|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

OSHA Laboratory Safety Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established in April 1971 with the purpose of working with the business community to ensure workers' safety. The regulation focusing on laboratory safety is 29 CFR Part 1910.1450.

  1. Minimize all Chemical Exposures

    • General precautions are recommended, since many different chemicals are used. Preventing skin contact and inhalation are key factors.

    Avoid Underestimation of Risk

    • It should be assumed that all substances in a laboratory are toxic. Monitoring devices and proper labeling are used to help ensure that exposure is kept to safe levels.

    Provide Adequate Ventilation

    • Hoods and other ventilation devices are the best way to prevent exposure to airborne substances.

    Institute a Chemical Hygiene Program

    • To minimize exposures, a comprehensive program that ensures that personnel training is accomplished, proper protective equipment is utilized, and regular inspections are conducted is necessary.

    Observe the PELs and TLVs

    • The Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) and the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) should not be exceeded. Equipment used to avoid overexposure include safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, respirators, alarms, and emergency telephones.

Work Safety - Related Articles