About Us
HSE’s division of Chemical Safety promotes the safe use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous chemicals at Johns Hopkins through the written Chemical Hygiene Plan, designation of a Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), and hazard communication training. This division provides guidance on safe chemical practices, risk assessments, control measures, PPE, emergency procedures, and performs incident investigations.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 “Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories,” also known as the “OSHA Lab Standard,” applies to all Johns Hopkins laboratories. Use, and particularly disposal, of hazardous chemicals is also regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
Subtopics
- Chemical Storage, Segregation & Incompatibility
- ChemTracker Chemical Inventory
- Controlled Substances
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Resources
Training
See information about all HSE training modules here:
Instructor-Led Training courses (see schedule and register on MyLearning):
Policies
See the HSE Policy Manual for all Policies
Chemical Safety-related policies:
- (HSE706) Chemical Hygiene Plan
- (HSE701) Hazard Communication Program
- (HSE703) Management of Hazardous Chemicals
- (HSE704) Registry of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
- (HSE402) Handling of Flammable Material
- (HSE414) Use of Open Flames in Laboratories
- (HSE802) Hazard Assessment of Laboratory Workers
- (HSE803) Hazard Warning Signage
- (HSE805) Laboratory Waste Disposal
- (HSE801) Proper Attire For Individuals in Laboratories
- (HSE808) Response to Laboratory Emergencies
- (HSE046) Cryogenic Liquids and Dry Ice
- (HSE031) Handling of Hazardous Drugs
- (HSE035) Hazard Assessment Program
- (HSE050) Mercury Elimination
- (HSE-SP004) Respiratory Protection Program
- (HSE-SP009) Compressed Gas Cylinder: Storage, Handling and Management
- (HSE-SP011) Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Guidance Documents
- (HSEG005) Guidance for Basic Safety Training for All Staff and Students Who Are to Work in Laboratories
- (HSEG011) Guidance for Corrective Actions and Progressive Response for Ongoing or Repeat Laboratory Safety Violations
- (HSEG007) Guidance for Prudent Practices for Chemical Use (By Hazard Class) in Laboratories
- (HSEG006) Guidance for Reproductive Concerns in the Workplace
- (HSEG004) Medical Surveillance
Important Links & Contact Information
American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Committee on Chemical Safety (CCS) Safety Tipsheets and Best Practices
– Basics of Laboratory HVAC (pub Dec 2023)
– Lab Ventilation Terms and Definitions (pub Jan 2024)
– Lithiathion Reaction (pub Aug 2024)