Lab Safety Plan: Hazard Communication
4.0. Hazard Communication
4.1. University Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety Plan
4.1.1. A written program developed and implemented by Kent State University which sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting lab workers while working in the laboratory environment with hazardous chemicals, equipment and other processes that may present a physical hazard or health hazard.
4.1.2. All laboratories must have a copy of the University Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety Plan (UCHLSP) in the lab and all personnel must have read the plan.
4.2. Departmental Chemical Hygiene Plan
4.2.1 A written program that is developed and implemented by the department to outline the appropriate practices, procedures, equipment and facilities that will be adhered to by principal investigators, faculty, staff, students, visitors’ and any other personnel working in the laboratory environment within the department. Included in this document will be guidelines that establish procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and best work practices that have been shown to protect lab workers while working in the laboratory with hazardous chemicals, equipment and other processes that may present a physical hazard or health hazard.
4.3. Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan
4.3.1. A written plan will be developed and implemented for each lab to communicate best practices in the laboratory that are necessary for safe operation. These procedures will also minimize laboratory workers' exposure to physical and health hazards while working in the laboratory environment. The LCHP will provide instructions and guidelines to laboratory workers to ensure that Kent State University laboratories follow OSHA’s Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Laboratory Standard and its appendices (29 CFR 1910.1450), KSU Chemical Hygiene Plan, EPA and any other University guidelines.
4.3.2. All laboratories are required to develop a Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan which must be reviewed annually. The review date must be recorded on the document.
4.3.3. The LCHP must be signed by all lab workers to acknowledge understanding.
4.4. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
4.4.1. An SDS is a sixteen section document that is developed by the chemical manufacturer to communicate the hazards of the chemical. The SDS includes information such as chemical and physical properties; hazards, first aid, handling and storage, exposure control, personal protective equipment, transport, disposal and other protective measures and safety precautions when using the chemical.
4.4.2. All laboratory occupants must know how to access safety data sheets and a hard or electronic copy must be kept in the laboratory during use.
Note: If the laboratory uses an electronic database to maintain SDS’s then hard copies must be printed during work with the chemical(s) in the event of an accident, incident or injury for emergency response.
4.4.3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) can be accessed through the university chemical inventory system at https://chemicalmgmt.kent.edu/.
4.4.4. Any materials synthesized at KSU that are transported offsite must be accompanied by SDS if it is not considered an article. If an SDS does not exist, one must be prepared prior to the transfer. Contact EHS for assistance with SDS generation.
A article is a manufactured item other than a fluid or particle that is: (1) which is formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture, (2) which has end use function(s) dependent in whole or in part upon its shape or design during end use, and (3) which under normal conditions of use does not release more than very small quantities, and does not pose a physical hazard or health risk to employees.
4.4.5. The Principal Investigator is responsible for making sure that an SDS is shipped along with all materials being shipped off campus.