The OSHA Laboratory Standard

The United States Department of Labor,responsibilities for chemical hygiene at that location.
Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationNumber six includes the Laboratory Worker who is
(OSHA) provides for a safer laboratory workresponsible for both planning and conducting
environment with a specific set of guidelines made tooperations using good hygiene, and good hygiene
answer specific questions on how to deal with thehabits.
storage, handling, and exposure to hazardousSection C is the Laboratory Facility and includes
situations and chemicals prior to, during, and afterDesign Sections one A continuing to E. These
use. These safety standards have been put into usesections discuss proper ventilation and exhaust
in order to protect both individuals and thesystems for workrooms and storage areas. They
environment.also provide for Laboratory hoods, sink, eye wash
The most important parts of Regulations 29 CFRstations, and showers. Section E is related to the
state that they chemical hygiene officer must bedisposal of waste. Section two Maintenance describes
appointed and a chemical hygiene plan must bemaintenance of hoods and incinerators. Section three
established and put into use. The established planUsage explains that the work performed in the
must meet all specific requirements of 29 CFR forfacility cannot exceed the capabilities of the facility.
the protection of employees. An employeesSection four Ventilation A through H discusses
exposure level must also not exceed theventilation requirements, equipment, modifications,
requirements to any defined chemical. Definitions forand evaluations.
particulars are also provided in 29 CFR.Section D represents Components of the Chemical
Subpart Z is broken down into sections. Section A isHygiene Plan. Number one Basic Rules and Procedures
General Principles for work with Laboratory Chemicals.are listed in Section E. Number two Chemical
This section explains the institution of a chemicalProcurement Distribution and Storage Sections A
hygiene plan, the importance of avoiding chemicalthrough D is a description of how chemicals should be
exposure, and to take precautions to avoidreceived, stored, and distributed. Number three
unnecessary risk.Environmental Monitoring includes the monitoring of
Section B represents Chemical Hygiene Plan andairborne substances as necessary. Number four
responsibilities in greater detail. Number one statesHousekeeping, Maintenance and Inspections Sections
that chemical hygiene responsibilities are everyone'sA through d describe cleaning, maintenance, and
responsibility, however, full burden rests with theinspection requirements. Number five Medical Program
Chief Executive Officer and administrators. NumberSections A through C describe medical surveillance
two then gives responsibility to the unit supervisor.and first aide. Number Six Protective Apparel and
Number three describes the responsibilities of theEquipment Sections A through F describe in detail the
appointed hygiene officer. Number three Section Aapparel to worn and equipment to be used in each
requires the implementation of the chemical hygienelaboratory. Number Seven Records Sections A
plan. Section B and continuing to F involves thethrough D describes the importance of maintaining
disposal of all chemicals, handling of chemicals safelyaccident, medical, and inventory records. Number
and accurately, and improvement of the hygiene plan.eight Signs and Labels Sections A through references
Section B Number four Sections A through E discussemergency and warning sign postings. Number nine
the responsibilities of the Laboratory OfficerSpills and Accidents Sections A and continuing to D
Supervisor who has the overall responsibility for theexplains the significance of an emergency plan, an
chemical hygiene of the laboratory. The Laboratoryalarm system, and a spill control policy. Number ten
Supervisor must see that everyone follows the rules,Information and Training Program Sections A through
provide regular inspections, know all necessaryE describes the training program, the frequency of
equipment and training required, and know the legaltraining, and the type of training. Number eleven
requirements on all substances. They are alsoWaste Disposal Sections A through E describe in
responsible for seeing that all training is completed.detail acceptable ways to dispose of chemicals with
Number five is the Project Director has primaryregard to humans, animals and the environment.