Chapter One - Cornell Safety Policies

Safety Standards

Because of the wide variety of experiments performed in CHESS and the high turnover of CHESS experimenters, safety is especially important in CHESS facilities. The diversity of potentially hazardous biological, chemical, and radiological substances used in experiments calls for serious and consistent attention to safety policies. CHESS will investigate any safety or health concerns raised by personnel and Users.

All personnel, Users, and visitors (including outside-contract workers) will be required to adhere to CHESS Safety Policy and Procedures.

CHESS will conduct its work in a manner that will ensure the health and safety of its personnel and Users, preservation of the environment, and compliance with university, municipal, state, and federal regulations including the Hazard Communication Standard (ILHR 32.364/OSHA 1910.1200) and the Chemical Hygiene Plan of the Lab Safety Standard (ILHR 32.365/OSHA 1910.1450).

Hazard Communication Standard

The Hazard Communication Standard (ILHR 32.364/OSHA1910.1200) requires the hazard of all chemicals at the worksite be evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards be given to personnel.  This information is to provided by means of a comprehensive hazard communication program, which is to include container labeling and other forms of warning, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and personnel safety training.

Laboratory Safety Standard

The Lab Safety Standard (ILHR 32.365/OSHA 1910.1450) regulates personnel engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals. To comply with the standard, a Chemical Hygiene Plan, personnel safety training, hazard identification, record keeping, and medical surveillance are conducted to ensure permissible exposure limits (PEL) are not exceeded for hazardous laboratory chemicals.

The OSHA Hazard Communication standard ensures that all employees are aware of the potential chemical hazards they may encounter in their workplace.

The Hazard Communication Standard involves anyone who may come into contact with hazardous chemicals. It is important that you are familiar with the standard, aware of your rights, and understand how it protects you. Here are some basic components covered by the standard:

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – these informative documents describe the various hazards of a chemical and proper handling information. They must be readily available to employees for all chemicals found in the work place.

• Signs and labels – all chemical containers must be labeled as to their contents.

• Training - all new employees should receive training in the basic requirements of the hazard communication standard. Instruction includes reading and comprehending an MSDS, proper labeling, safe handling and the use of personal protective equipment, and the proper storage of chemicals.

(from EH&S online site at Cornell.)

Last Update: 2006-09-21