Laboratory safety involves more than just a clean lab area and the proper protective equipment. It requires the cooperation and involvement of everyone associated with laboratory work. 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, provides strict guidelines for laboratory safety. Key components of the laboratory standard include having a chemical hygiene plan and providing employees with training and information.
The laboratory standard applies to labs that:
These hazardous chemicals include those regulated under 29 CFR 1910 subpart Z, and those defined under the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 (c). See Quick Tips #150: Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 for more information on the Hazard Communication Standard.
"Laboratory scale" refers to work with substances in which the containers used for reactions, transfers and other handling of substances are designed to be easily and safely manipulated by one person.
Laboratories covered by this laboratory standard must assure that lab employees' exposures do not exceed the permissible exposure limits specified in 29 CFR 1910 subpart Z.
An employer-written chemical hygiene plan describes work practices, policies and standard operating procedures for protecting employees against chemical hazards. The plan also outlines measures to prevent overexposure to hazardous chemicals. A designated chemical hygiene officer is responsible for plan implementation. If appropriate, the employer also may establish a chemical hygiene committee. The plan should be evaluated and updated annually.
The major elements of the chemical hygiene plan are:
Employers must measure employee exposure levels to OSHA-regulated substances. If the substance's exposure level exceeds its permissible exposure limit or action level, then additional monitoring, such as air monitoring, is required. An action level is a time-weighted average for exposure to a specific substance as designated in 29 CFR 1910. The standard also defines when monitoring may stop. Monitoring results must be disclosed in writing to employees within 15 working days. Employers must keep records of exposure monitoring, medical consultations and exams for each employee.
The employer must provide training and information on the hazards of all the chemicals in the work area. This information should be provided when an employee receives an applicable assignment, and follow-up training should be provided. Training must cover the following topics:
Employees can request a medical consultation without cost or a loss in pay if:
A medical consultation determines whether a medical examination is needed. Only licensed physicians may perform medical examinations and consultations. The employer then obtains any written opinions, recommendations, results of tests, and medical conditions revealed during the exam. The written opinions shall not reveal any findings unrelated to occupational exposure.
The provisions for hazard identification include labeling and the maintenance of safety data sheets. Labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals cannot be defaced or removed. Safety data sheets received with the shipments need to be retained and made accessible to the laboratory employees.
Chemical substances developed in the lab are subject to the following provisions:
Respirators may be necessary to bring exposures below the permissible exposure limit. They are selected according to the guidelines in 29 CFR 1910.134 and are provided at no cost to employees. See Quick Tips #275: Types of Respirators for more information on respirator selection, types and use.
Hoods must be routinely evaluated to determine whether they are functioning properly. Evaluation might include taking an inventory of all hoods in the lab, and taking periodic surveys of hood performance including face velocities, continuous monitoring devices, etc. An individual can be designated to perform the evaluations, report the results and correct any hood deficiencies.
Specific safety considerations are made for particularly hazardous chemicals including select carcinogens, reproductive toxins and substances with acute toxicity. Provisions include:
A successful and complete program takes time and the involvement of all laboratory employees to develop. Implementing and communicating the safety guidelines specific to the laboratory's hazards and risks are important goals in preventing injury and controlling hazardous exposures in the laboratory.
Q: How does OSHA define a hazardous chemical?
A: A chemical is called hazardous when at least one test produces significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects might occur in exposed employees.
Q: What is the relationship between the hazard communication standard and the laboratory standard?
A: As laboratories started to implement the hazard communication standard, it became clear that some aspects of the regulation were burdensome. OSHA modified the requirements for labs to encompass only labeling requirements, retaining material safety data sheets received with shipments of chemicals, training and information. The laboratory standard went into effect in 1990.
29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
Handbook of Laboratory Health and Safety, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1995. ISBN 0-471-02628-X.
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.
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