Health Hub: Safe Laboratories

The Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), commonly referred to as the Laboratory standard, requires that the employer designate a Chemical Hygiene Officer and have a written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP), and actively verify that it remains effective. The CHP must include provisions for worker training, chemical exposure monitoring where appropriate, medical consultation when exposure occurs, criteria for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls, special precautions for particularly hazardous substances, and a requirement for a Chemical Hygiene Officer responsible for implementation of the CHP. Here are more resources that applies to all workplaces who have laboratory settings, including schools, universities, healthcare and public agencies.

• Safer School Labs
• NIOSH School Chemistry Lab Safety Guide
• OSHA Factsheet – Laboratory Safety
• OSHA Factsheet – Chemical Hygiene Plan
• OSHA Laboratory Safety Guidance
• Link to OSHA Laboratories webpage
• Link to UFT Safe Lab Rules for Students