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Chemical Safety

Working Safely With Hazardous Chemicals

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL/ATSDR
OFFICE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY
JUNE, 1991

FOREWORD

The Centers for Disease Controls WORKING SAFELY WITH HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS manual was developed by the Office of Health and Safety to disseminate information to you about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication and Occupational Exposures To Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standards. It contains information about the Hazard Communication Program, the Chemical Hygiene Plan, and specific guidelines on the responsibilities for implementing these Programs.

We all share in the responsibility for the health and safety of our employees. Use this manual as a guide in working safely with hazardous chemicals in your workplace at CDC.

William L. Roper, M.D., M.P.H.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated two standards relating to the safe use of chemicals in the workplace. These standards are entitled HAZARD COMMUNICATION (29 CFR Part 1910.1200) and OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES TO HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN LABORATORIES (29 CFR Part 1910.1450). The Hazard Communication Standard is designed to ensure that employees are apprised of the hazards associated with chemicals in their workplace so that they may make informed judgments regarding the necessary precautions to protect themselves. The Laboratory Standard, on the other hand, requires that employers develop a comprehensive plan (a Chemical Hygiene Plan) to implement those practices that safety and health experts have accepted as effective in minimizing laboratory employee exposures to hazardous chemicals. With regard to safety and health considerations when working around hazardous chemicals, CDC employees who work in the laboratory shall abide by the Laboratory Standard; all other employees shall abide by the Hazard Communication Standard.

These standards have been extended to Federal agencies procuring and using hazardous chemicals through Executive Order No. 12196 and 29 CFR Part 1960 (BASIC PROGRAM ELEMENTS FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS). The Department of Health and Human Services has directed CDC to implement all aspects of the Hazard Communication Standard and the Laboratory Standard.

It is the policy of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) to provide a safe and healthful workplace for its employees. The Director of CDC is responsible for the health and safety of all employees. He has established health and safety policies and has delegated to line management the responsibility for implementing these programs. Line management and supervisors are responsible for the development and implementation of written procedures for handling hazardous materials to protect their employees. Employees are responsible for performing work in a safe and healthful manner, observing all health and safety standards, rules and procedures applicable to their work and reporting the existence of health and safety hazards to their supervisor. Members of the Office of Health and Safety, Occupational Health Clinic, CDC facility physician, or the local safety authority at CDC/ATSDR field stations are available to provide assistance and information on matters relating to employee health and safety.

Since our goal is to provide a safe and healthful workplace for all employees within the CDC/ATSDR community, we invite your comments and assistance in making this goal a reality.

Jonathan Y. Richmond, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Health and Safety

Chemical Safety Manual Contents

Health and Safety Manual Contents

Office of Health and Safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
1600 Clifton Road N.E., Mail Stop F05 Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA
Last Modified: 1/2/97
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