Science Safety Tip #5
by Dean Gilbert
TIP #5- Every district must develop, adopt, and implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (California Code of Regulations, Title 8, General Industry Safety Orders, Section 5193) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) relevant to the safety and health of employees and students. The district Chemical Hygiene Plan should include:
- Safe operating laboratory procedures
- Control measures that reduce employees’ exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Protective equipment, including properly functioning fume hoods and biological safety cabinets
- Maintenance of proper labeling on hazardous substances
- Retention of all MSDSs received from vendors (made available to employees)
- Employee information and training as it relates to the Chemical Hygiene Plan, employee liability and responsibilities pertaining to laboratory safety
- Define circumstances under which particular laboratory operations require prior approval from the employer
- Provisions for medical consultations and examinations on suspicion of exposure to hazardous substances
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Designation of a Chemical Hygiene Officer to implement and maintain the plan
- A protocol that provides for review and analysis of effectiveness of the Chemical Hygiene Plan annually, with updates, if necessary
For a detailed list of safety steps that should be incorporated into a Chemical Hygiene Plan, refer to pages 32-33 in the Science Safety Handbook for California Public Schools.
Dean Gilbert is science consultant with the Los Angeles County Office of Education and is CSTA’s region 3 director.
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http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/whatsnew/NaturalDiscourse/artists.shtml
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