Chemical Hygiene Plan
The Chemical Hygiene Plan establishes a formal written program to protect laboratory personnel from adverse health and safety hazards associated with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.
A Chemical Hygiene Plan comprises two parts: the Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM), provided by EHS, and the Laboratory Safety Plan (LSP), a site-specific plan to be completed by individual laboratories. The Laboratory Standard details the requirements of a CHP and is designed to protect laboratory workers from harm due to their work with hazardous chemicals. The CHP outlines the policies, procedures, and responsibilities that protect workers from health hazards associated with the hazardous chemicals used in laboratories.
Lab Safety Manual
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) requires the development and implementation of a chemical hygiene plan (See Appendix A of this plan). Specifically, there must be a written and employee-accessible program that protects employees from health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory. This Dartmouth College Laboratory Safety Manual functions as the chemical hygiene plan and applies to laboratory work areas while the Dartmouth College Hazard Communication Program applies to non-laboratory chemical use on campus.
Although the Laboratory Standard provides some compliance flexibility, the Chemical Hygiene Plan must address specific areas. These areas include exposure monitoring, employee information and training, medical consultations and examinations, hazard identification, use of personal protective equipment, and recordkeeping.
In addition to the laboratory standard there are several other compliance standards which need to be considered in the laboratory.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NH State Hazardous Waste Regulations
- Radiation Protection rules through NH Radiological Health Section
- Fire and Life Safety Codes through the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), Hanover or Lebanon
- Biological Safety via National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- College and hospital policies
- Consensus standards
EHS Scope of Services
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) provides advice and guidance to the Dartmouth Community on occupational safety, research safety, and environmental protection issues. EHS manages the College's chemical, biological, and radiological use and plays an essential role in emergency preparedness and response.
EHS also conducts inspections, assessments, and training on a number of topics to ensure compliance with pertinent regulatory requirements and an understanding of current and/or potential workplace hazards.