Chemical Hygiene Management and Lab Safety

OHIO conducts a large amount of research that requires the use of laboratories. These laboratories have many unique materials and concerns that requi re safe handling procedures, equipment, training, and other control measures. Special research safety equipment, including fumehoods, safety showers, eyewashes, and other controls must be maintained and tested. Laboratory personnel and departments must maintain their OSHA Chemical Hygiene Plans. OHIO’s EHS Department audits these laboratories, assists with waste disposal and other issues, and offers technical assistance as needed.

The following are chemical safety requirements in all OHIO laboratories:

• Chemicals are stored by chemical classes and separated vertically and horizontally from incompatibles (not alphabetically).
• Chemical containers are dated when received and when opened. Date-sensitive materials are controlled and disposed of when needed.
• Peroxide-formers, shock and water sensitive and other special materia ls are stored properly.
• Chemical containers are wiped and capped immediately after use to avoid spills and off-gassing.
• Chemical storage cabinets or shelves are sturdy, secured to floor/wall, stable and have lips, curbs, ropes or other “knock-off” protection.
• Secondary containers are used for chemicals when necessary.
• Chemicals are not stored in fumehoods (use appropriate flammable cabinets, acid cabinets, or containers).
• Flammables are stored in approved flammable storage cabinets.
• Flammables outside the flammable storage cabinet are not stored over daily working amounts.
• A chemical inventory is available and material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available for all chemicals used in the lab.
• The chemical inventory and MSDS’s are maintained and a system is in place to add/delete/archive MSDS’s.
• MSDS is obtained and hazards evaluated before purchase.
• Old chemicals are properly and legally disposed of and not allowed to accumulate.
• All chemicals are properly labeled.

The following are lab safety requirements of all OHIO laboratories:

• Signage on the lab door and inside lab has appropriate warnings, symbols, safety information, and names and phone numbers of PI/PD, lab director, and alternates.
• Lab housekeeping is good and a system is established for set up, dismantling, and clean up.
• Aisles are clear and unobstructed; avoiding slips, trips, and falls.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs have been evaluated, documented in writing, and necessary equipment is provided and used.
• Cylinder gases are properly secured, used, and transported.
• Incompatible gases, flammables, oxidizers, etc. are separated.
• Lab sinks are free from contamination and thoroughly rinsed with water.
• Appropriate use of extension cords or temporary wiring.
• Unattended reactions or operations are minimized or forbidden.
• Chemical toxicity and exposure potential is evaluated, routes of exposure are considered.
• Minimize mercury use - replace mercury thermometers with other types if possible.
• Egress routes from lab are establi shed, not blocked, and known.
• Respirators are not used (unless proper evaluation by EHS and enrollment in Respiratory Protection Program is completed).
• Department has appropriate research apparatus/shop design reviews and safety considerations established for the design construction of “home-made” research equipment and apparatus.
• High hazards chemicals, carcinogens, mutagens, are stored in secure, labeled area or cabinet (a designated area, per OSHA).
&b ull; Unsafe conditions are corrected immediately or referred to appropriate academic or administrative offices.

Lab employees and visitors must adhere to the following:

• No eating, drinking, tobacco products, application of cosmetics, or taking medicine in the lab.
• Proper lab technique is required at all times (experiential procedure established, proper chemistry techniques followed).
• Labs should not be used for office space
• Appropriate lab attire (lab coats, no shorts, no open-toed shoes, etc) required.
• Refrigerators are maintained and clean.
• No food, cosmetics, medicines, personal items stored in lab refrigerators.
• Hand washing sink, soap, and towels are available and used.
• Heat sources and flames are not used arou nd flammables.


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