Solutions for Safety & Visual Communication

Favorites

Monday-Friday 5:30am-4:00pm PT

1-888-326-9244

Graphic Products
  • Resources
  • Support
  • Samples
  • Contact
  • Shop All Products
    CLOSE

    CATEGORIES
    • Printers
    • Printer Supply
    • Floor Marking
    • Pipe Marking
    • Signs & Labels
    • COVID-19 Solutions

    DuraLabel Kodiak

    DuraLabel Kodiak
    Multi-color, large format

    KODIAK SUPPLIES
    DuraLabel Toro

    DuraLabel Toro
    Portable, stand-alone

    TORO SUPPLIES
    DuraLabel Bronco

    DuraLabel Bronco
    Industrial, efficient

    BRONCO SUPPLIES
    DuraLabel Lobo

    DuraLabel Lobo
    Grab n' go labeler

    LOBO SUPPLIES
    DuraLabel Pro Series

    DuraLabel PRO 300
    Simple and reliable

    PRO 300 SUPPLIES

    LABELING SOFTWARE PRINTER ACCESSORIES PRINTER SUPPORT SHOP ALL PRINTERS
    SHOP BY APPLICATION
    Arc Flash GHS & HazCom Laboratory Pipe Labeling Wire Marking See All
    SUPPLY TYPE
    General Purpose High Visibility Low/High Temperatures Repositionable Tamper Resistant See All
    SHOP BY PRINTER
    Kodiak Supplies Toro Supplies Bronco Supplies Lobo Supplies DLP 300 Supplies See All

    RIBBONS PRINTER & SUPPLY BUNDLES SHOP ALL SUPPLIES
    FLOOR TAPES
    5S Aisle Glow in the Dark Reflective Anti-Slip See All
    FLOOR SIGNS
    BUNDLES
    SHAPES
    ACCESSORIES
    Applicators Stair Safety Floor Laminate
    Social Distancing Floor Signs

    SHOP ALL FLOOR TAPES
    STANDARD PIPE MARKERS
    Fire Quenching Flammable / Oxidizing Toxic or Corrosive Compressed Air Various Water See All
    AMMONIA
    Pipe Markers Component Markers See All
    SHOP BY STANDARD
    ANSI IIAR Pre-2007 ANSI
    flammable-pipe-markers

    ARROW BANDING TAPE ACCESSORIES VALVE TAGS SHOP ALL PIPE MARKERS
    SHOP BY SUBJECT
    Admittance Chemical Electrical Emergency PPE See All
    SHOP BY HEADER
    Caution Danger Notice Safety Warning See All
    COVID-19 Premade Signs

    SHOP ALL SAFETY SIGNS
    COVID-19 SOLUTIONS
    Safety Signs Printer Kits Awareness Posters A-Frame Signs Sneeze Guards
    SOCIAL DISTANCING
    Wall Signs & Labels Floor Signs Floor Tape Shop All
    COVID-19 BY INDUSTRY
    Grocery & Retail Medical & Healthcare Office Settings Restaurants & Food Service Food Manufacturing Construction
     
    Manufacturing Finance Transportation Education

    SHOP ALL COVID-19 SOLUTIONS
  • My Account
  • Quick Order
    Enter item SKU# and quantity
  • Cart()
Monday-Friday 5:30am-4:00pm PT 1-888-326-9244
Graphic Products
Menu Sign In
Products
Printers
Shop All Printers
Industrial Printers
Shop All Industrial Printers DuraLabel Toro DuraLabel Kodiak DuraLabel Bronco DuraLabel Lobo DuraLabel Pro 300
Bundles & Starter Kits
Shop All Bundles & Starter Kits
Labeling Software
Software DuraSuite Labeling Software LabelForge Labeling Software
Printer Supply
Shop All Printer Supply
Shop by Application
Shop All by Application Arc Flash GHS & Hazcom Laboratory Pipe Labeling Wire Marking
Shop by Supply Type
Shop All by Supply Type General Purpose High Visibility Low/High Temperatures Repositionable Tamper Resistant
Shop by Printer
Shop All by Printer DuraLabel Kodiak DuraLabel Toro DuraLabel Bronco DuraLabel Lobo DuraLabel Pro 300
Other
Shop All Other Ribbons Printer & Supply Bundle
Floor Marking
Shop All Floor Marking
Floor Tape
Shop All Floor Tape 5S Aisle Glow in the Dark Reflective Anti-Slip
Floor Signs
Shop All Floor Signs
Accessories
Shop All Accessories Stair Safety Floor Laminate
Other
Shop All Other Bundles Shapes
Safety Signs & Labels
Shop All Safety Signs
Shop by Subject
Shop All by Subject Admittance Chemical Electrical Emergency PPE
Shop by Header
Shop All by Header Caution Danger Notice Safety Warning
COVID-19 Solutions
Shop All COVID-19 Solutions
COVID-19 Solutions
Safety Signs Printer Kits Awareness Posters A-Frame Signs Sneeze Guards
Social Distancing
Wall Signs & Labels Floor Signs Floor Tape Shop All
COVID-19 by Industry
Grocery & Retail Medical & Healthcare Office Settings Restaurants & Food Service Food Manufacturing Construction Manufacturing Finance Transportation Education
Pipe Markers & Tags
Shop All Pipe Markers & Tags
Standard Pipe Markers
Shop All Standard Pipe Markers Fire Quenching Flammable/Oxidizing Toxic or Corrosive Compressed Air Various Water
Ammonia
Shop All Ammonia Pipe Markers Component Markers
Shop by Standard
Shop All by Standard ANSI IIAR Pre-2007 ANSI
Other
Shop All Other Arrow Banding Tape Accessories Valve Tags
Resources
Support
Free Samples
Contact Us
Cart
Sign In
  • Home
  • Resources
  • Articles
  • Common Questions about Chemical Laboratory Safety

Common Questions about Chemical Laboratory Safety

BY GRAPHIC PRODUCTS STAFF

More than 500,000 U.S. workers are exposed to all kinds of chemicals while working in laboratories.  From chemical, biological, physical, and radioactive hazards to musculoskeletal stresses, laboratory safety is covered by multiple OSHA standards to address all types of situations.

What are the types of hazards found in laboratories?

Carcinogens, toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, are all types of agents that can destroy parts of the body internally or externally.  We’re talking about your lungs, skin, eyes, liver, kidneys, mucous membranes—just to name a few.

Which OSHA standard covers laboratory safety?

Part 1910.1450 (Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard) of the CFR covers all workers in laboratories. Some workers engage in work with hazardous materials including chemicals outside of laboratories. In those cases part 1910.1450 does not pertain due to various industries and jobs. You need to know details from other parts of the CFR such as 1910.1200, 1915.99, 1918.90, and 1926.56 which applies to general industry, shipyard, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction employment. Those standards cover chemical manufacturers, importers, employers, and employees exposed to chemical hazards.

While working in a lab you could be affected by the following hazards or standards which overlap chemical safety outside of Part 1910.1450.

  • Toxic and Hazardous Substances, 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z.
  • Hazard Communication Standard (Now referred to as HazCom 2012) 29 CFR 1910.1200

How does Part 1910.1450 define a laboratory?

It does not over QC/QA laboratories found in manufacturing facilities. The standard covers labs that:

  • Use hazardous chemicals.
  • Use relatively small amounts of hazardous chemicals in a workplace that is nonproduction based.
  • Use a variety of chemicals and chemical procedures.
  • Maintain procedures that are not part of a production process.
  • Implement practices to protect workers and use equipment designed to minimize employee exposure.

What must employees be informed of when beginning work in a chemical laboratory?

  • Contents of the occupational exposure standard and its appendices.
  • Location and availability of the employer’s chemical hygiene plan.
  • Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for the hazardous substances to which the employees are exposed.
  • Signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory, and;
  • Location and availability of known reference material on the chemical hazards, and their safe handling, storage, and disposal including but not limited to, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) received from chemical suppliers.
Best Practice Guide to HazCom 2012 Labeling
This free HazCom training program will help you and your team get up to speed!

What is a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)?

A CHP is the lab’s program, created by the employer, which carries out all parts of the 1910.1450—relating to exposure of hazardous chemicals.

The CHP does the following:

  • Addresses all aspects of procurement, handling and storage, and disposal of chemicals used within the laboratory and facility.
  • Sets forth procedures, standard operating practices of equipment, personal protective equipment, and work practices designed to protect the employee.

The primary elements of the CHP are:

  • Training
    • Employers are responsible for providing training and information on the hazards of all the chemicals which employees are exposed to.
    • Employees must be trained concerning the following:
      • Methods of detecting the presence or release of a hazardous chemical;
      • Hazards (both physical and health) of chemicals in the work area;
      • Measures that workers and their employers can take to protect employees from hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment, and
      • Details of the employer’s written chemical hygiene plan.
  • Employee Exposure
    • Employee exposure levels must be measured when OSHA regulated substances are used. Ongoing monitoring is required. Results of monitoring must be disclosed in writing to employees 15 working days from occurrence.
  • Medical Consultation
    • Employees can undergo medical consultation at no cost if:
      • The employee shows signs or symptoms related to exposure of chemical hazards.
      • It’s revealed that exposure levels are above the permissible exposure level.
      • A spill, leak or explosion results in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure.
  • Hazard Identification
    • Refer to CFR 1910.1200 for provisions on the maintenance of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Follow HazCom 2012 guidelines for labeling hazardous material. Ensure that labels of containers with hazardous chemicals are not defaced or removed.
  • Respirators
    • Respirators should be provided to employees at no cost if needed to bring exposures below the permissible exposure limit.
  • Recordkeeping
    • A record of the employers CHP should be up-to-date and accessible for all employees.
  • Fume Hood Program
    • Hoods need to be routinely checked to ensure proper functioning. Taking inventory and periodic surveys of performance are should be part of the evaluation.

Learn more about evaluating hazardous substances in the laboratory. You can perform self-inspections once you’re fully trained on your facility’s chemical hygiene plan and hazardous substance communication. Self-inspections will increase safety and efficiency for everyone in your workplace. For a deeper-dive into chemical hazards, download our free HazCom 2012 Labeling Guide to learn the ins-and-outs of chemical labeling. Get your free copy below!

Best Practice Guide to HazCom 2012 Labeling
This free HazCom training program will help you and your team get up to speed!

Related Resources

OSHA Rules for Hazardous Chemicals

OSHA Rules for Hazardous Chemicals

Learn how OSHA regulates chemicals in the workplace, and which specific materials have their own special rules

Read
Chemical Labeling Flowchart

Chemical Labeling Flowchart

Follow this flowchart to determine what chemical labels to use in your facility to comply with OSHA HazCom 2012 regulations.

View
Chemical Risk Assessment

Chemical Risk Assessment

Understand how to assess and control the hazards associated with chemicals in your workplace.

Download
  • This free HazCom training program will help you and your team get up to speed!
Get the latest deals straight to your inbox
Trusted by These Companies
Starbucks
GM
Du Pont
Amazon
Disney
3M
Pepsi
NASA
Chevron
AT&T
Toyota
Coca-Cola
UPS
Target
  • Graphic Products, Inc.
    9825 SW Sunshine Ct
    Beaverton, OR
    97005 USA

  • 1-888-326-9244 (U.S./Canada)
  • +1-503-644-5572 (International)
  • Products
  • Printers
  • Printer Supplies
  • Safety Signs
  • Safety Labels
  • Floor Marking
  • Pipe Markers & Tags
  • Catalog
  • Support
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Manage Account
  • Printer Support
  • Warranties
  • Resources
  • Resource Center
  • Guides
  • Articles
  • Video Library
  • Safety Blog
  • Infographics
  • Webinars
  • Company
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Become a Dealer
  • Find a Dealer
  • Press Room

Need Help?

Give us a call at 1-888-326-9244 and speak with an expert.

Customer Reviews
  • Copyright © 2021
  • All Rights Reserved
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Shipping and Returns
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Data