Introduction and Purpose

The University of North Texas (UNT) is dedicated to providing a safe working environment for students and employees and complying with federal and state occupational health and safety standards. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals, must comply with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR§1910.1450, “Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories."

The risks associated with laboratory research are greatly reduced or eliminated when proper precautions and practices are observed in the laboratory. The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) was developed to manage and mitigate these risks and to be the basis of UNT's laboratory safety program. The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) shall be reviewed and evaluated at least annually for its effectiveness and updated as necessary. Ongoing dialogue and feedback are encouraged. This CHP is available to all.

All personnel, including principal investigators and laboratory supervisors, employees, and students, have a duty to fulfill their obligations with respect to maintaining a safe work environment. Safety is everyone's responsibility and should be everyone's priority.

The purpose of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is to provide guidance and protocols for the protection of laboratory workers at University of North Texas from health hazards potentially associated with chemicals used in the laboratory. The CHP describes policies, procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the health hazards presented by many hazardous chemicals used in laboratories. The contents of the CHP are general in nature and specific problems should be referred to the principal investigator or laboratory supervisor, Chemical Hygiene Officer, or appropriate personnel. 

Chemical Hygene Plan - Table of Contents