The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories," (commonly known as the OSHA Laboratory Standard) goal is to ensure that laboratory workers are informed about the hazards of chemicals in their workplace and are protected from chemical exposures exceeding allowable levels (e.g., OSHA permissible exposure limits).
Every individual who works with chemicals in science and engineering laboratories is obligated to comply with the standard. Work with chemicals outside of laboratories is covered by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
The chemical safety section of the EH&S website provides information regarding use of carcinogens and controlled substances in the laboratory, as well as development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance of safety data sheets (SDSs). In addition, chemical inventory maintenance using the chemical inventory system (CIS) tool, and safe handling and storage of hazardous chemicals are covered. Please use the links to the left to navigate through this section.
If you have any additional questions regarding chemical safety, please feel free to contact ehs@ucmerced.edu
