The "Lab Standard" of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is designed to keep employees aware of and to reduce the exposures to hazards associated with chemicals used in laboratories. It is an exception from the more universal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard for operations where chemicals are used in a non-routine, non-production manner by workers with at least some education and training in science. The "laboratory use" of chemicals is defined by the Standard as chemical procedures using small quantities of hazardous chemicals on a laboratory scale and not as part of a production process in an environment where protective laboratory practices and equipment are in common use. The Lab Standard also goes beyond the Hazard Communication Standard in requiring a designated responsible employee (the Chemical Hygiene Officer), requiring specific precautions for "particularly hazardous substances", employer provided medical consultation, and a specific program for ensuring the effectiveness of engineering control measures.
The Western New England College Chemical Hygiene Plan is intended to provide work practice policies, general procedures and information to laboratory users in order to promote a safe work environment. This plan is specifically concerned with use and handling of potentially hazardous chemicals and processes found in the laboratories.
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Revised September 2009
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