Chemical hazards
The use of chemicals in research laboratories is inevitable, and the potential for harm or injury could be significant if they are misused or mishandled. OSHA has developed two important standards to help mitigate these potential problems. The first is the Hazard Communication standard (29CFR1910.1200) that deals with requirements for employers to inform and train employees on non-laboratory use of chemicals.2 This would apply to things in the lab such as pump oil, Chromerge, or liquid nitrogen used in dewars. Although these chemicals are found in the lab, their use does not meet the criteria for laboratory use.
The second, we’ve already mentioned. Known as the “OSHA Lab Standard,” 29CFR1910.1450 requires laboratories to identify hazards, determine employee exposures, and develop a chemical hygiene plan (CHP) including standard operating procedures. The “lab standard” applies to the laboratory use of chemicals and mandates written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) addressing the particular hazards and precautions required for safe use. This goes hand in hand with experimental design and planning. Both standards require providing material safety data sheets and employee training.