Chemical Hygiene Plan
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and by incorporation the Tennessee Department of Labor (TOSHA), recognize that laboratory operations present significantly different hazards and concerns than those associated in other industrial processes. This is particularly relevant to operations in academic environments. Academe not only instructs the leaders of tomorrow, but also participates in the development of the technologies of the future. The Laboratory Standard is a performance based measure that does not burden laboratory operations with requirements that are not applicable to their operations, while allowing them to enhance those practices that are pertinent to their operations. These procedures are standardized and defined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).
The Laboratory Standard applies to those groups using hazardous chemicals in accordance with the definitions of laboratory use and laboratory practices. Generally, where this standard applies it supersedes the requirements of all other TOSHA/ OSHA Right-to-Know Laws and Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200). The standard does not reduce or remove established Personnel Exposure Limits (PEL)(subpart Z of 1910.1200).
The model Chemical Hygiene Plan at Tennessee Tech also seeks to enhance laboratory safety process and equip laboratory occupants with the understanding to safely evaluate potential hazards within the laboratory and work environment. The model CHP below is general and necessarily vague in nature. Labs are encouraged to develop a CHP that is relevant to the specific nature of their operation. Implementation of a CHP may best be initiated at the department level to allow common departmental practices and expectations to be incorporated into a template that can be further enhanced in each laboratory. Labs should seek to make the document as reflective of their operation as possible. If labs do not have an individual CHP established, the operations identified within the model CHP are to be followed.
Example: The general CHP includes information on compressed gases, but labs that do not use compressed gases would not incorporate these into their plan. The CHP would then be updated and the lab starts to use compressed gases. During laboratory audits, labs would be audited on their compliance with the most relevant CHP (i.e. lab, department, or campus).
Beyond the fact that Chemical Hygiene Plans are a regulatory requirement, they also assist in establishing continuity in operations. CHP use establishes common process and expectations that assist when key personnel leave or are absent. Below are editable copies of CHPs for use as departments develop their own.
- Campus Master
- Chemistry
