Basic Documentation

Laboratory Safety
Siemens Industry, Inc. 17
Term Definition Commentary
Chemical
Hygiene Plan
(Continued)
Chemical
Hygiene
Responsibilities
American National Standard for Laboratory Ventilation ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003
AIHA 2.2. The laboratory shall develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan according to the
OSHA Laboratory Standard.
American National Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management
Systems , ANSI/AIHA Z10–2005
6.1 Monitoring, Measurement, and Assessment. The organization shall establish and
implement processes to monitor and evaluate hazards, risks, and their controls to
assess OHSMS performance.
U.S. OSHA, 29 CFR, Part 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards,
Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances,1910.1450, Appendix A - A4:
Institute a chemical hygiene program. A mandatory chemical hygiene program
designed to minimize exposures is needed; it should be a regular, continuing
effort, not merely a standby or short-term activity. Its recommendations should be
followed in academic teaching laboratories as well as by full-time laboratory
workers.
U.S. OSHA, 29 CFR, Part 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards,
Subpart Z, Title: Toxic and Hazardous Substances,1910.1450, Appendix A - B:
Responsibility for chemical hygiene rests at all levels including the: 1. Chief
executive officer, who has ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene within the
institution and must, with other administrators, provide continuing support for
institutional chemical hygiene.
2. Supervisor of the department or other administrative unit, who is responsible for
chemical hygiene in that unit.
3. Chemical hygiene officer(s), whose appointment is essential and who must:
(a) Work with administrators and other employees to develop and implement
appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices;
(b) Monitor procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals used in the lab;
(c) See that appropriate audits are maintained;
(d) Help project directors develop precautions and adequate facilities;
(e) Know the current legal requirements concerning regulated substances and;
(f) Seek ways to improve the chemical hygiene program.
(Continued on Next Page)
AIHA says a Chemical Hygiene Plan is
necessary even where OSHA regulations
don’t apply.
After developing, and implementing an
Occupational Health and Safety
Management System, it is necessary to verify
that the system is effective and stays
effective.
Appendix A in the U.S. OSHA regulation
contains a suggested example.
Note that aside from the Chemical Hygiene
Officer, OSHA mandates that all persons in
the laboratory facility have a responsibility to
ensure worker safety. This includes the CEO,
as well as other administrators, supervisors
and even the individual workers themselves.