RESPONSIBILITIES

Background

The University of Kentucky is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for all persons associated with the institution.  The University intends to be a role model for the Commonwealth in its environmental stewardship, health protection and safety standards and its compliance with all laws and regulations relating to the environment, health, and safety.  Management, faculty, staff, and students are asked to support these goals in all university activities and the University administration will provide the necessary resources to achieve these goals.

A vast array of educational activities and research utilizing hazardous materials is conducted at the university that requires cooperation of all parties involved to ensure that such activities are conducted safely with regard to workers, students, the community, and the environment.  The following outlines specific responsibilities associated with laboratory safety and this Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Faculty and Staff in charge of supervising laboratories (referred to as Laboratory Supervisors throughout document) have the following responsibilities for implementing the Chemical Hygiene Plan:

• Inform and train employees concerning chemical safety as required by this Plan. Retain training records and all documentation
• Implement and enforce rules and standards of this plan concerning health and safety for laboratories under the supervisor's jurisdiction and restrict access to the laboratory (see Authorized Access in Chapter 3 "Standard Operating Procedures")
• Serve as the "Chemical Hygiene Officer" for his/her laboratories
• Ensure compliance of Laboratory Workers with this Plan
• Ensure the availability and enforce the proper use of appropriate personal protective equipment and relevant health and safety reference materials
• Remain cognizant of chemicals stored and used in labs and their associated hazards
• Reconcile the laboratory’s chemical inventory, annually (see Appendix IV for sample inventory form)
• Conduct internal inspections of labs for health and safety concerns and maintain an inspection log of inspection findings (see Appendix III for a sample self-inspection form.   Also visit the website for the example table of laboratory violations https://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/inspections.php.
• Request assistance from Environmental Health and Safety, as needed
• Request allocation of funds from superiors for health and safety improvements as needed, or budget into research grant proposals

Laboratory Worker responsibilities regarding implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan:

• Follow all health and safety standards and rules
• Report all hazardous conditions to the Laboratory Supervisor
• Wear or use prescribed protective equipment
• Report any suspected job-related injuries or illnesses to the Laboratory Supervisor and seek treatment immediately
• Refrain from the operation of any equipment or instrumentation without proper instruction and authorization
• Remain aware of the hazards of the chemicals in the lab and how to handle hazardous chemicals safely
• Request information and training when unsure how to handle a hazardous chemical or procedure

Deans, Directors, and Heads of Academic and Administrative Units have the primary responsibility for the health and safety of their staff and students.  Specific responsibilities regarding the implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan include:

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to adapt the Model Chemical Hygiene Plan to include lab-specific guidelines and to develop strategies to implement the Plan.
• Consider the idea of developing departmental-wide laboratory safety training programs, committees, and shared use facilities.
• Make budget arrangements for health and safety improvements.  It is the responsibility of these respective individuals to request the necessary monies in the budget process

Environmental Health and Safety Department responsibilities include the following:

• Appoint an Institutional Chemical Hygiene Officer who will routinely review the model Chemical Hygiene Plan and suggest modifications as needed
• Provide technical assistance to Laboratory Supervisors and workers concerning appropriate storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals
• Provide general laboratory safety training upon request
• Conduct exposure assessments and laboratory inspections upon request and on a routine basis
• Provide technical assistance concerning personal protective equipment and laboratory safety equipment; and
• Remain current on rules and regulations concerning chemicals used on campus.