Safety Tip of the Week – Chemical Hygiene Plan

Chemical Hygiene Plan

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 that particular workplace.

The components of a CHP include:

• Standard operating procedures involving the use of hazardous chemicals;

• Criteria to determine and implement control measures to reduce employee exposure to hazardous chemicals;

• Requirements to ensure that control measures perform properly;

• Employee information and training;

• Identification of operations requiring prior employer approval;

• Medical consultation and examinations;

• Designation of chemical hygiene officers;

• Requirements for handling particularly hazardous chemicals;

• Identification of designated areas (laboratories, storage rooms, disposal areas);

• Containment equipment;

• Procedures for safe removal of contaminated waste; and 

• Decontamination procedures

Remember:

Although each laboratory comes with its own set of unique challenges, addressing known hazards and planning for anticipated ones will help to minimize chemical exposure and ensure a safer workplace for everyone.

If you are aware of it, take care of it!