I live in Michigan where we have state rules and regulations, and agencies that oversee them, for both workplace safety and waste management. Because of this, our university is included in these rules and regulations, even though we are a public institution. From discussions, I've seen on this, and other forums, Texas has some loopholes, so take my advice with that in mind.

Is there any OSHA-required training for chemistry lab coordinators who work with chemicals in an academic setting, preparing labs, helping supervise labs, and preparing chemical waste for disposal companies?

- Assuming your coordinators are paid employees, they would fall under Hazard Communication Standard which outlines rules for handling hazardous materials.

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=10099&p_table=STANDARDS

- Depending on the activities, they may need specific training for handling and managing compressed gases and/or cryogenic liquids.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.101

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHA3404laboratory-safety-guidance.pdf

- Depending on what you mean by "preparing chemical waste for disposal companies" training could be as simple as how to collect. label, and manage wastes in the laboratory. However, if they are actually the contact with the disposal company, they would likely need additional (extensive) training on managing wastes under the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) as well as Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazmat employee requirements.

https://www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/hazardous-waste-generator-regulatory-summary

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/172.704

Other things that may already be at the institutional level:

- Spill control and emergency response to a chemical release

- First aid requirements for employers

- Injury and occupational illness reporting

*3. Are faculty, based on their degrees in Chemistry, exempted from any such requirements?

While a degree in chemistry would be beneficial for understanding chemical hazards and characteristics, it generally is not in and of itself a substitute for documented training.

You might reach out to the Laboratory Safety Institute for assistance in reviewing your training requirements and their resources for helping you meet them.

https://www.labsafety.org/

Good luck,

Jeff

On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 6:52 PM Murphy, Dr. Ruth Ann <rmurphy**At_Symbol_Here**umhb.edu> wrote:

Hello,

*1. Is there any OSHA-required training for chemistry lab coordinators who work with chemicals in an academic setting, preparing labs, helping supervise labs, and preparing chemical waste for disposal companies?

*2. If so, what is required?

*3. Are faculty, based on their degrees in Chemistry, exempted from any such requirements?

Thank you!

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann Murphy, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry

Chairperson, Department of Chemistry, Environmental Science and Geology

Co-Chairperson, Health Professions Advisory Committee

Amy LeVesconte Professorship of Chemistry

JAMP Faculty Director

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

900 College Street

Belton, TX 76513-2599

Phone 254.295.4542

Accepting Christ is life's greatest decision; following Christ is life's greatest adventure.

--- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org Follow us on Twitter **At_Symbol_Here**acsdchas

--

Jeff Lewin

Chemical Safety Officer

Compliance, Integrity, and Safety

Environmental Health and Safety

322 Floor Lakeshore Center

Michigan Technological University

--- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org Follow us on Twitter **At_Symbol_Here**acsdchas