OSHA's Laboratory Safety Standard: Training Requirements

1910.1450 - Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories
•Standard Number: 1910.1450
•Standard Title: Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories
•SubPart Number: Z
•SubPart Title: Toxic and Hazardous Substances

(f) Employee information and training.

(f)(1) The employer shall provide employees with information and training to ensure that they are apprised of the hazards of chemicals present in their work area.

(f)(2) Such information shall be provided at the time of an employee's initial assignment to a work area where hazardous chemicals are present and prior to assignments involving new exposure situations. The frequency of refresher information and training shall be determined by the employer.

(f)(3) Information. Employees shall be informed of:

(f)(3)(i) The contents of this standard and its appendices which shall be made available to employees;

(f)(3)(ii) the location and availability of the employer's Chemical Hygiene Plan;

..1910.1450(f)(3)(iii)

(f)(3)(iii) The permissible exposure limits for OSHA regulated substances or recommended exposure limits for other hazardous chemicals where there is no applicable OSHA standard;

(f)(3)(iv) Signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory; and

(f)(3)(v) The location and availability of known reference material on the hazards, safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals found in the laboratory including, but not limited to, Material Safety Data Sheets received from the chemical supplier.

(f)(4) Training.

(f)(4)(i) Employee training shall include:

(f)(4)(i)(A) Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.);

(f)(4)(i)(B) The physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area; and

(f)(4)(i)(C) The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these 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 to be used.

..1910.1450(f)(4)(ii)

(f)(4)(ii) The employee shall be trained on the applicable details of the employer's written Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Also:
29 CFR 1910.1450 Appendix A [National Research Council Recommendations Concerning Chemical Hygiene in Laboratories (Non-Mandatory)] (D)(10) recommends the following:

10. Information and Training Program

(a) Aim: To assure that all individuals at risk are adequately informed about the work in the laboratory, its risks, and what to do if an accident occurs (5, 15).

(b) Emergency and Personal Protection Training: Every laboratory worker should know the location and proper use of available protective apparel and equipment (154, 169).

Some of the full-time personnel of the laboratory should be trained in the proper use of emergency equipment and procedures (6).

Such training as well as first aid instruction should be available to (154) and encouraged for (176) everyone who might need it.

(c) Receiving and stockroom/storeroom personnel should know about hazards, handling equipment, protective apparel, and relevant regulations (217).

(d) Frequency of Training: The training and education program should be a regular, continuing activity - not simply an annual presentation (15).

(e) Literature/Consultation: Literature and consulting advice concerning chemical hygiene should be readily available to laboratory personnel, who should be encouraged to use these information resources (14).

Note! This information was taken directly from the OSHA web site. The date the information was taken is listed at the top. This page may not reflect updates or corrections published at a later date or printed in the Federal Register.

Copied direct from the OSHA web page for 29 CFR 1910.1450, Dec. 16th, 1997

Laboratory safety is essential for the health and well being of all staff, employees and visitors. Employers should take every laboratory safety precaution necessary when dealing with hazardous materials to comply with laboratory safety rules and regulations. Below are links of helpful information and articles to keep you informed and a variety of hazardous material spill kits to keep your prepared in the event of a chemical spill.