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Laboratory Safety Information.................
OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard
(29 CFR 1910.1450) addresses the unique features of laboratory work
Laboratories use a greater variety of hazardous substances than the typical
industrial workplace, but in smaller quantities. OSHA defines "laboratory scale"
operations as those that use containers designed to be easily and safely
manipulated by one person.
Substances and procedures used tend to change frequently and unpredictably.
Workers and supervisors are usually highly trained and educated about the
substances.
All laboratory personnel should be informed of the contents of "Occupational Exposure
to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories," OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450, and the
location and contents of your employer’s Chemical Hygiene Plan.
All laboratory personnel will be informed of the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits
(PELs) and ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). A listing of OSHA PELs is located in
Appendix B.
Training
Your training will consist of methods and observations that may be used to detect the
presence or release of a hazardous chemical, the physical and health hazardous of
chemicals in the work area, the measures employees can take to protect themselves from
exposure, including engineering controls, personal protective equipment, work practices,
and emergency procedures.
Your training should also cover your employer's Chemical Hygiene Plan and Hazardous
Waste Management Procedures.
A normal day for a Lab Tech will include the washing of lab glassware. Sometimes the
Tech will use acid to wash certain glass bottles. Notice the broken glass or Sharps
container.
