In this course, you will learn about the requirements employers must meet to ensure a safe laboratory environment for their employees. It also walks you through creating an effective and comprehensive Chemical Hygiene Plan including basic components, general laboratory safety practices, facility and operation safety rules, chemical hazard identification, and other general safety topics that relate to laboratories.
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) has tailored a standard for occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories referred to as the Laboratory Standard which is found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910, Subpart Z, Section 1450 (29CFR 1910.1450). Under this standard all operations that meet the OSHA definition of a laboratory are subject to the Laboratory Standard.
Module 1: Overview
Module 2: The Laboratory Standard
Module 3: The Chemical Hygiene Plan
Module 4: SOP's for Handling Hazardous Chemicals
Module 5: Control Measures to Reduce Exposures
Module 6: Fume Hood & Other Protective Equipment Performance
Module 7: Employee Information & Training
Module 8: Prior Approval of Laboratory Activity
Module 9: Medical Consultations & Examinations
Module 10: Chemical Hygiene Responsibilities
Module 11: Provision for Work with Particularly Hazardous Substances
Module 12: Hazard Identification
Module 13: Recordkeeping
Who Should Attend
environmental, health and safety coordinators
anyone developing a laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan
anyone working in a "laboratory"
If you call your operation a laboratory, then more than likely you fall under the OSHA definition of a laboratory. The term "hazardous chemical" is a broad definition according to OSHA. If you use a chemical that has any sort of associated health hazard (carcinogens, irritants, sensitizers, or anything that can irritate or damage the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes) in the process of working with a sample or product, then you have a laboratory. Common examples of OSHA regulated laboratories include laboratories that analyze commercial samples for the environmental or pharmaceutical industries, product testing laboratories, university and high school teaching laboratories, and in-house research laboratories.
The goal of laboratory safety is to keep exposures to hazardous materials or risks from physical hazards to a minimum while making every effort to be informed about the risks and hazards. Achieving a zero-risk environment in the laboratory is an impossible task, however, it is possible to approach an accident free workplace by setting a goal of zero incidents and excuses. Safe practice by laboratory workers requires continuing attention, training, and education.
Upon completion of this course, you should have a better understanding of the OSHA regulations that apply to laboratories and be better prepared to develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan for your laboratory.
Lorri L. White
Ms. White is the Director of Analytical Services at KeikaVentures, LLC. Ms. White has over 22 years of experience in the environmental industry which includes 10 years working for an environmental laboratory which specialized in air analyses. Her lab experience includes sample preparation, GC/MS, quality control, project management, sales and marketing. She is an OSHA approved instructor. Ms. White received a BS in Chemistry from Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN and completed a year of graduate level studies in analytical chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
8 Contact Hours This represents the estimated time to complete the online course, including exercises. Actual times may vary from user to user.
Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1450
"The employer shall provide employees with information and training to ensure that they are apprised of the hazards of chemicals present in their work area."
"Such information shall be provided at the time of an employee's initial assignment to a work area where hazardous chemicals are present and prior to assignments involving new exposure situations. The frequency of refresher information and training shall be determined by the employer."
Refresher Training Required: Not specified.
The course fee entitles a single user to participate in the online course for at least six (6) months. Requests for additional time will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but are almost always honored. Hardcopy certificates are mailed (first class for domestic locations/standard airmail for international locations) and included in the course fee. Expedited shipping costs are additional.
“Easy to read and retain information. Well done course, easy to follow and complete the course. Thanks.”
Paula N. (Medical)
“It was very easy to understand and navigate through. It was well laid out.”
Candace Y. (Permanent Cosmetics)
“Very easy to understand. Everything was great.”
Daniel S. (Manufacturing)
“On line. Simple, easy to understand instructional material.”
Chuck S. (Government)
“Examples were very useful. Especially when trying to figure out how to use the regulation tables.”