The purpose of the Chemical Hygiene Plan is to protect laboratory personnel against adverse health and safety hazards associated with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. It establishes a formal written program outlining procedures, equipment, and work practices to reduce the risk of chemical-related injuries and illnesses in laboratories. The plan is mandated by OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1450.

The complete Chemical Hygiene Plan for all University of Florida research spaces consists of two parts:

LAB SPECIFIC CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (LATCH)

Completion of the following tasks satisfies proper lab-specific documentation:

1. Maintain updated information in the Laboratory Assessment, Training, and Chemical Hygiene (LATCH) module in Gator TRACS. Components of LATCH include:
   • Personnel roster with designation of roles
   • Two (2) emergency contacts
   • Training records
   • Hazard assessment – completed annually and signed by all personnel on the roster.
2. Maintain an accurate and updated chemical inventory in Gator TRACS.
3. Ensure proper employee training relating to the hazards in the lab. A complete list of EH&S training can be found here. Additional training may be provided by the Department, academic unit, or supervisor.
4. Provide safety information such as chemical safety data sheets (SDS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

All researchers working in wet lab spaces must complete EH&S’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (EHS869) training prior to beginning work in the lab. Please contact the University’s Chemical Hygiene Officer if you need assistance with the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Resources

Visit the pages listed below for additional chemical safety information: