Laboratory Safety

Academic Laboratory Safety

Protection from the chemical hazards encountered in Academic Laboratories activities are governed by the OSHA Lab Standard codified in 29 CFR 1910.1450. In the New York State Public Sector, this regulation is enforce by PESH (Public Employee Safety and Health Administration). This regulation allows the institution to write their own requirement for chemical use and safety - within bounds of course - providing the flexibility necessary for activities in these areas.

Physical hazards that may be encountered in Laboratories activities remain subject to the specific OSHA regulations for protection from those hazards such as ladders (29 CFR 1910.25), electrical safety (29 CFR 1910.33) and Hearing Protection (29 CFR 1910.95) to name a few.

Certain chemicals, some of which are mutagens, carcinogens or teratogens are capable of interfering with the development of an embryo and fetus that may lead to birth defects or developmental malformations.  If there is a chance you could be pregnant, you are advised to talk with your instructor.  Please see Student Pregnancy Advisory Form.

The College Laboratory Safety Committee has developed a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) with assistance and input from all scientific disciplines at SUNY Geneseo.   The requirements for chemical use and hazard protection at the State University of New York at Geneseo are contained in the CHP. 

Geneseo's Chemical Hygiene Plan table of contents is anchored within the document, clicking on a line in the table of contents will forward the reader to the appropriate page in the CHP.

Chemical Hygiene Plan

All of the departments above provide safety training based on the academic curriculum. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has devoted several webpages for training of safety in academic teaching labs and hazardous waste management.   

Supporting Information