The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has responsibility for workplace regulations designed to prevent injuries and protect the health of workers. Research laboratories are unique workplaces.  In order to address the worker protection needs in these facilities OSHA developed a specific standard, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450). This standard, often referred to as the OSHA Laboratory Standard, imposes many requirements, including developing a written Chemical Hygiene Plan. The complete Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) for all university laboratories consists of three parts: The University of Alabama Chemical Hygiene Plan, a laboratory-specific CHP, and the Standard Operating Procedures specific for your work practices.

The UA Chemical Hygiene Plan covers the basic requirements for most laboratory areas. Each lab is expected to develop a customized CHP that addresses risk and hazard controls for their areas. Guidance for how this is to be done is included in the manual. It is essential that this be done by someone who is completely familiar with the work and work area covered, and who has read and understood the CHP and its requirements. Assistance is always available from the Chemical Safety Manager at EHS.

Chemical Hygiene Program Information

Chemical inventory is managed and tracked thru the BioRAFT program.  You can request BioRAFT training on the Training Information page.  If you are having trouble with the BioRAFT system, you can submit an email Request for System Assistance and EHS will help to trouble shoot your problem, add chemical items to your inventory, or remove items from inventory record.

Information about training and the training course request can be found at Training. 

Information about ordering chemicals or other items can be found in Ordering Information.

Research and teaching labs sometimes need to dispose of  hazardous waste.  The UA CHP provides instructions on how to dispose of these items.  Additional information for the proper handling of hazardous waste disposal is located Hazardous Waste Management, Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) and Waste Disposal page.

Shipping of hazardous chemical materials of any type is potentially subject to DOT and/or IATA regulations.  Please review our Shipping Information.

Laboratory Decommissioning guidelines and equipment/room tags are posted at Forms and Supporting Documents.  Before anyone else can move into a lab room, all lab spaces MUST be decommissioned (by the exiting Lab PI or Research Group) anytime you relinquish control the space for any reason.

Additional guidance information is available for…

Helpful Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety Links

 

*** In the case of a hazardous condition related to a laboratory space, contact EHS by phone at 205-348-5905 during working hours, or UAPD at 205-348-5454 if immediate assistance is needed.***