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06. Lab Specific CHP

Lab Specific CHP

 

 

Excerpt from CHP Instruction NPSINST 5100.6:

Each PI or responsible lab supervisor will complete the tables in this instruction and use this instruction as a template and guide for creating individual laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHPs) and SOPs. Individual CHPs will be reviewed by the departmental HM representatives and CHO to help address specific chemical hazards in the work area. This section should contain provisions at a minimum for the following:

  1. Basic lab safety rules and standard lab practices to include work practices that are oriented toward minimizing exposure to all chemicals. This should include, but not be limited to:
    1. Planning laboratory sequences to require the least number of chemical handling and mixing operations.
    2. Whenever possible, mixing and handling chemicals in a fume hood, otherwise, in a well-ventilated, non-confined space with open windows.
    3. Never performing chemical operations in a confined space.
    4. Avoiding direct skin contact with all chemicals. Utilization of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to include, as a minimum, gloves and eye goggles.
    5. Mixing and handling the smallest amount of chemicals necessary for the operation to be performed. Keeping containers covered and properly stored when not in use.
    6. Covering containers of mixed chemicals, but not so tightly as to seal them.
    7. Requiring storage of mixtures that evolve a gas in containers that are not tightly sealed to avoid pressure build up and possible rupture.
    8. Requiring that all personnel, prior to working with laboratory chemicals, review the SOP for working with chemicals.
  2. Location and use of all lab emergency and safety equipment such as eyewash stations, lab coats, PPE, fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency responder phone numbers, etc.
  3. Specific safety procedures for handling, labeling, transporting, using, and storing chemicals used in the lab. The location of safety data sheets (SDSs) for each chemical, training on how to read them, and any special precautions contained therein.
  4. Procedures for emergencies, including evacuation routes spill cleanup and waste disposal from spill cleanup.
  5. Instructions on personal hygiene.
  6. Lab housekeeping standards.
  7. Use of the SDS to include details on how to read the SDS for each chemical to be used, paying particular attention to:
  8. Health hazard data and fire and explosion hazard data.
  9. Reactivity data.
  10. Spill or leak procedures.
  11. Precautions to be taken in handling and storage.
  12. In circumstances where the laboratory user creates a unique chemical mixture, the user shall be responsible for logging the contents and percentages of the mixture and having the SDS available for each content item.
  13. Location of the HAZCOM plan.
  14. Hazardous waste disposal procedures.
  15. Location and proper use instructions for fume or vent hoods if installed.
  16. Gas cylinder storage requirements and use if in use in the specific lab.
  17. Use of required PPE.
  18. Use of required engineering and administrative control measures.
  19. Use of storage closets, containers, and cabinets.
  20. Other items unique to the individual lab based on manufacturer's suggested practices or PI experience.
Note that experiments involving use of hazardous chemicals should not be done in unattended labs. If absolutely necessary, appropriate signs must be clearly posted outside of an area or room where an unattended procedure that involves hazardous chemicals is in progress. Additionally, access must be restricted in a way that prevents entry of untrained or unqualified personnel into the area(s) involving use of hazardous chemicals.