SUMMARY

Federal, state, and local regulations require employers to inform employees about the potential hazards of chemicals to which they may come in contact in the workplace or laboratory. Stanford's Chemical Hazard Communication Policy expands this requirement to include students and the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan addresses these requirements in laboratories.

The Chemical Hazard Communication Policy and Program applies to all workplaces and is included within the University's overall program of Injury and Illness Prevention (Research Policy Handbook document 6.2). For laboratories, the relevant part of the University's Chemical Hazard Communication Program is the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The Chemical Hygiene Plan includes the basic elements of the Hazard Communication Program, sets forth procedures to protect employees and students from exposure to chemical hazards within laboratories and conforms to regulatory requirements. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) works with academic departments and faculty to develop local programs for the safe use of chemicals.

It is Stanford University policy that information concerning the particular hazards which may be posed, and the methods by which they can use these materials in a safe and healthful manner, be available to all faculty, staff, and students who use hazardous chemicals in either the workplace or in laboratories. Questions concerning which substances are considered to be hazardous chemicals should be directed to EH&S.

CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN FOR LABORATORIES

Stanford has developed and implemented a written Chemical Hygiene Plan that is directed at controlling exposures to hazardous chemicals in laboratories. The Plan sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, and practices that are capable of protecting employees from health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in laboratories and are capable of keeping chemical exposures below regulatory limits. Elements of the plan include:

--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

EH&S has developed broad standard operating procedures for general laboratory operations (see the Stanford Safety Manual). Additionally, each laboratory should review operations and processes to determine the need for additional, more specific standard operating procedures and control requirements.

--CRITERIA TO DETERMINE CONTROL MEASURES IMPLEMENTATION AND CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

These are two of the key features of the Plan. The Toxic Gas Program addresses acutely hazardous materials in this regard. In addition, each lab should establish a set of criteria based on normal use of chemicals, above which additional control measures or approvals will be required. Some general criteria are outlined on the Sponsored Projects Proposal Routing Sheet (SU-42).

--FUME HOOD OPERATIONS

The EH&S Industrial Hygiene Program and Facilities Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Division oversee the procedures for operation and maintenance of fume hoods. Guidelines for use of such hoods can be found in the Stanford Safety Manual.

--INFORMATION AND TRAINING

Employees and students should receive information and training on chemical hazards when they start work, when their work changes, or when a new hazard is introduced into the laboratory. Consult the Stanford Safety Manual for more information.

--MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND MEDICAL EXAMS

The University has a program for medical surveillance for faculty, staff, and students who are exposed to certain hazardous materials and situations as defined by law or University policy. Consult the Stanford Safety Manual or the Administrative Guide for more information.

--DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The University has designated a Chemical Hygiene Officer within the Environ-mental Health & Safety Department. Faculty are responsible for protecting the health and safety of employees and students under their supervision. The Associate Vice President for Environmental Health & Safety is the cognizant administrator of environmental health and safety programs at the University.

--ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS

The Stanford Safety Manual and EH&S provide information and guidance with regard to work with particularly hazardous substances such as select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and acutely toxic substances.

The Chemical Hygiene Plan is available from your school/department safety coordinator or EH&S. The full text of the Chemical Hazard Communication Policy and detailed policies and procedures governing the acquisition, use, and disposal of chemicals are found in the Stanford Safety Manual.

RESOURCES

1. The Stanford Safety Manual is available online in Portfolio and also from most campus laboratories and libraries, your school/department safety contacts, and EH&S.

2. Stanford Administrative Guide Memos, Series 25.

3. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety can be reached at 650-723-0448.