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The purpose of the Laboratory standard is to ensure that workers in non-production laboratories are informed about the hazards of chemicals in their workplace and are protected from chemical exposures exceeding allowable levels [i.e., OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs)] as specified in Table Z of the Air Contaminants standard (29 CFR 1910.1000) and as specified in other substance-specific health standards. The Laboratory standard achieves this protection by establishing safe work practices in laboratories to implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).
The Laboratory standard applies to all individuals engaged in laboratory use of hazardous chemicals. Work with hazardous chemicals outside of laboratories is covered by the Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Laboratory uses of chemicals which provide no potential for exposure (e.g., chemically impregnated test media or prepared kits for pregnancy testing) are not covered by the Laboratory standard.
Note: There are many other regulations that laboratory employers may need to comply with, including state and local. Additional OSHA regulations can also apply, such as:
Laboratory employers must: