The University's Chemical Hygiene Program was developed in accordance with the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1450 to protect University laboratory employees from the health hazards which may be present in the laboratory environment. OSHA requires that the University develop a written Chemical Hygiene Plan to ensure that laboratories operate in compliance with the standard. The Syracuse University's Chemical Hygiene Plan addresses a variety of topics, including the following:
EHO provides Chemical Hygiene training related to the requirements and the implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan in the laboratory. All employees working in a laboratory must complete this mandatory CHP training. It is the responsiblility of the laboratory supervisor to notify EHO of changes in laboratory staff for scheduling of training.
Periodic inspections of laboratory areas for CHP compliance are also completed by EHO staff. Laboratory supervisors are responsible for ensuring compliance with the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan and must remediate any deficiences identified in the laboratory in a timely manner.
Proper implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan in the laboratory will help to minimize employee exposures to hazardous chemicals. Standard operating procedures are required to be developed, under the Plan, to assure that work practices and policies required to protect employees are in place and enforced within the laboratory setting.