DCHAS-L Archives, Oct 31, 2023 - Re: [DCHAS-L] [NAOSMM] CHO training

The liability issue can be addressed in several ways ... in not particular order ...

1. Some states require employers to indemnify and hold harmless their employees in the event of a lawsuit. New York is one example.

2. When I worked at Curry College, they provided liability insurance for their employees.

3. Several organizations offer professional liability insurance for their employees. The ACS and NABT are two examples.

4. Some states have homestead acts. For very little, you can through your town clerk have your home declared a homestead. It can not be attached in a lawsuit.

5. Follow this procedure ... Do a gap analysis on where you currently are with your CHP program. What are the steps needed to be in full compliance with the regulation and then to remain in full compliance. Have a discussion with your supervisor about how many hours per week they wish to pay the CHO to work. Determine how many of the tasks in each phase can reasonably be accomplished. Prepare a written job description of those tasks you believe represent a fair expectation and for which the appropriate funding is available.

All the rest of the tasks are part of a business decision that the employer has made and for which they are liable.

Good luck ... Jim

PS. LSI now has virtual lab inspections, safety program evaluations, document reviews, plus courses and seminars ... all virtual. And, a complimentary, updated version of our classic Laboratory Safety Guidelines is now available on our website ... https://www.labsafety.org/product/lab-safety-rules

James A. Kaufman, PhD

Founder/President Emeritus

The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI)

A Non-profit Educational Organization

for Safety in Science, Industry, and Education

192 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760-2252

(O) 508-647-1900 (F) 508-647-0062 (C) 508-574-6264

Skype: labsafe; 508-401-7406 jkaufman**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org www.labsafety.org

Teach, Learn, and Practice Science Safely

On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 9:28 AM McDade, Anna <amcdade**At_Symbol_Here**clevelandstatecc.edu> wrote:

I had the same question as Kristin. No one on our campus wants the liability that comes with being a CHO, so we considered a committee in the interim until we can hire a Chem. Instructor that's willing to be our CHO. Is this ok? Or is it mandatory that all labs have a designated CHO?

On Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 8:30 AM Kristin Daws <k-daws**At_Symbol_Here**onu.edu> wrote:
As a follow-up question to Amy’s question about the qualifications of a CHO, can an orh operate using a Chemical Hygiene Committee rather than having a designated Chemical Hygiene Officer? Our campus just has a committee but I told our new Arts and Science Dean that OHSA requires a designated CHO. She asked me to look into the requirements for that position and send her a memo.

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 30, 2023, at 4:57 PM, James Kaufman <jkaufman**At_Symbol_Here**labsafetyinstitute.org> wrote:

Amy and everyone ...

There are no official guidelines.
LSI offers courses that address this issue based on 30 years of experience teaching about how to be a more effective Chemical Hygiene Officer.
https://www.labsafety.org/more-effective-chemical-hygiene-officer

There is also the certification program offered by the National Registry of Certified Chemists, www.nrcc6.org. It is not required.

Call or write to me if you would like more information.

Regards ... Jim

PS. LSI now has virtual lab inspections, safety program evaluations, document reviews, plus courses and seminars ... all virtual.  And, a complimentary, updated version of our classic Laboratory Safety Guidelines is now available on our website ... https://www.labsafety.org/product/lab-safety-rules

James A. Kaufman, PhD
Founder/President Emeritus

The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI)
A Non-profit Educational Organization
for Safety in Science, Industry, and Education
192 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760-2252
(O) 508-647-1900   (F) 508-647-0062   (C) 508-574-6264
Skype: labsafe; 508-401-7406 jkaufman**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org  www.labsafety.org

Teach, Learn, and Practice Science Safely

On Mon, Oct 30, 2023 at 4:44 PM Hopkins, Amy <Amy.Hopkins**At_Symbol_Here**ccd.edu> wrote:

Does anyone know if there are any official guidelines on what "training" a person needs to be a CHO for their institution?

The OSHA lab standard just says CHO's need to be trained, but I'm looking for federal or state guidelines that discuss the specific type of training. Or are there no specifics on this and it's just up to institutions as to what constitutes appropriate training for someone to be a CHO?

Amy Hopkins, M.S.
Biology Lab Manager

Community College of Denver

PO Box 173363, Campus Box 750

Denver, CO 80217
303-352-6917 (p)

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Mrs. Anna McDade
Teaching Laboratory Technician,
Cleveland State Community College
Office: 423-473-2336

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