I. Introduction

A. The function of this document: Maintaining a Chemical Hygiene Plan is one way in which we hope to achieve EMU's goals of safety and environmental stewardship while also achieving regulatory alliance. The function of the CHP is to provide a plan for chemical and lab practice that will prevent injuries and long-term health complications related to chemical exposures and accidents for EMU employees, students, contractors, vendors, and visitors; protect EMU property from accidents; and provide for the safety of the public and surrounding environment.
The plan has been developed in accordance with OSHA regulation for Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, and is based on the recommendations of the National Research Council (Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, 2011, NAP Press). Documents from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the US EPA were also used in its development. The CHP applies to all laboratory employees and students using chemicals at EMU. 
B. Responsibilities: Each person in the lab has responsibilities in the CHP.

1. 1. Students (those in lab courses and research groups, and laboratory work-study students) are responsible for

a. Following the safety rules and specific directions provided by supervising faculty and staff.
b. Reporting all accidents and injuries.
c. Reading the labels and SDSs for chemicals used.
d. Looking out for the welfare of others working with you in the lab

1. 1. Professors/Lab Instructors/Lab Staff are responsible for:
      1. Knowing the chemical and physical properties and hazards for each chemical in use in their laboratory (use SDS).
      2. Providing information and training for students and laboratory staff under their supervision regarding chemical hazards and safe procedures.
      3. Provide clear directions regarding safe handling and disposal of all chemicals in every laboratory activity.
      4. Selecting laboratory activities/procedures that minimize the use of hazardous chemicals.
      5. In cooperation with the CHO, determining the protective apparel, equipment, and safe procedures that must be used with a particular chemical and procedure.
      6. Being familiar with chemical spill response procedures.
      7. Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment (e.g. preventing glassware and chemical bottle clutter; using effective container labeling practices).
      8. Reporting the following to the CHO: lab accidents or near-misses and any problems or concerns with safety showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, emergency first-aid equipment, and fume hoods
   2. Chemical Hygiene Officer, CHO, is appointed by and reports to the Provost. Duties of the CHO include:
   3. Assisting lab faculty, instructors and staff in their responsibilities outlined immediately above in this document
   4. Assisting administrators and physical plant personnel in developing and maintaining facilities that are safe for chemical work: identifying maintenance or supply problems with safety showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, emergency first-aid equipment, and fume hoods to physical plant personnel.
   5. Providing regular information and training to lab staff, faculty, and work study students regarding chemical and lab safety practices, including annual CHP training, respirator fitting and training, and training on the use of any new safety equipment
   6. Monitoring the procurement, use, storage, inventory, and disposal of chemicals
   7. Conducting regular inspections of the teaching labs, prep labs, research labs, chemical storeroom, and fume hoods, and submitting detailed inspection reports to department chairs and provost
   8. Arranging for environmental/chemical exposure surveillance, as appropriate, and informing affected personnel of the results
   9. Maintaining inspection, personnel training, accident reporting/exposure surveillance, and inventory records
   10. Working with EMU's health center and human resources to notify employees of the availability of medical help under the following circumstances:
       1. Whenever an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory
       2. Where exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the action level for an OSHA–regulated substance
       3. Whenever a spill, leak, explosion, or other occurrence resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure occurs
   11. Remaining abreast of the regulatory and legal requirements associated with the use and disposal of hazardous and regulated chemicals
   12. Attending regular CHO training
   13. Establishing, maintaining, and annually revising the CHP
   14. Serving on the campus safety committee
   15. The Director of Facilities Management and the Campus Safety and Security Coordinator have specific duties relevant to lab safety including:
       1. 1. Maintaining laboratory facilities in accordance with all relevant regulations (OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and local and state regulating bodies); designing any new facilities or renovations in conjunction with lab personnel to meet these regulations
          2. Conducting annual performance tests for safety showers and eye wash fountains
          3. Responding to CHO, lab faculty, and staff requests for maintenance of failed or questionable systems
          4. Performing a biannual safety walkthrough with the CHO, during which safety issues in the labs are discussed from both perspectives
   16. The Provost has ultimate responsibility for holding EMU personnel accountable for complying with the guidelines outlined in this plan. EMU holds individuals (faculty, staff and students) who work with hazardous chemicals responsible for conducting safe operations within the workplace. In this regard, the Provost will
       1. 1. Meet annually with the CHO, including an annual science center walk through
          2. Discuss potential changes to the CHP with the CHO, view revisions, and sign the annual working document

C. Revisions to the CHP can be made as necessary by the CHO, but will be approved annually by the Biology and Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and Biomedical Chairs; and the Provost. An annual working document will be discussed with, then approved, and signed by the Provost. All changes will be communicated annually to all laboratory faculty and staff, in order to continually improve on methods of creating and maintaining a safe place for work and learning in the sciences.