OSHA’s occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories is referenced in Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450. This standard specifies the mandatory requirements of a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to protect laboratory workers from harm due to hazardous chemicals.

The CHP is a written program stating the policies, procedures and responsibilities that protect workers from the health hazards associated with the hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.

According to OSHA, there is specific information required in a Chemical Hygiene Plan:

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• Engineering and administrative controls
• Requirements for lab personnel handling hazardous substances
• Requirements for handling specific operations that will require prior approval before implementation

Although the MTSU Campus Safety Handbook outlines roles and responsibilities for personnel and contains policies and practices that are applicable to the entire campus, The updated Chemical Hygiene Plan provides an overview of regulations applicable to operations within the laboratories on campus such as fire codes, hazardous waste regulations, chemical shipping requirements and other requirements relating to the use of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.  The updated Chemical Hygiene Plan was prepared by EHS-Industrial Hygiene and Lab Safety Services with approval from the MTSU Department of Chemistry’s Safety Committee and MTSU Department of Biology’s Safety Committee.  For guidance about how to write the Chemical Hygiene Plan, please visit:  https://mtsu.edu/ehs/industrial/manuals.php, www.osha.gov & https://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHAfactsheet-laboratory-safety-chemical-hygiene-plan.html 

Chemical Hygiene Plan (2023)

Additional information: OSHA Fact Sheet Laboratory Safety Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)