals. This section explains the institution of a chemical hygiene plan, the importance of avoiding chemical exposure, and to take precautions to avoid unnecessary risk.

Section B represents Chemical Hygiene Plan and responsibilities in greater detail. Number one states that chemical hygiene responsibilities are everyone's responsibility, however, full burden rests with the Chief Executive Officer and administrators. Number two then gives responsibility to the unit supervisor. Number three describes the responsibilities of the appointed hygiene officer. Number three Section A requires the implementation of the chemical hygiene plan. Section B and continuing to F involves the disposal of all chemicals, handling of chemicals safely and accurately, and improvement of the hygiene plan. Section B Number four Sections A through E discuss the responsibilities of the Laboratory Officer Supervisor who has the overall responsibility for the chemical hygiene of the laboratory. The Laboratory Supervisor must see that everyone follows the rules, provide regular inspections, know all necessary equipment and training required, and know the legal requirements on all substances. They are also responsible for seeing that all training is completed. Number five is the Project Director has primary responsibilities for chemical hygiene at that location. Number six includes the Laboratory Worker who is responsible for both planning and conducting operations using good hygiene, and good hygiene habits.

Section C is the Laboratory Facility and includes Design Sections one A continuing to E. These sections discuss proper ventilation and exhaust systems for workrooms and storage areas. They also provide for Laboratory hoods, sink, eye wash stations, and showers. Section E is related to the disposal of waste. Section two Maintenance describes maintenance of hoods and incinerators. Section three Usage explains that the work performed in the facility cannot exceed the capabilities of the facility. Section four Ventilation A through H discusses ventilation requirements, equipment, modifications, and evaluations.

Section D represents Components of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Number one Basic Rules and Procedures are listed in Section E. Number two Chemical Procurement Distribution and Storage Sections A through D is a description of how chemicals should be received, stored, and distributed. Number three Environmental Monitoring includes the monitoring of airborne substances as necessary. Number four Housekeeping, Maintenance and Inspections Sections A through d describe cleaning, maintenance, and inspection requirements. Number five Medical Program Sections A through C describe medical surveillance and first aide. Number Six Protective Apparel and Equipment Sections A through F describe in detail the apparel to worn and equipment to be used in each laboratory. Number Seven Records Sections A through D describes the importance of maintaining accident, medical, and inventory records. Number eight Signs and Labels Sections A through references emergency and warning sign postings. Number nine Spills and Accidents Sections A and continuing to D explains the significance of an emergency plan, an alarm system, and a spill control policy. Number ten Information and Training Program Sections A through E describes the training program, the frequency of training, and the type of training. Number eleven Waste Disposal Sections A through E describe in detail acceptable ways to dispose of chemicals with regard to humans, animals and the environment.

Section E Basic Rules for Working with Chemicals describes rules and procedures for laboratory workers. Number one General rules Sections A through Q represent general rules for laboratory workers to follow for safety, to avoid exposure, eating, safety stations, clothing requirements, waste disposal and equipment usage. Number two Working with Allergens and Embryotoxins Sections A and B state to wear protection and properly store substances. Number three Sections A continuing to G includes information to minimize exposure, personal protection, spill prevention, and waste disposal. Number four Work with Chemicals of High Chronic Toxicity Sections A through L include access and approval to controlled areas, protect against contamination, decontaminate controlled area, medical records, spills, sign and labels, spills, gloves, storage and waste disposal. Section five Animal Work with Chemicals of High Chronic Toxicity Sections A through E describe access, aerosol suppression, personal protection, and waste disposal.

Section F Safety Recommendations numbers one through five listed further agents that can cause physical injury corrosives, electricity, fires and explosives, low temperatures, and pressurized or vacuum operations. These are not included in specifics in the above listed materials and need to be listed separately. Toxic exposure can occur as a secondary injury from any of these incidents.

Section G Material Safety Data Sheets are a list of sheets describing hazardous chemicals. There are many hazardous chemicals included on the list that require safety data sheets. These sheets must be kept with the chemicals at all times.