ELEMENTS IN THE

CHEMICAL LABORATORY
SAFETY MANUAL
JOCELYN S. SORRILLA, RCh
[email protected]
May 20, 2021
 LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
Objective: A Safe & Healthy Laboratory
LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
Potential hazards
 LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• Hazards identified & evaluated • Hazard controls
 LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• Information applicable to

• all laboratories 
handling potentially
hazardous materials
• all personnel in the
laboratory
LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
“Occupational Exposure
to Hazardous Chemicals
in Laboratories”

OSHA Regulation (29 CFR 1910.1450)

 LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
CHEMICAL
HYGIENE PLAN
LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
 LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• COLLECTION OF RESOURCES for individuals working in laboratories
(safe work procedures, chemical safety information,
laboratory equipment safety information, links to other resources)
LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• UNIVERSAL SAFETY
MEASURES
• SAFE & HEALTHY WORKING
ENVIRONMENT
• GLP
• Control measures for potential
hazards: biological, chemical, fire
& explosion, electrical, equipment
or mechanical & physical hazards
 LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• Access for all staff:
– MANUAL
– SUPPLEMENTARY LAB
SPECIFIC INFO
• Secure SIGNATURE
signifying access and
understanding of info read
 LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• Not comprehensive but supplement
specific procedures for unique lab
hazards
• Laboratories are diverse
• A general manual does not include
specific information about all
potential laboratory hazards.
LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• THAT is the reason for the
requirement of YOUR own
Laboratory Safety Manual
• Best judge in identifying hazards
in the laboratory - YOU
• Employees expectations
– Follow applicable practices & procedures
– Complete trainings
– Report hazardous & unsafe conditions
 THE NEED FOR A LAB SAFETY MANUAL
Republic Act No. 10657 Article III
Chemistry Law of the Philippines Licensure Examination & Registration
• Section 35 • Requirement (among others):

• Section 36
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (CHP)
Purpose: Provide guidelines for prudent
practices and procedures for the use of
chemicals in the laboratory.
“The Laboratory Standard requires that the CHP
set forth procedures, equipment, PPE and work
practices capable of protecting workers from the
health hazards presented by chemicals used in
the laboratory.”
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
CONDITIONS FOR LAB USE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

• Multiple chemical procedures or

• Chemical manipulations are carried chemicals are used.
out on a "laboratory scale." • Procedures not part of
production process nor
simulation.
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
CONDITIONS FOR LAB USE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

• “Protective laboratory
practices and equipment"
are available and in common
use to minimize the potential
for employee exposure to
hazardous chemicals.
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
SOPs
“are prudent laboratory practices
which must be followed when
working with chemicals in a
laboratory. These include general
and laboratory-specific
procedures for work with
hazardous chemicals.”
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• Organized for easy & efficient use & for
SOPs specific organization
• No one “correct” format; vary with
organization & type of SOP
• Break info into logical steps; avoid long list.
• Level of detail in the SOP differ
Ø criticality of the process
Ø frequency of usage of procedure
Ø number of people using the SOP
Ø availability of training
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures

“Criteria used by the employer to

determine and implement control
measures to reduce worker exposure to
hazardous chemicals include
engineering controls, the use of PPE
and hygiene practices.”
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures
• There are 3 major routes of entry
for a chemical to enter the body:
– Inhalation
– Absorption
– Ingestion
• Each route of entry a chemical can
take to enter the body can be
controlled in a number of ways.
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures
• 3 types of controls for
prevention of these various
routes of entry include:
– Engineering controls
– Administrative or work
practice controls
– PPE
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures
ENGINEERING CONTROL
• Make changes to the work environment to reduce
work-related hazards.
• Controls preferred over all others because they
make permanent changes that reduce exposure to
hazards and do not rely on worker behavior.
• By reducing a hazard in the workplace, engineering
controls can be the most cost-effective solutions
for employers to implement.
• Examples include: Chemical Fume Hoods; and
Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs)
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
Those that modify workers’ work
schedules and tasks in ways that
minimize their exposure to
workplace hazards.
Examples include:
• Developing a Laboratory Safety
Manual
• Developing Standard Operating
Procedures for chemical handling.
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures
WORK PRACTICES
• Procedures for safe & proper work
used to reduce the duration,
frequency or intensity of hazard
exposure.
• An employer could ask workers
for their suggestions, since they
have firsthand experience with
the tasks as actually performed.
• These controls need to be
understood and followed by
managers, supervisors and
workers.
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures

Work practices
Examples include:
• No mouth pipetting; and
• Chemical substitution where feasible
(e.g., selecting a less hazardous
chemical for a specific procedure).
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE) is a
protective gear needed to keep
workers safe while performing
their jobs.
Examples of PPE include
• respirators (for example, N95)
• face shields
• goggles and
• disposable gloves.
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
Element 2: Criteria for Exposure Control Measures
It is important that PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) be:
• Selected based upon the hazard to the worker;
• Properly fitted and in some cases periodically refitted (e.g., respirators);
• Conscientiously and properly worn;
• Regularly maintained and replaced in accord with the manufacturer’s
specifications;
• Properly removed and disposed of to avoid contamination of self, others
or the environment; and
• If reusable, properly removed, cleaned, disinfected and stored.
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 3: ADEQUACY & PROPER FUNCTIONING OF FUME HOODS & OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• “Specific measures must be

taken to ensure proper and
adequate performance of
protective equipment, such
as fume hoods.”
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
Element 3: ADEQUACY & PROPER FUNCTIONING OF FUME HOODS & OTHER
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• For worker protection
• Most useful piece of safety
equipment in the lab.
• Provides protection from toxic
gases and vapors
• Protection from unanticipated
fires and explosions
• The FUME HOOD could save one
from serious injury or death.
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 3: ADEQUACY & PROPER FUNCTIONING OF FUME HOODS & OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Emergency eyewash and

showers
• Regular inspection
• EHS coordinate the inspection
• Maintenance repairs
• Ensure a timely and accurate
repair process.
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 3: ADEQUACY & PROPER FUNCTIONING OF FUME HOODS & OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, and
other groups provide and service
equipment
• Fire extinguishers, spill response
equipment & mechanical ventilation
• Periodic inspections and maintenance
• Ensure proper functioning and
adequate performance of the
equipment.
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 4: Information and Training

“The employer must provide

information and training required to
ensure that workers are apprised of the
hazards of chemicals in their work areas
and related information.”
• The training must be provided at the
time of initial assignment to a
laboratory and prior to assignments
involving new exposure situations.
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
Element 4: Information and Training
The employer must workers about the following:
• Content, location & availability of Lab Safety Manual
• Permissible exposure limits (PELs) for regulated
substances, or recommended exposure levels for other
hazardous chemicals
• Signs and symptoms associated with exposure to
hazardous chemicals in the laboratory; and
• The location and availability of reference materials on the
hazards, safe handling, storage and disposal of
hazardous chemicals in the laboratory, including, but not
limited to, SDSs.
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 4: Information and Training
TRAINING must include the following:
• Methods and observations used to
detect the presence or release of a
hazardous chemical. These may include
employer monitoring, continuous
monitoring devices, and familiarity
with the appearance and odor of the
chemicals;
• The physical and health hazards of
chemicals in the laboratory work area;
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 4: Information and Training
TRAINING
• The measures that workers can take
to protect themselves from these
hazards, including protective
equipment, appropriate work
practices, and emergency
procedures;
• Applicable details of the employer’s
written Laboratory Safety Manual;
• Retraining, if necessary.
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
Element 5:
REQUIREMENT OF PRIOR TO
APPROVAL OF LAB PROCEDURE:
“The circumstances under which
certain laboratory procedures or
activities require approval from the
employer or employer’s designee
before work is initiated.”
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 5: REQUIREMENT OF PRIOR TO APPROVAL OF LAB PROCEDURE
• Hazardous substances for prior
approval
– Highly toxic by oral, dermal or inhalation
routes of exposure
– Carcinogen
• Hazardous procedures require prior
or external approval.
– Radioactive or biohazardous materials
– Recombinant DNA
– Animals
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 5: REQUIREMENT OF PRIOR TO APPROVAL OF LAB PROCEDURE

• Hazardous Waste
– Mixed hazards (chemical,
radioactive, biological)
– Leftover, unused acutely
hazardous waste
• Working Alone
• Unattended operations
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 6: Medical consultation and examination
The Laboratory Standard states that: 
“The employer shall provide all
employees who work with hazardous
chemicals an opportunity
• to receive medical attention,
• including any follow-up
examinations which the examining
physician determines to be
necessary, under the following
circumstances:
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 6: Medical consultation and examination

• When an employee develops

signs or symptoms
associated with a hazardous
chemical to which that
employee may have been
exposed
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 6: Medical consultation and examination

• Where exposure
monitoring reveals an
exposure level routinely
above the action level or
PEL (Permissible Exposure
Limit) for a regulated
substance
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 6: Medical consultation and examination

• Whenever an event
takes place in the
work area such as a
spill, leak, or
explosion resulting
in the likelihood of a
hazardous exposure”
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
Element 7:
DESIGNATION OF ROLES &
RESPONSIBILITIES:

“Identification of the Laboratory

Safety Officer and outline of his or
her role and responsibilities; and,
where appropriate, establishment
of Laboratory Safety Committee.”
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element 7. Designation of Responsible Personnel
• Responsibilities of the head,
laboratory supervisor

• Responsibilities of the
individual laboratory worker
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
Element 8: PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES:
“Outlines additional worker
protections for work with particularly
hazardous substances. These include
select carcinogens, reproductive
toxins, and substances which have a
high degree of acute toxicity.”
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element : Particularly hazardous substances
• Provisions to be
included:
– Designated area
– Containment devices e.g.
fume hoods or glove boxes
– Safe removal of
contaminated waste
– Decontamination
procedures
ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
Element : Particularly hazardous substances
• For consideration:
– Minimal inventory
– Minimum working concentration
– Ventilation especially for
compressed gas cylinders of acutely
toxic chemicals e.g. arsine, chlorine,
nitrogen dioxide
– Detection equipment especially for
poisonous gases with a high degree
of toxicity
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
• Inventory chemicals and decide
which fall into this category—for
example, carcinogens and
extremely reactive materials.

• The employer must review and

evaluate the effectiveness of the
Manual at least annually and
must update as necessary.
 ELEMENTS IN THE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL:
• As stated in the beginning, • Starting point of lab safety
the Chemical Hygiene Plan information
is generic
• Add specific safety
information for laboratory
operations and experiments
not covered by this plan.
• The LABORATORY SAFETY
MANUAL serves as your
Chemical Hygiene Plan.
 LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
No. Title
1 Objectives & Safety Policy
2 Laboratory Safety Designations with Compliance Regulations
3 Standard Operating Procedures
4 Information and Training
5 Exposure Control Measures
6 Fume Hoods and Other Protective Equipment
7 Procedures Requiring Prior Approval
8 Medical Consultation and Examination
9 Particularly Hazardous Substances
OBJECTIVES OF A MANUAL
• Identify type of change you want
• Select an action verb
• Promote safe workplace and work
conditions
• Prevent injuries
• Provide training to understand
hazards
SAFETY POLICY
• Identify need &
responsibility
• Consult with appropriate
stakeholders
• Show commitment from
management
• Simple
• Review and assess
regularly
Laboratory Safety Designations
• Identify the Lab Safety
Officer
• Outline role and
responsibilities
• Establish Lab Safety
Committee
• Organizational structure
• Evaluate functions in relation
to complying with safety
policy
 LOCAL & NATIONAL COMPLIANCE REGULATIONS
Some interested parties:
May be in tabular form
presentation, to include:
• Interested party
• Regulation
• Responsibility
• Compliance
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Experimental Planning &

Hazard Management
Off-Hours Work
Practices
INFORMATION AND TRAINING
EXPOSURE CONTROL MEASURES
Engineering Controls
 CONTROL MEASURES TO REDUCE EXPOSURE
Administrative Controls PPE
OTHER LAB EQUIPMENT:
• Electrical Equipment
• Glassware
• Heat Sources
– Heating Mantles
– Oil, Sand and Salt Baths
– Ovens and Furnaces
• Vacuum Pumps and Systems
LAB OPERATIONS REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL
• Lab Close-Out /
Deactivation
MEDICAL CONSULTATION & EXAMINATION
 SPECIFIC PROVISIONS
Guidelines Chemical Wastes
 ELEMENTS IN THE CHEMICAL
LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
KIND ATTENTION
QUESTIONS?
 REFERENCES
• Laboratory Safety Manual - Environmental Health & Safety <https://ehs.ucsc.edu/lab-safety-
manual/index.html#:~:text=The%20LSM%20serves%20as%20a,who%20work%20in%20these%20facilities.
• Laboratory Safety Manual - Environment, Health & Safety <https://ehs.unc.edu/manuals/laboratory/>
• Laboratory Safety Manual/ Office of Environmental Health & Safety <https://ehs.princeton.edu/laboratory-research/laboratory-
safety/laboratory-safety-manual>
• Laboratory Safety Manual/ EHS <https://www.ehs.washington.edu/resource/laboratory-safety-manual-510>
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laboratory-safety-manual.pdf>
• Laboratory Safety Manual - Duke Safety - Duke University
<https://www.safety.duke.edu/sites/default/files/CompleteLabSafetyManual.pdf>
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useprocedures-and-policies>
• Laboratory Safety Manual - Mount Sinai Hospital <https://eportal.mountsinai.ca/Microbiology//manual/ls/index.shtml>
• Guidelines for Writing Your Chemical Hygiene Plan <https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2019/07/15/Guidelines-for-Writing-Your-Chemical-
Hygiene-Plan.aspx>
• Chemical Hygiene Plan/ Environmental Health & Safety <https://www.wpi.edu/offices/environmental-health-safety/laboratory/hygiene>
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