Concordia College

CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN

1. Chemical procurement: The decision to procure a chemical is a commitment to handle and use it properly from initial receipt to ultimate disposal. Chemical containers shall not be accepted without accompanying labels and MSDS. All chemical shipments should be dated when received and opened. Information on proper handling, storage and disposal shall be known to all involved personnel.

2. Chemical storage: Chemicals shall be segregated by hazard classification and compatibility in a well-identified area, with local exhaust ventilation. Chemicals shall be examined annually for replacement, deterioration, and container integrity.

3. Chemical handling: Skin contact with all chemicals shall be avoided. Mouth pipeting is prohibited. Eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, or application of cosmetics in areas where laboratory chemicals are present shall be avoided. Any chemical mixture shall be assumed to be as toxic as its most toxic component; substances of unknown toxicity shall be assumed to be toxic. Laboratory employees shall be familiar with the hazards of the chemicals with which they work and the precautions necessary to prevent exposure. Engineering controls and safety equipment in the laboratory shall be utilized and inspected.
 

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses are required to be worn at all times in the laboratory; lab coats or aprons are also recommended. Bare feet are prohibited; sandals are not recommended. Non-asbestos thermal-resistant gloves shall be worn for operations involving handling of heated and/or super cold materials.

5. Labeling: All containers shall be labeled, including waste containers. The label shall be durable and identify contents, source, date of acquisition, storage location, and hazard indication. The labels shall be periodically inspected to ensure they have not been defaced or removed.

6. Housekeeping: All spills shall be immediately cleaned with proper disposal. All floors, aisles, fire extinguishing equipment, eyewashes, showers, and other emergency equipment shall remain unobstructed.

7. Safety and emergency equipment: All employees shall be instructed in the location and proper usage of emergency showers and eyewashes. This equipment shall be inspected regularly; inspection records shall be maintained.

8. Laboratory hoods: Laboratory hoods shall be utilized for all chemical procedures which might result in the release of hazardous chemical vapors or dust. Keep the hood closed during non-use, and open as little as possible during procedures. The ventilation system should be inspected every 3 months; records should be maintained.

9. Hazard information and training: All employees will be apprised of the hazards presented by the chemicals in use in the laboratory. Training shall include methods of detecting the presence of a hazardous chemical, physical and health hazards of chemicals in the lab, and measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards. Training records will be maintained.

10. Hazardous and off-hours work: All hazardous operations are to be performed during a time when at least two personnel are present in the laboratory. Laboratory personnel must have a lab pass signed by their supervisor to work after hours in the laboratory.

11. Responsibilities: The respective department chairperson has the ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene throughout the laboratory. The chemical hygiene officer for the department maintains overall responsibility for laboratory operations and ensures that appropriate training has been provided to all employees. Laboratory workers are individually responsible for planning and conducting each laboratory procedure in accordance with this Chemical Hygiene Plan, and developing good personal chemical hygiene habits.

12. Accident investigations will be conducted by the chemical hygiene officer with the help of other laboratory personnel as needed, and accident reports retained.

13. This Chemical Hygiene Plan will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

 

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