Section 2: Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHP)
Each science and engineering laboratory (that falls under the Lab Standard) has its own Chemical Hygiene Plan. 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 sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protection equipment (PPE) and work practices capable of protecting workers from the health hazards presented by chemicals used in the laboratory.
The following information must be included in each CHP:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Prudent laboratory practices which must be followed when working with chemicals in a laboratory. These include general and laboratory-specific procedures for work with hazardous chemicals.
- Criteria for Exposure Control Measures: Criteria used by the employer to determine and implement control measures to reduce worker exposure to hazardous chemicals including engineering controls, the use of PPE and hygiene practices.
- Adequacy and Proper Functioning of Fume Hoods and other Protective Equipment: Specific measures that must be taken to ensure proper and adequate performance of protective equipment, such as fume hoods.
- Information and Training: The employer must provide information and training required to ensure that workers are apprised of the hazards of chemicals in their work areas and related information.
- Requirement of Prior Approval of Laboratory Procedures: The circumstances under which certain laboratory procedures or activities require approval from the employer or employer's designee before work is initiated.
- Medical Consultations and Examinations: Provisions for medical consultation and examination when exposure to a hazardous chemical has or may have taken place.
- Chemical Hygiene Officer Designation: Identification of the laboratory CHO and outline of his or her role and responsibilities; and, where appropriate, establishment of a Chemical Hygiene Committee.
- Particularly Hazardous Substances: Outlines additional worker protections for work with particularly hazardous substances. These include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity.