(Appendix A of this section is non-mandatory but provides guidance to assist employers in the development of the Chemical Hygiene Plan).
Where hazardous chemicals as defined by this standard are used in the workplace, the employer shall develop and carry out the provisions of a written Chemical Hygiene Plan which is:
Capable of protecting employees from health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals in that laboratory and
Capable of keeping exposures below the limits specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan shall be readily available to employees, employee representatives and, upon request, to the Assistant Secretary.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan shall include each of the following elements and shall indicate specific measures that the employer will take to ensure laboratory employee protection;
Standard operating procedures relevant to safety and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals;
A requirement that fume hoods and other protective equipment are functioning properly and specific measures that shall be taken to ensure proper and adequate performance of such equipment;
Provisions for employee information and training as prescribed in paragraph (f) of this section;
The circumstances under which a particular laboratory operation, procedure or activity shall require prior approval from the employer or the employer's designee before implementation;
Provisions for medical consultation and medical examinations in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section;
Designation of personnel responsible for implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan including the assignment of a Chemical Hygiene Officer, and, if appropriate, establishment of a Chemical Hygiene Committee; and
Provisions for additional employee protection for work with particularly hazardous substances. These include "select carcinogens," reproductive toxins and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity. Specific consideration shall be given to the following provisions which shall be included where appropriate:
Use of containment devices such as fume hoods or glove boxes;
Procedures for safe removal of contaminated waste; and
Criteria that the employer will use to determine and implement control measures to reduce employee exposure to hazardous chemicals including engineering controls, the use of personal protective equipment and hygiene practices; particular attention shall be given to the selection of control measures for chemicals that are known to be extremely hazardous;
The employer shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of the Chemical Hygiene Plan at least annually and update it as necessary.