Ventilation Requirements for Laboratory-Type Hood Operations
California Code of Regulations, Title 8 (8 CCR) Section 5154.1
Laboratory fume hoods used to control exposure to hazardous substances must provide adequate inward airflow; remain operating during and after use as needed to clear airborne hazards; be equipped with airflow monitoring or alarms; be tested and maintained regularly; be marked or posted when airflow is deficient; and be designed and exhausted to prevent employee exposure, fire or explosion hazards, and recirculation of hazardous emissions.
Ventilation Requirements for Biological Safety Cabinets
Biological safety cabinets used to control exposure to biohazardous materials or hazardous substances must be operated according to the appropriate biosafety level and manufacturer instructions, provide required inward airflow and containment, be decontaminated before service, be tested and maintained at least annually with records retained, and include appropriate warnings or alarms when required.
Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment
Work areas where employees may be exposed to corrosive, severely irritating, tissue-damaging, or skin-absorbed toxic substances must have accessible ANSI-compliant emergency eyewash, eye/facewash, and shower equipment within 10 seconds of travel; kept unobstructed; capable of hands-free operation; maintained according to required schedules; and not replaced by sinks, hoses, or standard showers.
Spill and Overflow Control
Work areas where corrosive substances, hot liquids, or oxidizers are handled must have procedures and controls for promptly neutralizing; containing; draining; flushing; removing; and safely disposing of spills, overflows, leaks, and contaminated combustible materials to prevent injury, fire, or chemical reaction hazards.
Storage of Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substances must be evaluated for chemical compatibility before storage; stored in appropriate chemically resistant containers; protected from physical damage, deterioration, heat, and leakage; and separated from incompatible materials or exposure-prone locations to prevent accidental reactions, toxic vapor release, fire, explosion, or employee exposure.
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (Chemical Hygiene Plan)
The laboratory use of hazardous chemicals requires employers to implement a written Chemical Hygiene Plan; designate a qualified Chemical Hygiene Officer; provide employee information and training; maintain accessible labels and Safety Data Sheets; control exposures through appropriate procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), monitoring, and medical consultation; and review the plan at least annually to ensure continued protection from chemical health hazards.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Employers with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials must implement a written Exposure Control Plan using universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, PPE, sharps safety procedures, regulated waste handling, cleaning and decontamination practices, employee training, required records, and hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation procedures to minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Hazard Communication; Standardized Safety Data Sheets
California’s Hazard Communication Standard requires chemical manufacturers and importers to classify chemical hazards and requires employers to maintain a written hazard communication program that provides employees with accessible labels, Safety Data Sheets, chemical hazard information, and training on safe handling, exposure prevention, emergency procedures, and employee rights related to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
Medical Services and First Aid
Employers must ensure prompt access to medical advice, trained first-aid personnel when medical facilities are not nearby, stocked and inspected first-aid materials, emergency communication and transport procedures, and suitable eyewash or drenching facilities wherever corrosive materials may contact the eyes or body.