Wichita State University

Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)

Prepared For: Wichita State University
Program: Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
Effective Date: May 7^th, 2026
Review Cycle: Annual
Approved By: Andrew Clem – Director – Environmental, Health, and Safety

Table of Contents

Purpose and Scope
Regulatory Authority
Definitions
Roles and Responsibilities
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Exposure Determination and Control Measures
Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Chemical Procurement and Inventory
Chemical Labeling Requirements
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Storage and Compatibility
Laboratory Housekeeping
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Engineering Controls.
Ventilation and Fume Hoods.
Particularly Hazardous Substances.
Hazardous Waste Management.
Spill and Emergency Response.
Medical Consultation and Surveillance.
Training Requirements.
Inspections and Audits.
Recordkeeping.
Contractor and Visitor Safety.
Program Review and Updates.

Approval

Revision History

Appendices

Appendix A – Emergency Contact Information

Appendix B – Recommended Laboratory PPE

Appendix C – Laboratory Inspection Checklist

Appendix D – Spill Response Guidelines

Appendix E – Particularly Hazardous Substance SOP Template

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is to establish policies, procedures, and responsibilities necessary to protect faculty, staff, students, researchers, and visitors from health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals used in laboratories and related operations at Wichita State University (WSU).

This CHP is developed in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Laboratory Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories.

This plan applies to all university-owned or leased facilities where laboratory use of hazardous chemicals occurs, including:

Teaching laboratories
Research laboratories
Art studios using hazardous chemicals
Maintenance and support laboratories
Engineering and fabrication laboratories
Off-campus research facilities
Chemical storage areas

This CHP supplements, but does not replace, other applicable university safety policies and regulatory requirements.

2. Regulatory Authority

This Chemical Hygiene Plan incorporates applicable requirements from the following:

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 – Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard – 29 CFR 1910.1200
OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standards
OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard – 29 CFR 1910.134
EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Regulations
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements, where applicable

3. Definitions

Action Level

A concentration designated in OSHA standards that triggers increased monitoring or medical surveillance requirements.

Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)

An individual designated by the university who is qualified to provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of the CHP.

Hazardous Chemical

Any chemical classified as a physical or health hazard according to OSHA criteria.

Laboratory

A workplace where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a non-production basis.

Particularly Hazardous Substance (PHS)

Includes select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and substances with high acute toxicity.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document containing information on chemical hazards, safe handling, emergency procedures, and regulatory information.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

EHS is responsible for:

Developing and maintaining the CHP
Providing laboratory safety guidance and training
Conducting inspections and audits
Assisting with exposure assessments
Managing hazardous waste compliance
Coordinating emergency response support
Maintaining institutional compliance with applicable regulations

Department Chairs and Directors

Department leadership shall:

Ensure implementation of the CHP within their departments
Provide resources necessary for compliance
Support corrective actions identified during inspections
Ensure employees receive required training

Principal Investigators (PIs) and Laboratory Supervisors

Laboratory supervisors are responsible for:

Implementing safe laboratory practices
Developing laboratory-specific SOPs
Ensuring personnel are trained prior to laboratory work
Maintaining chemical inventories
Ensuring proper PPE use
Correcting unsafe conditions and behaviors

Laboratory Personnel and Students

All laboratory personnel shall:

Follow laboratory safety procedures
Attend required training
Use required PPE
Report unsafe conditions, incidents, and spills
Properly manage hazardous waste
Read SDSs and understand hazards prior to use

5. Chemical Hygiene Officer

Wichita State University shall designate a Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) with authority and responsibility to assist in implementation of this plan. The CHO contact information is listed below:

Andrew Clem

Director – Environmental, Health, and Safety

Andrew.clem@wichita.edu

316-978-7904 | 316-655-2489

The CHO shall:

Monitor implementation of the CHP
Assist laboratories with hazard assessments
Recommend exposure control measures
Review laboratory safety practices
Coordinate regulatory compliance activities
Investigate chemical-related incidents
Maintain relevant records and documentation

The CHO may delegate responsibilities to trained EHS personnel as necessary.

6. Exposure Determination and Control Measures

Laboratory exposures shall be minimized through a combination of:

Engineering controls
Administrative controls
Safe work practices
Proper PPE

Employees shall not be exposed to hazardous chemicals above OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs) or other recognized occupational exposure limits.

Where exposure monitoring indicates elevated exposure levels, corrective actions may include:

Substitution with less hazardous materials
Process modification
Increase ventilation
Restricted access
Additional PPE

Exposure monitoring shall be performed when:

There is reason to believe exposure levels may exceed action levels or PELs
Personnel report symptoms associated with chemical exposure
Significant process changes occur
Requested by EHS based on risk assessment

7. Standard Operating Procedures

Each laboratory shall maintain laboratory-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) appropriate for the hazards present.

SOPs shall address:

Chemical hazards
Required PPE
Engineering controls
Spill procedures
Waste disposal requirements
Emergency shutdown procedures
Storage requirements
Special handling precautions

General laboratory safety practices include:

No eating, drinking, or application of cosmetics in laboratories
Never pipette by mouth
Minimize chemical quantities used
Keep work areas uncluttered
Wash hands after handling chemicals
Keep exits and emergency equipment accessible
Secure compressed gas cylinders at all times

8. Laboratory Chemical Procurement and Inventory

Departments and laboratories shall maintain accurate chemical inventories.

Chemical procurement shall be limited to quantities necessary for immediate research or instructional needs.

The following practices shall be followed:

Avoid excessive chemical accumulation
Review hazards prior to purchase
Ensure appropriate storage capability exists before acquisition
Inspect incoming chemicals for damage or labeling deficiencies
Date peroxide-forming chemicals upon receipt and opening

EHS may conduct periodic inventory reviews and assist with chemical redistribution or disposal.

9. Chemical Labeling Requirements

All chemical containers shall be properly labeled.

Primary container labels must include:

Product identifier
Hazard pictograms
Signal word
Hazard statements
Precautionary statements
Manufacturer information

Secondary containers shall include, at minimum:

Chemical identity
Applicable hazard warnings

Unlabeled containers are prohibited.

Laboratory personnel shall not use chemicals from unidentified containers.

10. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets shall be readily accessible to laboratory personnel during all work shifts.

SDSs may be maintained electronically or physically.

Laboratory personnel must review SDS information prior to using unfamiliar chemicals.

SDSs shall include information regarding:

Chemical hazards
Exposure controls
PPE requirements
Spill response
First aid measures
Storage and disposal requirements

11. Storage and Compatibility

Chemicals shall be stored according to hazard class and compatibility.

General storage requirements include:

Segregate acids and bases
Separate oxidizers from organics and flammables
Store flammables in approved flammable storage cabinets when required
Secure compressed gas cylinders upright
Minimize storage on bench tops
Store heavy containers below shoulder height
Maintain clear access to exits and emergency equipment

Refrigerators used for flammable chemicals must be rated for flammable storage unless chemicals are stored in sealed manufacturer containers and no ignition sources are present.

Peroxide-forming chemicals shall be monitored and disposed of prior to expiration.

12. Laboratory Housekeeping

Laboratories shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition.

The following requirements apply:

Aisles and exits shall remain unobstructed
Chemical containers shall remain closed when not in use
Waste containers shall be properly labeled and closed
Floors shall remain dry and free from hazards
Emergency equipment shall remain accessible
Damaged equipment shall be removed from service

Routine housekeeping inspections may be conducted by laboratory supervisors and EHS.

13. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate PPE shall be selected based on hazard assessments.

Common laboratory PPE includes:

Safety glasses with side shields
Chemical splash goggles
Face shields
Laboratory coats
Chemical-resistant gloves
Closed-toe shoes
Respiratory protection, where authorized

Laboratory personnel are responsible for:

Proper use of PPE
Inspecting PPE prior to use
Replacing damaged PPE
Following glove compatibility recommendations

Respirator use must comply with the university Respiratory Protection Program.

14. Engineering Controls

Engineering controls shall be the primary method for minimizing chemical exposure.

Examples include:

Chemical fume hoods
Local exhaust ventilation
Biosafety cabinets
Glove boxes
Safety shields
Closed transfer systems

Engineering controls shall be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and regulatory requirements.

Personnel shall not modify or disable engineering controls without authorization.

15. Ventilation and Fume Hoods

Chemical fume hoods shall be used for operations involving:

Volatile toxic chemicals
Corrosive vapors
Flammable vapors
Aerosol-generating procedures
Particularly hazardous substances

Fume hood requirements include:

Maintain sash at designated operating height
Avoid storage of excessive materials inside hoods
Verify airflow prior to use
Do not obstruct baffles
Conduct annual performance testing

Fume hoods failing inspection shall be removed from service until corrected.

16. Particularly Hazardous Substances

Additional precautions shall be implemented for particularly hazardous substances (PHS), including:

Select carcinogens
Reproductive toxins
Chemicals with high acute toxicity

Controls may include:

Designated use areas
Restricted access
Specialized training
Enhanced PPE
Use of containment devices
Decontamination procedures
Medical surveillance

Laboratory-specific SOPs are required for all work involving PHS materials.

17. Hazardous Waste Management

Hazardous waste shall be managed in accordance with EPA, KDHE, and university requirements.

Laboratory personnel shall:

Collect waste in compatible containers
Keep containers closed except during active accumulation
Label containers with complete hazardous waste labels
Segregate incompatible waste streams
Request waste pickup through EHS procedures
Avoid evaporation or intentional dilution of hazardous waste

Satellite accumulation areas shall be maintained in compliance with applicable regulations.

Unknown chemicals shall not be disposed of through sinks, regular trash, or evaporation.

EHS shall coordinate hazardous waste disposal through approved vendors.

18. Spill and Emergency Response

Laboratory personnel shall immediately report spills, exposures, injuries, fires, and unsafe conditions.

Minor Spills

Laboratory personnel may clean minor spills if:

They are trained
Proper PPE is available
The spill presents low risk
Adequate cleanup materials are available

Major Spills

Personnel shall evacuate the area and contact emergency responders for:

Large spills
Unknown chemicals
Highly toxic materials
Mercury releases
Fires or explosions
Situations involving injuries or airborne hazards

Emergency equipment may include:

Eyewash stations
Safety showers
Fire extinguishers
Spill kits
First aid supplies

Eyewash stations and safety showers shall be inspected and documented regularly (weekly).

Emergency contact numbers shall be posted in laboratory areas.

19. Medical Consultation and Surveillance

Medical consultation shall be made available to employees who:

Develop signs or symptoms associated with chemical exposure
Experience exposure above applicable exposure limits
Are involved in spills, leaks, or emergencies with potential exposure

Medical evaluations shall be provided at no cost to the employee and in accordance with OSHA requirements.

Records related to medical evaluations shall be maintained confidentially.

20. Training Requirements

Laboratory personnel shall receive training:

At initial assignment
Prior to new hazard introduction
Periodically as determined by EHS or departments

Training topics may include:

Chemical Hygiene Plan requirements
Chemical hazard recognition
SDS interpretation
PPE selection and use
Hazardous waste procedures
Emergency procedures
Fume hood use
Spill response
Laboratory-specific SOPs

Training records shall be maintained by departments and/or EHS. Contact EHS for access to the University online training platform.

21. Inspections and Audits

EHS and laboratory supervisors shall conduct periodic inspections of laboratory spaces.

Inspection criteria may include:

Chemical storage
Labeling
Waste management
PPE availability
Housekeeping
Emergency equipment
Electrical safety
Compressed gas storage
Fume hood operation

Corrective actions shall be documented and tracked to completion.

22. Recordkeeping

The university shall maintain records including:

Exposure monitoring results
Training records
Inspection reports
Incident investigations
Medical consultation documentation
Fume hood testing records
Hazardous waste manifests

Records shall be retained according to applicable regulatory and university retention requirements.

23. Contractor and Visitor Safety

Contractors and visitors working in or entering laboratory areas shall comply with applicable safety requirements.

Departments shall:

Communicate laboratory hazards to contractors
Restrict access to hazardous areas as necessary
Ensure contractors follow university safety procedures
Coordinate work involving hazardous operations

Contractors performing hazardous work may be required to provide:

Training documentation
SDSs
Safety plans
Permits or certifications

24. Program Review and Updates

This Chemical Hygiene Plan shall be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to:

Reflect regulatory changes
Address operational changes
Incorporate lessons learned from incidents
Improve laboratory safety practices

Departments may implement additional laboratory-specific procedures that supplement this CHP.

Approval

This Chemical Hygiene Plan is approved for implementation at Wichita State University.

Name: Andrew Clem

Title: Director-Environmental, Health, and Safety

Signature:

Date: May 7, 2026

Revision History

Initial Release: May 7, 2026

Revision Date	Description of Changes	Approved By