Washington State University
Environmental Health & Safety Scope and Application

Scope and Application

This Chemical Hygiene Plan is intended to safely limit laboratory workers’ exposure to hazardous chemicals regulated by the Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Laboratory workers must not be exposed to hazardous chemicals in excess of the permissible exposure limits listed in WAC 296-841, Airborne Contaminants.

This standard applies where “laboratory use” of hazardous chemicals occurs. Laboratory use of hazardous chemicals refers to two factors: 1) when the handling or use of chemicals occurs on a “laboratory scale,” that is, the work involves containers which can easily and safely be handled by one person for reactions, transfers and other handling and 2) when multiple chemicals or multiple procedures are used.

Applying the “laboratory use” criteria, all teaching, research and clinical laboratories at Washington State University are considered to be subject to the Laboratory Safety Standard. Certain non-traditional chemical use areas may be included under this standard at the option of individual departments within the University. Also, it is the policy of the University that students in laboratories, while not legally covered under this standard, are afforded the same level of protection as University employees. (Students are not covered by Workers’ Compensation in the event of an injury.)

This standard does not apply to laboratories capable of producing commercial quantities of materials, part of or simulating a production process or quality control process, or a simulation of a process.