Training and Orientation
Right to Know
Chemical Hygiene Plan
The purpose of the written Chemical Hygiene Plan is to ensure that personnel working in laboratories are not overexposed to hazardous chemicals in the performance of their jobs. The Plan is designed to protect employees from recognizable health hazards associated with chemicals used in their laboratories. It has been designed to be in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 "Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories."
The key regulatory requirements for laboratories are:
- Hazard Communication. All faculty, staff, and students who may come into contact with hazardous chemicals in the labs must be informed about the particular hazards which may be posed and the methods by which they may deal with such material in a safe and healthful manner.
- Labeling. Chemical containers must be labeled with the full chemical name and must include a warning sign and appropriate safety information.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). Each academic Department must ensure that a MSDS for each currently used or stored hazardous substance in that Department is maintained and readily accessible to faculty, staff, and students. Copies of MSDSs not provided with the purchased chemicals can be obtained from the World Wide Web (WWW) or by contacting EH&S at X84251.
- Hazard Identification and Correction. Supervisors are responsible for conducting scheduled, periodic inspections of workplaces to identify and evaluate workplace hazards and unsafe work practices. The frequency of inspections should be proportional to the magnitude required whenever new substances, processes, procedures, or equipment presenting new, categorically different health and safety hazards are introduced into the workplace.
- Unsafe conditions which cannot be corrected by the supervisor must be reported to the next higher level of management. Any supervisor who becomes aware of a serious concealed danger to the health and safety of individuals must report this danger promptly to EH&S and to the faculty, staff, and students who may be affected.
- Training. Principal investigators and supervisors are responsible for informing and training employees and students about hazardous substances in their work areas. EH&S is working closely with Departments, Centers/Institutes by providing technical support, training materials, etc.
- Chemical Storage. All chemicals (including gases) at Lehigh must be stored safely and in accordance with current regulations.
- Overall Program Management - Dr. Barbra A. Plohocki (610)758-3643 firstname.lastname@example.org