I don't know if this applies to what you are trying to do or not.
We don't use the definition of a "wet lab" here at Cal Poly. Instead I refer to the Lab Standard 22 CFR 1910.1450 to define an area where our Chemical Hygiene Plan applies. I go on to discuss what the OSHA definition of a
hazardous chemical is under the definitions section of 1910.1450. In my mind, this is so clearly defined that we need no other definitions, designations, etc.
191.1450 Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories
(a) Scope and application.
- This section shall apply to all employers engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals as defined below.
(b) Definitions-
"Hazardous chemical" means a chemical for which there is
statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted
in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or
chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term "health
hazard" includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic
agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers,
hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the
hematopoietic systems, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or
mucous membranes. Appendices A and B of the Hazard Communication
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) provide further guidance in defining the
scope of health hazards and determining whether or not a chemical is to
be considered hazardous for purposes of this standard.
Vivian Longacre
Instructional Support Technician
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Cal Poly State University
San Luis Obispo, CA
805.756.2483
From: "Ralph B. Stuart" <rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**CORNELL.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2013 4:44:01 AM
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Definition of a "wet lab"
I'm working with the Cornell Undergraduate Research Board to develop lab safety training for undergrads working in research labs here. A question that arose in this context is:
One other issue I noticed is that some students don't seem to know what a "wet lab" is. This may not be as much of a problem for our targeted group of experienced researchers, but just in case, do you have any suggestions on the best way to describe that to students?
I wonder if anyone in DCHAS land has developed a short answer to that question. "Wet lab" doesn't mean much to me as a lab safety professional, but I know that it's an important concept in the lab planning and design world. Is a sink enough to define a "wet lab"? Is a hood necessary?
Thanks for any help with this.
- Ralph
Ralph Stuart CIH
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Cornell University
rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu
--
Vivian Longacre
Instructional Support Technician
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Cal Poly State University
San Luis Obispo, CA
805.756.2483
