Chemical Hygiene Plan

A laboratory specific Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is required by Washington State Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) WAC 296-828, AKA the ‘Laboratory Standard’. WSU’s Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM) is a comprehensive online resource and training tool to help you complete and implement your CHP.

In order to comply with the Laboratory Standard, the Lab Safety Manual is not enough. Additional laboratory-specific information must be documented by the Principal Investigator, Faculty, or Laboratory Supervisor that addresses safety and responsibilities for hazardous chemicals and processes conducted in each individual laboratory. Once complete, a CHP is unique to the laboratory for which it was created and cannot be shared.

EH&S has several resources available to assist you with this process:

1. Chemical Hygiene Plan Guide Document (Fillable PDF): CHP Guide
2. Chemical Hygiene Plan Generic Example Document (PDF): CHP Guide Example
3. Floor Plan of Laboratory Layout Template (PowerPoint slide):  CHP Floor Plan Template

In order to complete your laboratory specific CHP, follow these steps:

1. Complete the CHP Guide document to provide laboratory specific information, including designating individuals responsible for specific activities. Attach Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reference other safety information such as your College or Department Accident Prevention Program (APP).
2. Store a physical (paper) copy of the lab-specific CHP in an easily identified location in the laboratory. Remember, the CHP must be “readily available” for employees and may be requested by select visitors.
3. Review and update the CHP at least annually.
4. Ensure there is easy access to the most current version of WSU’s LSM for everyone that works in or visits the laboratory. One way is to bookmark and familiarize yourself with the electronic version of the Laboratory Safety Manual on the EH&S website. It will help you to be able to identify potential hazards that may need to be addressed or information that will help your laboratory run safely and efficiently.
5. Employee training is required on your CHP and your laboratory specific procedures. This training must be documented, preferably within your CHP. An additional page has added to the guide to assist you in documenting employee training completion.

If you have any questions regarding the CHP, laboratory safety or your initial laboratory set up, see our Contact Page.