Laboratory Safety Guide and
Chemical Hygiene Plan

State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

January, 1996

PREFACE and ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Table of Contents

I. Goal

II. Ensuring Laboratory Safety

• A. Unit Safety Coordinator
• B. Laboratory Director

III. Safe Laboratory Practices

• A. General Principles
• B. Health and Hygiene
• C. Food, Beverages, and Chemical Contamination
• D. Housekeeping
• E. Laboratory Equipment Maintenance
• F. Glassware
• G. Protective Apparel and Equipment
• H. Cryogenic Hazards
• I. Systems Under Pressure
• J. Warning Signs and Labels
• K. Unattended Operations
• L. Working Alone
• M. Laboratory Security

IV. Facility and Operational Safety Rules

• A. Laboratory Fume Hoods

V. Handling Chemicals in the Laboratory

• A. Acute and Chronic Exposure
• B. Procurement
• C. Transport
• D. Storage
• E. Designated Area
• F. Approval

VI. Chemical Hazards

• A. Caustics and Corrosives
• B. Toxic Chemicals
• C. Mercury
• D. Carcinogens
• E. Flammables
• F. Reactives

VII. Breaks and Spills

• A. Reporting
• B. Personal Safety

VIII. Compressed Gases

• A. Handling and Storage

IX. Radioactive Hazards

X. Biological Hazards

XI. Labeling

• A. Label Requirements
• B. Transfer of Chemicals
• C. Exceptions to Labeling Requirement

XII. Fire Prevention, Control and Reporting

• A. Prevention
• B. Priorities in Case of Fire
• C. Fire Control Methods

XIII. Waste Disposal

• A. Disposing of Waste Chemicals

XIV. Inspections, Audits, and Reports

XV. Training and Information

• A. Laboratory Personnel
• B. Laboratory Directors
• C. Training

XVI. Medical Examination

XVII. Electrical Safety

• A. General Instructions
• B. Static Electricity and Spark Hazards

Appendices

• A. Glass Disposal
• B. ESF Hazardous Chemical Labeling Program
• C. Chemical Code Sheets
• D. Laboratory Ventilation
• E. Chemical Spill Policy
• F. 29-CFR Part 1910, Sub-Part Z—Chemicals Established as Hazardous
• G. Compressed Gas Cylinders
• H. Radioisotopes and Radiation Sources
• I. Biohazard Procedures
• J. Laboratory Inspection Program
• K. Hazard Communication Program
• L. Surplus Chemical Form