Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams
each.
Information on determining whether or not a chemical meets one of these definitions can be
found in MSDSs and other chemical references.
As with any particularly hazardous substance, work involving the use of acute toxins should
adhere to the Guidelines for Working with Particularly Hazardous Substances. In addition to
following the Guidelines for Working with Particularly Hazardous Substances, additional
guidelines for working with acute toxins include:
• Consider storing highly toxic materials in a locked storage cabinet.
• Be aware of any special antidotes that may be required in case of accidental exposure.
• Give particular attention to the selection of gloves and other personal protective
equipment.
• Do not work with highly toxic chemicals outside of a fume hood, glove box or ventilated
enclosure.
More information on acute toxins, including numerous useful web links, can be found on the
OSHA Safety and Health Topics for Hazardous and Toxic Substances webpage.
IX. ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Engineering controls are considered the first line of defense in the laboratory for the reduction or
elimination of the potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. Examples of engineering controls
used in laboratories at QCC may include dilution ventilation, local exhaust ventilation, chemical
fume hoods, glove boxes, safety shields, and proper storage facilities.
The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that "fume hoods and other protective equipment
function properly and that specific measures are taken to ensure proper and adequate
performance of such equipment." General laboratory room ventilation is not adequate to provide
proper protection against bench top use of hazardous chemicals. Laboratory personnel need to
consider available engineering controls to protect themselves against chemical exposures before
beginning any new experiment(s) involving the use of hazardous chemicals.
The proper functioning and maintenance of fume hoods and other protective equipment used in
the laboratory is the responsibility of a variety of service groups. Facilities Management, the
EHSO, and other groups service equipment such as fire extinguishers, emergency eyewash and
showers, and mechanical ventilation. Periodic inspections and maintenance by these groups
ensures the proper functioning and adequate performance of these important pieces of protective
equipment. However, it is the responsibility of laboratory personnel to IMMEDIATELY report
malfunctioning protective equipment, such as fume hoods or other mechanical problems, to
Facilities Management as soon as any malfunctions are discovered. For more information, see
Ticket Requests.
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