The OSHA Lab Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) requires each employer to develop a comprehensive Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) in order to implement safe laboratory practices and to minimize exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals. Tulane OEHS maintains a CHP available at https://risk.tulane.edu/ehs/policies-posters.
For more information on Chemical Safety, please go to https://risk.tulane.edu/ehs/programs-services/chemical-safety.
Lab Supervisor Roles (Principal Investigator)
Laboratory supervisors are required to develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to their work practices and attach these SOPs to a copy of the Chemical Hygiene Plan developed by OEHS. Together, the compilation of the CHP and individual SOPs formulate a site-specific CHP for that particular laboratory. Laboratory supervisors must save a copy for their own records.
Other duties of the Lab Supervisor include:
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for their laboratories which should also include emergency response procedures (see the resources section below for SOP development);
- Inform employees about the OSHA Lab Standard and Tulane’s Chemical Hygiene Plan and ensure that laboratory personnel comply with the Chemical Hygiene Plan;
- Ensure that engineering controls are in place (see Chemical Fume Hood FACT Sheet)
- Provide safety training, including specific training on lab SOPs, to employees and documenting the training;
- Keep door signs up to date with hazard-specific information associated with the laboratory including up-to-date emergency contact information (click here for door sign templates);
- Create a chemical inventory and have a copy readily available to share with OEHS and/or governing agencies;
- Determine and provide appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing to employees and students;
- Perform formal (documented) inspections of their area and reporting unsafe conditions;
- Notify OEHS if exposure monitoring or medical consultations due to chemical exposure are needed;
- Obtain approval from the OEHS prior to work with certain high risk substances (select agents, carcinogens, explosives, reproductive toxins, acutely toxic substances, etc.);
- Ensure the proper storage and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste (see the OEHS waste management page).
Lab Safety Paperwork Materials
Each year, laboratory supervisors must complete Laboratory Safety Paperwork in order to comply with regulatory requirements. The following links include a Laboratory Safety Paperwork Checklist that guide the laboratory supervisor through the regulatory requirements and Documentation Pages to ensure that the requirements are fulfilled. The Documentation Pages should be uploaded via the provided box storage links.
Lab Safety Paperwork Checklist
Lab Safety Paperwork Documentation Pages
Resources
Laboratory-Specific Standard Operating Procedures FACT Sheet
OEHS New Standard Operating Procedures Guide
Training
The following introductory training courses have been developed for students using laboratories on Tulane's Campuses.
2022 OEHS Introduction to Lab Safety (recording)
2022 OEHS Introduction to Lab Safety (presentation)
More specific training courses are available for both employees and student employees. Employees can access training through TU Learn. Student employees can access training through Canvas. More information about the training programs is available at https://risk.tulane.edu/ehs/training.
