Juniata strives to provide a learning, teaching, and research environment free from recognized hazards. Pursuant to Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations (29 CFR 1910.1450), commonly known as the Laboratory Standard, the College establishes this Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to protect employees and students from potential health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals in laboratories.

A.  Scope

The safe storage, use and disposal of chemicals in the laboratory require policies for the protection of students, employees, and the environment. Juniata’s Chemical Hygiene Plan applies to all laboratories of the College. All Juniata employees and students engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals are required to comply with this document. The CHP is available to all laboratory workers at all times.

The purpose of the Chemical Hygiene Plan is to provide the chemical user with basic safety information regarding the use of chemicals. Where the scope of hazards is not adequately addressed by this document, the laboratory supervisor must develop specific Standard Operating Procedures.

Biological Safety

The safe use of biological organisms requires control measures similar to those found in chemical safety. However, biological agents may have the added dimension of self-replication. See the Juniata College Biosafety Protocol for proper work practices involving biological agents.

Radiation Safety

The safe use of radioactive materials requires control measures similar to those found in chemical safety. However, the use of radioactive materials has additional requirements. See the Juniata College Radiation Safety Manual for safe work practices involving radioactive materials.

B. Responsibilities

  1. The President of Juniata College has the ultimate responsibility for chemical safety within the institution. General oversight responsibility is assigned to the Provost of the College.
  2. The Chemical Hygiene Officer is appointed by Juniata’s President and:
    • Works with administrators and other employees to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices.
    • Monitors procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals.
    • Helps laboratory supervisors develop precautions and adequate facilities.
    • Annually reviews the Chemical Hygiene Plan and updates it as necessary.
    • Maintains current knowledge concerning the legal requirements regarding safety in the laboratory.
    • Monitors the program for the collection, storage and disposal of chemical wastes.
    • Presents Juniata Laboratory Safety Training sessions.
  3. Department Chairpersons are responsible for establishing and maintaining compliance with the CHP.
  4. Laboratory Supervisors are the faculty or staff members under whose instruction chemicals are used and/or stored in the laboratory. The supervisor has the overall responsibility for compliance with the CHP in his or her laboratory and ensures that:
    • Laboratory workers and others entering the laboratory know and follow chemical hygiene rules.
    • Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and is in working order.
    • Appropriate training has been provided to all occupants of the laboratory.
    • Unsafe acts, conditions or inadequate facilities are reported to the Chemical Hygiene Officer or the Department Chairperson.
  5. Individual Laboratory Workers are responsible for:
    • Planning and conducting each operation in accordance with the procedures outlined in this CHP.
    • Developing good laboratory hygiene habits.
    • Reporting unsafe acts or conditions to their supervisor or the Chemical Hygiene Officer.