The Laboratory standard consists of five major ele- ments: Hazard identification; • Chemical Hygiene Plan; • Information and training; • Exposure monitoring; and • Medical consultation and examinations. In 1990, OSHA issued the Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR 1910.1450).
What PPE should always be worn for a chemical lab?
Lab coats, gloves, and safety eyewear are the basic PPE needed in a lab. Additional PPE may be needed for other hazards.
What is needed in the minimum level of PPE allowed in a lab space?
Staff/Students/Volunteers working in a lab: a lab coat, protective eyewear, long pants and closed toe shoes are the minimum PPE for work in a laboratory where chemical, biological, radiological, or mechanical hazards are present.
Is a lab coat considered PPE?
A gown which is frequently ripped or falls apart under normal use would not be considered “appropriate PPE”. Use of protective body clothing, such as gowns, aprons, laboratory coats, clinic jackets, surgical caps, or shoe covers, and the degree to which such PPE must resist penetration, are performance based.
What are the Occupational Safety and Health regulations for laboratories?
The Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) was created specifically for non-production laboratories. Additional OSHA standards provide rules that protect workers in laboratories from chemical hazards as well as biological, physical and safety hazards.
What do you need to know about laboratory footwear?
OSHA is not as specific about laboratory footwear, but they do require that employers ensure the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including proper foot protection. The PPE section of your Chemical Hygiene Plan is a good place to set policy about laboratory footwear if it is not discussed well in the dress code.
What are the OSHA requirements for protective footwear?
The OSHA requirements for protective footwear are found at 29 CFR 1910.136. Your paraphrased scenario and our response follow. Scenario: I work at a desk job billing clients for pharmaceuticals and supplies. We have little to no interaction with the warehouse staff or the pharmacy area.
What was the OSHA laboratory standard in 1910?
With the promulgation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Laboratory standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), a culture of safety consciousness, accountability, organization, and education has developed in industrial, governmental, and academic laboratories.
