TRAINING REQUIREMENTS            

Under Pennsylvania and OSHA laws, all employees have a right to know the potential hazards of the substances to which they are exposed.  Employees and students must receive education and training regarding hazardous materials prior to being assigned to work with them.

Laboratory Supervisors should assure that all laboratory workers are provided with information and training to ensure that they are apprised of the hazards of substances and equipment present in their work area.  This training is mandated by OSHA.  In fulfillment of part of this training requirement, the Laboratory Supervisor shall assure that all laboratory workers complete annual Chemical Hygiene (Laboratory Safety) training provided by the EHRS Department.

The following topics are covered in the Chemical Hygiene (Laboratory Safety) training:

  1. Key elements of OSHA's Laboratory Standard.
  2. Responsibilities.
  3. Chemical Hygiene Plan components, practices and standard operating procedures.
  4. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) and labeling requirements.
  5. Chemical storage and transportation.
  6. Personal protective and safety equipment.
  7. Waste disposal procedures.
  8. Emergency procedures.
  9. The location and availability of known reference material on the hazards, safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals found in the laboratory. This may include Material Safety Data Sheets and other reference sources.

Additional training provided by the Laboratory Supervisor should be as specific to the activities conducted in the laboratory as possible.  It should include:

1. Hazards (both chemical and physical), posed by the experiment, hazardous substances and equipment. Also, the safe handling procedures and the possible reactions that could occur.
2. The existence of Standard Operating Procedures and their applicability to the laboratory.
3. Signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory.
4. The selection and proper use of safety and personal protective equipment.
5. Information on what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency. (e.g., chemical spill, injury, exposure, or fire)
6.

The location and availability of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (Laboratory Safety Manual).
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia • 600 South Forty-third Street • Philadelphia, PA 19104-4495 • phone: 215-596-8800 • email: safety@usp.edu