Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plans, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings

In order to comply with the generic Laboratory Standard 29CFR 1910.1450, all laboratories which use hazardous chemicals must develop and implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) specific for their facility. All laboratories that carry out multiple chemical procedures or use multiple chemicals on a laboratory scale which require the use of protective equipment to minimize hazardous chemical exposure are required to have a CHP. Laboratories in or near production areas that perform only one or two quality control or environmental tests that are related to production are not covered under this standard.

The rule includes several elements which must be addressed in the plan, but leaves the details of the plan flexible to accommodate the unique and varying needs of laboratory operations. In compliance with this ruling the NCASI Southern Regional Center has written and implemented a CHP specific for our facility. The intent of our plan is to ensure that employees are protected from health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals and to keep exposures to a minimum. The plan achieves these objectives by attention to the following elements: