GHS in the Lab AIHce Day 2
Tuesday’s lab session focused on GHS and HazComm Labeling.
The continuation of the lab safety-related sessions at AIHce 2016 included a session Tuesday afternoon titled, "GHS in the Laboratory Environment." The discussion started with Denese Deeds, CIH, FAIHA, of Industrial Health & Safety Consultants, Inc., who gave a presentation on the impact of GHS on the lab standard.
Deeds walked the audience through the steps employers need to take in order to make sure those working with hazardous chemicals in the lab are aware of hazards, by ensuring lab containers are not removed or defaced, ensuring SDS is available to all employees, and maintaining appropriate labeling on all hazardous chemicals.
Following Deeds, Mike Squillance from Mayo Clinic discussed chemical hazard banding using GHS classification. The main take away from his presentation was to focus on four core tiers of hazardous chemicals: extreme risk, high risk, moderate risk, and minimal risk. Extreme risk-level chemicals require committee approval as well as controlled storage. High risk chemicals also require controlled storage.
Squillance also stressed the importance of monitoring building load limits. While labeling is only one part of designing and running a safe lab, it is critical to ensure your employees know what they're working with.