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Was hoping to get some input from the groups regarding Lab Std vs Hazcom.    I am sure many of us have faced this question.   I know the basic guidance listed below but wondered if anyone had found or developed more specific examples….etc.   For example, “easily and safely manipulated by one person” and “relatively small quantities” do not necessarily align.   Has anyone found or used any specific volume or weight cut offs?    For example, a “laboratory” that uses 5, 10, or more gallon containers that can be manipulated by one person seems to be pushing the definition of relatively small quantities….. but I have never found any more clear guidance then below.

I appreciate any help, guidance, resources,…..  Thank you!!

• A laboratory is defined as a workplace where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a non-production basis.
• “Laboratory scale” is defined by OSHA as: “Work with substances in which the containers used for reactions, transfers, and other handling of substances are designed to be easily and safely manipulated by one person. Laboratory scale excludes those workplaces whose function is to produce commercial quantities of materials.”

Laboratory use of hazardous chemicals means handling or use of such chemicals in which all of the following conditions are met:

• Chemical manipulations are carried out on a laboratory scale. Multiple chemical procedures or chemicals are used.
• The procedures involved are not part of a production process, nor in any way simulate a production process.

Protective laboratory practices and equipment are available and in common use to minimize the potential for employee exposure to hazardous chemicals

 

 

Bill Galdenzi Director of Environmental Health Safety and Security  Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877 P: +1 203 778 7759 C: +1 203 731 0829 bill.galdenzi**At_Symbol_Here**boehringer-ingelheim.com Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn