(781) 222-1022 | [email protected]

Chemical Safety

Chemical Safety

During hazard communication and chemical safety training, the practice of reviewing the SDS for a chemical prior to initiating use of that chemical is discussed. Every person working in the lab knows that they should review SDSs for the chemicals being utilized, but when was the last time that you actually took the time to sit down and read an entire SDS in detail?
On March 25, 2015, EPA proposed one-time reporting and recordkeeping requirements for chemical substances in the nanoscale range. The reporting requirements for the materials already in commerce would include the chemical identity, production volume, methods of manufacture, processing, use, exposure and release information, and available health and safety data.
In MA, there are two regulatory agencies that enforce controlled substances, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Drug Control Program (DCP).  Any facility licensed to store and use controlled substances for research purposes must comply with the applicable regulations and conditions of their license and registration.
When vacating lab space, it is necessary to determine the level of decontamination or decommissioning necessary far in advance of the exit date. Of course there are many details involved in decontaminating a lab space, but the overall level required is the first question to be answered.
The annual “national day for the environment”, Earth Day, is happening tomorrow, April 22, 2015. I think everyone knows and agrees that environmental awareness should be a part of daily life. Following are some tips for integrating your EHS program into the daily life of employees at your facility.
A Chemical Hygiene Plan is required for companies falling under OSHA’s Lab Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450, while a Hazard Communication Plan fulfills the requirements found in OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.  Is your Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) updated as hazards, procedures, and policies change, or is it a stagnant document that is reviewed annually at best?