Chemical Hazards in the Laboratory
Introduction
Each laboratory must identify which hazardous chemicals will be encountered by its workers. All containers for chemicals must be clearly labeled.
Chemical Hazards
The employer must ensure that workers do not use, store, or allow any other person to use or store, any hazardous substance in the laboratory if the container does not meet the labeling requirements outlined in the Hazard Communication Standard. Labels on chemical containers must not be removed or defaced.
Hazard Communication and Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for chemicals received by the laboratory must be supplied by the manufacturer, distributor, or importer and must be maintained and readily accessible to laboratory workers. SDSs are written or printed materials concerning a hazardous chemical. Employers must have a SDS in the workplace for each hazardous chemical in use.
The United States is participating in the Global Harmonization System of Classifying and Labeling Chemicals (GHS) process and has adopted the GHS in its HazCom 2012 standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
The GHS is a system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates health and safety information on labels and Safety Data Sheets.
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
As we mentioned earlier, each laboratory should develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan, or CHP. The purpose of the CHP is to provide guidelines for prudent practices and procedures for the use of chemicals in the laboratory. The Laboratory standard requires that the CHP set forth procedures, equipment, PPE and work practices capable of protecting workers from the health hazards presented by chemicals used in the laboratory.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-1. Employers must ensure workers use or store hazardous substances in containers that meet the labeling requirements in the _____.
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