1. Introduction to a Safe Workplace
Subhash Karkare

2. Safety
Elimination of potential threats to human health and well being

3. Definitions Accidents Emergency
Unusual and usually sudden events that cause harm
Emergency
Situation requiring immediate action to prevent an accumulation of harm or damage to people or property

4. Definitions Hazards Risk
Equipment, chemicals, and conditions that have a potential to cause harm
Risk
The probability that a hazard will cause harm

5. Definitions Risk Assessment Safety Guidelines
An attempt to estimate the potential for human injury or property damage from an activity
Safety Guidelines
Procedures that are designed to prevent accidents by reducing the risk of hazards in situations where the hazards cannot be eliminated entirely

6. Who is Responsible for a Safe Workplace?
OSHA and
US Secretary of Labor
Institutions
Laboratories
Individuals

7. Federal Agencies that Regulate Safety and Environmental Protection on Biotech Organizations
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

8. Classification of Regulations and Standards
Worker safety
Environmental protection
Use and handling of animals
Regulation of radioisotopes

9. Examples of Professional Organizations Concerned with Safety
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)

10. Employers must provide:
Institutional Responsibility – Comply with Federal Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
Employers must provide:
Workplace hazard identification
A written hazard communication plan
Files of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals
Worker training for safe use of all chemicals

11. Requires a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standards (29 CFR 1910)
Requires a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
A written manual that outlines the specific information and procedures necessary to protect workers from hazardous chemicals

12. Environmental Protection
EPA enforces laws. Major laws affecting biotech companies and institutions are:
Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA)
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)