1.2.2 Chemical Hygiene Officer
The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) plays a critical role in ensuring laboratory safety and compliance across campus. This position is essential for implementing the Chemical Hygiene Plan and the Laboratory Safety Manual, while fostering a proactive safety culture in laboratories.
Role Overview
The CHO serves as a technical resource for the campus laboratory community, providing expertise in laboratory safety and health. The Associate CHO supports these efforts and acts in the absence of the CHO. For current contact information, refer to the list of EHS Subject Matter Experts.
Key Responsibilities
- Chemical Hygiene Plan Oversight: Collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate, implement, review annually, and update the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Laboratory Safety Manual.
- Technical Expertise & Support: Provide guidance on laboratory safety and health issues and serve as a point of contact for directing inquiries to appropriate resources.
- Management of Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS): Develop and communicate guidelines for proper labeling, handling, storage, and use of particularly hazardous substances. Assist laboratories in creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for particularly hazardous substance use.
- Protocol & SOP Review: Review academic research protocols and SOPs related to hazardous chemical use, disposal, spill cleanup, decontamination, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Equipment Coordination: Oversee acquisition, testing, and maintenance of fume hoods, safety showers, and eyewashes in laboratories using hazardous chemicals.
- Training & Education: Conduct laboratory safety training sessions for personnel and assist supervisors in developing hands-on training tailored to specific laboratory needs.
- Incident Reporting & Follow-Up: Review reports of incidents, accidents, spills, and near misses. Recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Laboratory Design Consultation: Provide input on renovations or new laboratory construction projects by citing relevant codes and internal standards.
- Senior Administration Reporting: Keep senior administration informed about progress on implementing the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Laboratory Safety Manual. Escalate campus-wide safety issues as needed.
Fostering a Proactive Safety Culture
The CHO is instrumental in promoting a proactive safety culture by engaging laboratory personnel, identifying risks, and implementing continuous improvement strategies. This approach aligns with international and regulatory standards emphasizing worker participation and risk management.