Section 325.70106. Chemical hygiene plan

(1) Where hazardous chemicals as defined by these rules are used in the workplace, an employer shall develop and carry out the provisions of a written chemical hygiene plan that provides for both of the following:

(a)       Protecting employees from health hazards  that  are  associated with hazardous chemicals in that laboratory.

(b)     Keeping exposures below the limits specified in R 325.70104.

(2)        The chemical hygiene plan shall be readily  available  to employees, employee representatives, and, upon request, to the director.

(3)      The chemical hygiene plan shall include  each   of  the  following elements and shall indicate specific measures that the employer will take to ensure laboratory employee protection:

(a)          Standard  operating  procedures  relevant  to  safety   and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals.

(b)      Criteria that the employer will use to determine and implement control measures to reduce employee exposure  to  hazardous chemicals, including engineering controls, the use of personal   protective   equipment, and  hygiene practices.

Particular attention shall be given to the selection

of control measures for chemicals that are known to be particularly hazardous.

(c)        A requirement that  laboratory-type  hoods  and  other  protective equipment are functioning properly and the specific measures that shall be taken to ensure the proper and adequate performance of such equipment.

(d)         Provisions for employee information and training as prescribed in R 325.70107.

(e)         The circumstances under  which  a   particular  laboratory operation, procedure, or activity shall require prior approval from the employer or the employer's designee before implementation.

(f)           Provisions for medical consultation and medical  examinations in accordance with R 325.70108.

(g)       Designation of personnel who are  responsible  for  implementing the chemical hygiene plan, including the assignment of a chemical hygiene officer and, if appropriate, establishment of a chemical hygiene committee.

(h)           Provisions  for  additional   employee   protection   for    work with particularly hazardous substances,  such   as  select  carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and substances that have a high degree of acute or chronic toxicity. Specific consideration shall be given to the following   provisions,  which shall be included where appropriate:

(i)      The establishment of a designated area or areas that  indicate the physical limits of exposure to particularly hazardous substances.

(ii)       The use of containment devices, such as laboratory-type hoods  or glove boxes.

(iii)     Procedures for the safe removal of contaminated waste.

(iv)     Decontamination procedures.

(4)      An employer shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of the chemical hygiene plan at least annually and update it as necessary.

(5)     Appendix A to these rules is nonmandatory, but provides guidance to assist employers in the development of a chemical hygiene plan.

History: 1992 AACS; 2003 AACS.