The laboratory’s Chemical Hygiene and Safety Program addresses hazard identification, labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and training. It is the responsibility of your employer if you work for an LBNL subcontractor, or your division if you are an employee, student, or visitor, to fulfill the requirements of the Laboratory’s program. Below are the major components of our program.

1. Hazard Identification
   Your supervisor must identify potentially hazardous substances and processes in her/his work areas and maintain an inventory of chemical hazards. The Laboratory’s Health and Safety Manual, PUB-3000, has important additional information on physical, chemical, and biological hazards. It can be found on the Web at http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/.
2. Labels
   Your supervisor must ensure that all hazards and containers of hazardous materials are labeled properly. Labels are your first source of information for toxic substances. A label must include the name of the material and hazard warnings necessary for employee protection. You must understand the hazards and controls of all materials with which you work.
3. MSDSs
   Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are written summaries that describe the physical properties and health effects of chemicals and chemical products, as well as the protective measures, safe handling, and emergency response required for their use. They are an important source of information on chemical hazards and controls. Manufacturers of chemical products are required by law to provide MSDSs to those purchasing their products, and you have the right to gain access to these MSDSs. Ask your supervisor where to find copies of MSDSs for chemicals that you use. MSDSs are also available through the EH&S Chemical Safety Web Site address of http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/html/msds.htm. For further information, contact your EH&S Division Liaison.
4. Training
   The EH&S Division offers Chemical Hygiene and Safety Training for staff who work with chemicals. A list of EH&S training courses, including Chemical Hygiene and Safety Training, is available on the Web at http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/html/training.htm. You must be given hazard-specific training that covers the identification, health effects, control, and emergency procedures associated with hazardous materials. Your supervisor must ensure that this training is given to all employees who work with hazardous substances and must ensure that the information is updated whenever a new hazard is introduced into the work area.