The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that laboratory personnel implement appropriate control measures to ensure that chemical exposures are maintained below regulatory limits and as low as reasonably achievable. In general, control measures can be categorized as administrative controls, engineering controls, procedural controls (i.e., standard operating procedures), or personal protection.
- Administrative Controls:
Administrative controls include procedural measures that have been put in place administratively by the PI’s, the department, school, college, EHSS, etc., to promote safety and reduce chemical hazards in the lab. Administrative controls generally do not eliminate the hazard but reduce or prevent exposure to the hazard. Examples of administrative controls include signage, training, written safety plans, supervision, operating procedures, etc. PI’s should take steps to implement administrative controls whenever feasible to reduce chemical hazards in the laboratory. All laboratory personnel must adhere to the administrative controls established at the University, in this Plan and in the laboratories where they work.
- Procedural Controls:
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are written instructions that detail the steps to be followed when performing an experimental process in the laboratory. SOPs should include information about potential hazards associated with the chemicals to be used in the process and how to best mitigate these hazards. PI’s are responsible for approving and/or preparing SOPs for the experimental processes conducted in their laboratory. SOPs should be readily available to laboratory personnel.
- Engineering Controls:
Engineering controls should be used to the greatest extent feasible to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. PI’s, in conjunction with their laboratory personnel, must evaluate the experimental processes performed in their laboratory and implement appropriate engineering controls to reduce the hazard.
Examples of engineering controls that can help to reduce or eliminate exposures to hazardous chemicals include:
- Isolation of the operator or the process (e.g., use of a glove box, protective barrier, etc.)
- Use of a controlled ventilation system (e.g., chemical fume hood, biological safety cabinet).
Section 11.1 of this Plan provides additional information on chemical fume hoods.
- Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is protective gear and clothing used to keep laboratory personnel safe while performing their research. Examples of PPE include face shields, goggles, laboratory coats, and disposable gloves.
PPE should be selected after all feasible engineering and administrative controls have been put in place to eliminate or reduce the hazard.
Section 10.0 of this Plan provides additional information on PPE.