Chemical Hygiene Plans

Sample Chemical Hygiene Plan for OSU Labs:

1. Training. Anyone working with chemicals or scientific equipment needs to participate in training regarding the safe use of these items. At the University, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) provides mandatory Chemical Hygiene Program (CHP) training, which is offered on a regular basis. The schedule for Chemical Hygiene Plan training is available from the Department Chemical Hygiene Officer (DCHO) as well as EHS (744-7241). It is the responsibility of the laboratory employee (research and teaching) to attend the first available training after arrival at the University. This training must be repeated annually.

2. Chemical Hygiene Plan. Laboratory employees must familiarize themselves with the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The Chemical Hygiene Plan is available on the EHS Web Site as well as from the DCHO and EHS office. The policies and procedures of the Chemical Hygiene Plan supersede any policies and procedures included in this document.

3. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Prior to using any chemicals with which they do not know the health risks, chemical reactivity, safe handling practices, or proper disposal procedures, the laboratory employee will look up the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet. The MSDS for all chemicals to be used in the laboratory shall be readily accessible in that laboratory. MSDS are also available off the web from links on the EHS Web Site as well as from the EHS office (744-7241).

4. Procedures. Prior to using any experimental apparatus or procedure with which they do not know the potential risks or proper safety practices, the laboratory employee will refer to the Chemical Hygiene Plan, procedures in the literature, and safety references such as "Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals" and "CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety." The laboratory employee will then discuss these procedures with their advisor or other faculty member.

5. Spills. Laboratory employees must familiarize themselves with the correct response for chemical spills contained in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The laboratory employee may clean up any minor spills that do not place the employee at risk of unsafe chemical exposure. The employee should use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). For major spills, pull the fire alarm if evacuation of the building is required. For major spills not requiring evacuation, EHS should be notified at 744-7241. In addition, notify the main department office.

6. Fires. Laboratory employees should familiarize themselves with proper procedures for handling fires and know the location and proper use of fire extinguishers. When a fire extinguisher has been used to put out a run-away reaction, immediately call EHS at 744-7241. Notify EHS that an extinguisher has been discharged but that there is no fire. For actual fires that are out of control, pull the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the building.

7. Hazardous Waste.  All Hazardous Material Waste Containers MUST:

   1. Have a LABEL indicating "HAZARDOUS WASTE." Previous labels should be removed.
   2. Have the DATE when the container was first used to collect hazardous materials.
   3. Be labeled with the FULL NAMES of the contents and their AMOUNTS or PERCENTAGES when appropriate. The amount contained in the bottle must equal the amount(s) listed on the label.
   4. Be kept CLOSED when not actually adding to their contents.
   5. Have SECONDARY CONTAINMENT. Grey plastic bins have been purchased for this purpose and are carried by the stockroom. Non-compatible wastes must be kept in separate secondary containment trays. Do not mix wastes (i.e., do not mix halogenated solvents with non-halogenated solvents if possible). Waste Containers may not be placed in the sink.

   6. Be kept CLEAN. In particular, the outside of the bottle must be free of traces of wastes or residues.

8. Chemical Containers. All commercial chemical containers must be legibly labeled with the full names of the compounds contained within the vessel. Chemical formulas and abbreviations are not acceptable. All research chemical containers (flasks, vials, small bottles, etc.) that will be used for more than one day must be legible labeled with their contents. The use of structures as labels is allowed where appropriate. It is recommended that research chemical containers also be labeled with the researcher’s name and date or a reference to a research laboratory notebook.

9. Workspace. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain a clean and safe work environment. The employee is not allowed to work alone. Someone else MUST be present in the lab.

10. Chemical Inventory. Each employee should assist in maintaining an accurate and current chemical inventory in the laboratory. A copy should be given to the Departmental Chemical Hygiene Officer.