Lab Safety Manual - UCLA - Environment, Health & Safety

Chapter 4: How to Reduce Exposures to
Hazardous Chemicals
Regulatory Requirements
Implementation of the necessary work practices, procedures, and policies outlined in this chapter is
required by the following:
Title 8, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 5191, “Occupational Exposures to
Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories” (http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5191.html)
Title 8, CCR, Section 5209, “Carcinogens” (http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5209.html)
Title 8, CCR, Section 5154.1, “Ventilation Requirements for Laboratory-Type Hood
Operations” (http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5154_1.html)
Other applicable regulations include those promulgated by the U.S. Department of Labor including 29
CFR 1910.1450 "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories" (the "Laboratory
Standard").
Introduction
Hazardous chemicals require a carefully considered, multi-tiered approach to ensure safety. There
are four primary routes of exposure for chemicals which have associated health hazards (illustrated
in Figure 4.1):
1. Inhalation;
2. Absorption (through the skin or eyes);
3. Ingestion; and
4. Injection (skin being punctured by a contaminated sharp
object or uptake through an existing open wound).
Of these, the most likely route of exposure in the laboratory is by
inhalation. Many hazardous chemicals may affect people through
more than one of these exposure modes, so it is critical that
protective measures are in place for each of these uptake
mechanisms.
Safety Controls
Safety controls are divided into three main classifications:
1. Engineering Controls;
2. Administrative Controls; and
3. Protective Apparel and Equipment.
Figure 4.1 – Routes of Exposure
Chemical Hygiene Plan 4-1 January 2013