Responsibililities
Chem. Training
Procure/Trans
Respons. Exam

SESSION ONE

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Upon completion of this session, you will understand your responsibilities and those of your supervisor as well as the procedures for ordering and transporting chemicals.  It should  take you about 20 minutes to complete this session.  When you have read through the material, you will be asked to answer 5 questions.

There are two federal regulations which address the potential exposure of workers to hazardous chemicals .

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM) [29 CFR 1910.1200] which was developed to reduce the incidence of chemically-related occupational illnesses and injuries to non-laboratory workers, such as Facilities personnel.

Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (Lab Standard) [29 CFR 191.1450] which was developed to address to reduce the incidence of chemically-related occupational illnesses and injuries to people who work in laboratory settings such as researchers and technicians.

HAZCOM requires that LBNL prepare a written Hazard Communication Plan to inform and train you about the hazards of chemicals known to be present in your workplace.

The Lab Standard requires that LBNL develop a program to implement protective procedures and practices to minimize/prevent your exposure to hazardous chemicals in the laboratory, and what you need to do if an exposure should occur.

To meet its responsibilities under both of these these regulations,  LBNL has developed The Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan.

The Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan describes:

  • The steps LBNL has taken to ensure that labels, MSDSs and employee information and training program meet OSHA requirements;
  • Procedures and practices that are appropriate for working with Hazardous Chemicals;
  • How we manage the sitewide chemical iventory;

The Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan contains specific work practices and procedures to protect you from hazardous chemicals present in your work area.

Your responsibilities and the responsibilities of your supervisor are described below.

Workers (You, Guests, Visiting Scientists, and Contractors)

  • You must work safely, follow the provisions of the Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan, and use good judgment based on your training and expertise.
  • You must report accidents, unsafe conditions or injuries to line managers immediately.
  • You must stop work that may pose an imminent danger to you or those around you (See PUB 3000, Chapter 1, General Policy and Responsibilities for further discussion.
  • You must be familiar with and follow emergency procedures.
  • You must complete a Job Hazards Questionnaire with supervisors and attend required training.

As an employee you have the right to:

  • Be notified of measured or suspected exposures to harmful substances above legal occupational exposure limits.
  • Request medical consultations and access your workplace medical and exposure records.
  • Refuse to work in unsafe conditions or to perform work that could create a hazard to you or your colleagues.
  • File confidential health and safety complaints with the Ethics Hotline (1-800-999-9057).

Line Managers

Are to fund, plan, prioritize and schedule work, as well as be responsible for the physical space, equipment, storage area, structure, and location where chemical hazards exist.

Line Managers are required to:

  • Make certain that you complete a Job Hazards Questionnaire and all required training.
  • Ensure that you are familiar with the CHSP and the other sources of chemical hazard information and safety resources at LBNL.
  • Provide you with area specific training on the hazards and safety precautions related to your assigned work.
  • Ensure that equipment and chemical containers are adequately labeled and that your work area is posted with a Pictogram Hazard Key that depicts the hazards in your area.
  • Ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets are readily available.
  • Maintain a current inventory of the hazardous materials in their work area.
  • Investigate accidents and near misses involving hazardous materials and implement corrective actions.

 

 

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