Chemical Hygiene Plan
When hazardous chemicals, as defined by the standard, are used in the workplace, the employer must develop and carry out the provisions of a written Chemical Hygiene Plan. The OEHS, Inc. team of experts routinely works side-by-side with company staff to develop Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHP) to ensure the plans meet specific criteria, including:
- Developing and implementing standard operating procedures relevant to safety and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals.
- Developing criteria that the employer will use to determine and implement control measures to reduce employee exposure to hazardous chemicals including engineering controls, the use of Personal Protective Equipment and good hygiene practices.
- Including as a provision of the requirement that fume hoods and other protective equipment are functioning properly and specific measures that are taken to ensure proper and adequate performance of such equipment.
- Providing provisions for employee information and training.
- Including circumstances under which a particular laboratory operation, procedure or activity shall require prior approval from the employer or the employer’s designee before implementation.
- Providing provisions for medical consultation and medical examination.
- Designating a person responsible for implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan including the assignment of a Chemical Hygiene Officer and, if appropriate, establishment of a Chemical Hygiene Committee.
- Including provisions for additional employee protection for work with particularly hazardous substances. These include carcinogens, reproductive toxins and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity.
The CHP must be readily available to employees. This plan must also be reviewed and evaluated for effectiveness on an annual basis, at a minimum.