Safety Training and Hazard Information

Summary: To apprise laboratory personnel of the hazards of chemicals present in their work area, information and training must be made available.

A. For Work Directed by PI/Laboratory Supervisor: Laboratory personnel must receive general and laboratory-specific information and training at the time of initial assignment to the laboratory, and prior to assignments involving new exposure situations, Particularly Hazardous Substances, and hazardous operations.

1. Safety Training:
What to do? How to do this?
Obtain General Laboratory Safety Training, which includes orientation to and training on the CHP Take the following training.

  • General Safety & Emergency Preparedness (EHS-4200)*
  • Chemical Safety for Laboratories (EHS-1900)*

AND, where applicable:

  • Compressed Gas (EHS-2200)*
  • Computer Workstation Ergonomics (EHS-3400)*
  • Laboratory Ergonomics (call EH&S at 723-0448)

* For on-line classes, register in STARS at https://axess.stanford.edu/.

Obtain Laboratory-specific training
  1. See your PI/Laboratory Supervisor.
  2. Review any individual Laboratory Safety Plan.
  3. Review local/building safety information by completing Laboratory Building Orientation Form or equivalent.
  4. Review Standard Operation Procedure(s) involving hazardous materials. You may use form, Documenting SOP & Prior Approval to document your review.
  5. Review any other laboratory-specific training on particular safety procedures or hazard encountered in the laboratory environment. Lab-owned equipment may require specialized training to ensure safety and prevent equipment damage.
Maintain Training Records
  1. PI/Laboratory Supervisor or designate must retain training documents for laboratory personnel for at least one year.

  2. Use Safety Training Documentation Form or equivalent to document training.

2. Hazard Information: The following hazard information is available for PI/Laboratory Supervisors and Laboratory Personnel to consult during the experiment planning process to assess the hazards and potential risks associated with the chemicals and laboratory operations:
For Information on: See:
The hazards, signs & symptoms of exposure, safe handling, storage & disposal of hazardous chemicals, see the various website links:
Cal/OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits

"Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for Chemical Contaminants", California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5155.

Cal/OSHA establishes regulatory exposure limits for many airborne contaminants; the actual values are in Table AC-1. If a PEL is not established for a specific contaminant, contact EH&S for guidance.

Cal/OSHA’s Laboratory Standard

"Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories." California Code of Regulations Title 8, Section 5191.

Cal/OSHA is a governmental agency that protects worker health and safety in the State of California. This regulation was promulgated to protect laboratory personnel engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals. [NOTE: Custodial and maintenance staff who service the laboratory fall under Cal/OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, Code of Regulations Title 8, Section 5194.]

Stanford University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan

Stanford University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan.

The above-referenced Cal/OSHA regulation requires employers to have a written Chemical Hygiene Plan. This Plan fulfills this regulatory requirement and is a resource for information used for planning experiments and laboratory operations.

B. For Work Conducted Autonomously or Independently:
What to do? How to do this?
Consult with PI/Laboratory Supervisor
  1. PI/Laboratory Supervisor or designate must retain training documents for laboratory personnel for at least one year. Note: Training records for many trainings are maintained electronically.
  2. Obtain any other training that is appropriate to the work you conduct in Stanford University laboratories.
    • Provide appropriate oversight, training and safety information to any laboratory personnel you supervise or direct.

Back to top

© 2007 Stanford University. All rights reserved.