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Laboratories |
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Standards |
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Laboratory hazards are addressed in specific standards for
the general industry. This page highlights OSHA standards, standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of
the standards), and national consensus standards related to laboratories.
OSHA
Section
5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause,
requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a
place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or
are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section
5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety
and health standards promulgated under this Act".
Note:
Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved
State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement
policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are
identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different
standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement
policies. |
Highlighted Standards
General Industry (29
CFR 1910)
Standard Interpretations
-
Material safety data sheet requirements for experimental chemical
mixtures that are shipped off-site. (2004, February 5).
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Applicable OSHA standards and safety considerations for microwave
device use in a laboratory. (2002, August 8).
- Labeling
requirements under the HAZCOM and Laboratory standards; use of safe needle devices. (2001, January 11).
Answers questions regarding the applicability to clinical laboratories of OSHA's Laboratory Standard, Hazard Communication Standard, and
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
- Clarification
regarding the frequency with which showers must be tested. (1995, June 21).
Provides clarification regarding the
frequency with which safety showers must be tested.
- Clarification of
"laboratory" and "process" relative to process safety management
standard. (1992, June 24). Defines what a laboratory and a process is, and clarifies when the process safety
management (PSM) standard applies.
- Implementation of a
comprehensive chemical hygiene plan for lab operations. (1991, April 24).
States that if all requirements of the
laboratory standard are met, compliance with the hazard communication standard with respect to coverage of laboratories would also be
achieved.
- Time and resources
needed to comply with Lab Standard is justifiable. (1991, April 19). Laboratories that do not implement work practices and
procedures which are at least as effective as those prescribed by this standard may be risking employees' health and safety.
- Quality control
laboratories are not expected to be covered under the Laboratory Standard.
(1990, October 11). Clarifies which
laboratories are covered under the laboratory standard.
- Incorporation
of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) into current Hazard Communication and/or other related manuals.
(1990, September 7). Discusses the incorporation of the CHP into the hazard communication or other related manuals.
- Laboratory Standard
does not cover routine tests supporting production but non-routine, non-production-related tests are covered.
(1990, August 8). Clarifies when laboratories are covered under the laboratory standard.
- Interpretation of
"high degree of acute toxicity" under the laboratory standard.
(1990, July 30). Describes some basic
differences and similarities between the hazard communication standard (HCS) and the laboratory standard.
- Search all available standard
interpretations.
National Consensus
Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do
provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker
protection.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Z358.1-2004,
Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment. Contains provisions regarding the design, performance, installation, use and
maintenance of various types of emergency equipment (showers, eye washes,
drench hoses, etc.). In addition to these provisions, there are some general
considerations that apply to all emergency equipment.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
- Z9.5-2003, Laboratory Ventilation. This authoritative publication is intended for use by employers, architects, occupational
and environmental health and safety professionals, and others concerned with the control
of exposure to airborne contaminants. The book includes new chapters on performance tests,
air cleaning, preventative maintenance, and work practices. It also highlights the
standard's requirements and offers good practices for laboratories to follow. The book also
offers referenced standards and publications, guidance on selecting laboratory stack designs,
an audit form for ANSI Z9.5, and a sample table of contents for a laboratory ventilation
management plan.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- 110-1995, Method of Testing the Performance of Laboratory Hoods.
Specifies a quantitative test procedure for evaluation of a laboratory fume hood.
A tracer gas is released at prescribed rates and positions in the hood and monitored
in the breathing zone of a mannequin at the face of the hood. Based on the release
rate of the tracer gas and average exposure to the mannequin, a performance rating
is achieved.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- 45, Standard on Fire Protection
for Laboratories Using Chemicals. Applies to laboratories in which hazardous chemicals are handled or stored.
International Code Council (ICC)
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2003 International
Codes. Links to several standards that are applicable to laboratories, particularly the International Fire Code. Topics addressed in this code include fire department access, fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems,
hazardous materials storage and use, and fire-safety requirements for new and existing buildings and premises.
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