Office of Environmental Health & Safety
Georgetown University Medical Center
LM-12 Preclinical Science Building, 3900 Reservoir Road N.W., Washington, DC 20057

Tel. (202)687-4712   Fax: (202)687-5046

Lab Chemical Hygiene Program
	The purpose of the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Program is to inform employees of potential chemical hazards associated with working in a laboratory. The program is mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), "Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories" standard.
A.	Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
	Each laboratory must have a completed Chemical Hygiene Plan. A template is available from EH&S, but must be amended to be made laboratory specific. The plan must establish procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from hazardous chemicals used in the lab. The plan must be immediately accessible (i.e., not in a locked office) to all staff throughout each work shift. All employees must know where the policy is located in their laboratory/work area. The Chemical Hygiene Plan must be reviewed/updated annually. Annotate the name of the reviewer and review date in the CHP. An annual CHP update form is attached, please complete and insert in your CHP. CHP Update Form (pdf)
B.	Training
	Each laboratory supervisor/Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for ensuring all lab employees are appropriately trained. Training must occur at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is introduced into the lab. EH&S is also available to provide a portion of the required training. Chemical hygiene training records must be readily available and the location known by all employees. Document all training with a copy of an outline of the material discussed, the employee's signature, the date training was conducted, and the name of the person performing the training. Contact EH&S (7-4712) for a copy of the "Documentation/Checklist" or click the link below. Lab Chemical Hygiene Training Documentation/Checklist (pdf)
C.	Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
	MSDSs provide safety and health information for chemicals used in the work place. MSDSs are:
	a.     Required to be maintained in a location immediately accessible to all staff throughout each work shift (preferably near the written plan).
	b.     Required to be maintained in an organized manner (i.e., alphabetically) and labeled.
	c.     Required to be accompanied by an inventory of chemicals used in the work area. A copy of the inventory must be submitted to EH&S annually.
	d.     Provided by the manufacturer/distributor upon ordering chemical(s)
	e.     Obtained with the chemical shipment or, as necessary, by calling the manufacturer/distributor. EH&S may also be contacted (7-4712) for assistance. Click the link below to search for MSDSs. Search for MSDSs
D.	Health and Safety Inspections
	EH&S performs health and safety inspections of all clinical areas and laboratories at least annually. Click the link below for a copy of the inspection form. Inspection Form (pdf)

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