OSHA Chemical Hygiene Plan

Carcinogens Specifically Regulated by the California State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA)

There are hundreds of known, or suspected, human carcinogens based on data from animal studies and the study of disease occurrence in various work forces. However, Cal-OSHA only has specific regulations for about 25 chemical carcinogens. In UCSB labs, the materials on this list include: formaldehyde/formalin, dichloromethane, benzene and cadmium compounds.

Although laboratories are largely exempt from all the strict provisions of the OSHA carcinogen regulations, UCSB is still required to document that exposures to these materials are not above their Permissible Exposure Limit. These limits are very low – in the parts per million. This essentially demands that all volatile carcinogens be used exclusively in a fume hood or glove box. UCSB Environmental Health & Safety periodically evaluates the use of these materials through a combination of questionnaires and follow-ups with the lab supervisor/PI as needed. Violations of these Cal-OSHA standards can potentially lead to serious fines.

Although labs are largely exempt from the specific carcinogen regulations, use of any known/suspected carcinogen, must still be addressed in a written chemical safety plan for each lab known as a Chemical Hygiene Plan. This is a separate Cal-OSHA requirement. Please contact EH&S at x-4899 if you need assistance in meeting these requirements.