(8) Administrative Controls
Administrative controls are the policies that are conducive to a safe laboratory environment. This CHP is itself the master administrative control for the Chemistry Department. Specific controls include exposure monitoring and signage (this section), information dissemination (Section 9), labeling (Section 10), training (Section 11), and record keeping (Section 12).
8.1 - OSHA Requirement for Exposure Monitoring
For laboratory usage of OSHA regulated substances, the employer shall assure that employees' exposures to such substances do not exceed the permissible exposure limits specified in 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Z [29]. . . The employer shall measure the employees' exposure to any substance regulated by a standard which requires monitoring if there is reason to believe that exposure levels for that substance routinely exceed the action level (or in the absence of an action level, the PEL). . . If the initial monitoring discloses employee exposure over the action level . . . or PEL, the employer shall immediately comply with the exposure monitoring provisions of the relevant standard.
8.2 - Chemistry Department Implementation of the OSHA Requirement
The list of substances regulated in subpart Z is too extensive to be given here.
The PI will periodically review the list and will implement exposure monitoring
if so warranted.
8.3 - Signage
a. Building exits must be clearly marked.
b. Location of emergency equipment such as the phone, first aid kit, spill control supplies, safety shower, eyewash, and fire extinguisher should be clearly marked with wall signs. Moveable supplies should be returned to their original location, and consumables should be restocked.
c. For rooms that are not fully stocked with emergency equipment, it is a good idea to prominently post a map showing the location of the nearest such equipment. This signage is required for a shared phone.
d. Emergency numbers must be posted next to the phone in each laboratory, storeroom or stockroom, and storage area. Appendix II gives departmental, University, and local emergency numbers. Each PI should add his or her number to this list.
e. On the outside door of each room, there must be posted the name and 24-hour phone number of the person to contact in an emergency.
f. Special hazards which must be indicated by door signs are the following:i. Radioactive materials.
ii. High-field magnets.
iii. Lasers.
iv. Biohazards.
v. Unusual hazards such as large cylinders of ammonia.g. An unattended experiment should be labeled with a sign giving the nature of the experiment, the contact person, and warnings where appropriate.
h. A permanent sign will be attached to each refrigerator identifying whether or not it has been modified for safe storage of flammable materials.
8.4 - Lab-Specific Administrative Controls
Each PI will need additional policies for his or her own lab. For example, there
must be a policy about visitors. Lab regulations should be written down and
posted or kept for reference at a convenient location.
References:
[29] OSHA Regulations (Standards-29 CFR) Toxic and Hazardous Substances - 1910 Subpart Z <http://www.osha-slc.gov/OshStd_toc/OSHA_Std_toc_1910_SUBPART_Z.html> accessed October 00.