ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

chapter  4

• Material safety data sheets (MSDS) • Employee information and training

1. Implementing a hazard communication program (HCP) includes (2): 1.1. Identifying responsible staff

1. Initial and ongoing activities should be the responsibility of the medical director, but may be delegated. 2. Ultimate accountability remains with the director. 3. Program must be integrated with the overall facility plan. 1.2. Identify hazardous chemicals in the workplace 1. List chemicals in the HCP. a. Survey entire laboratory to determine which solids, liquids, and gases are present. 2. Note the location of each chemical and type of hazard. 1.3. Compile MSDS for each chemical 1. MSDS contain information on each chemical’s hazardous effects, chemical and physical charac- teristics, and about recommendations for protective measures for each chemical. 2. Distributor/manufacturer must supply replacement sheets. 3. MSDS must be accessible to employees (e.g., a notebook in the laboratory) a. Identify someone in laboratory to maintain and update MSDS 1.4. Develop and implement a written program describing how warnings, MSDS, and employee informa- tion and training are being met in your laboratory. For example: 1. Labels on chemical containers must legible and prominently display the chemical identity and the appropriate hazard warnings. a. If chemicals are transferred to other containers (not recommended), they must be labeled appropriately 2. Employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals (accidental or incidental exposures) must be provided information and be trained before working with a hazardous chemical. 3. The program must cover hazards of non-routine tasks, hazardous chemicals found in pipes, and communication to contract workers. References 1. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. CLSI laboratory design: approved guideline, 2nd ed. CLSI QMS04–A2. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2007. 2. Beydon N, Davis SD, Lombardi E, et al. An official American Thoracic Society/European Respira- tory Society Statement: Pulmonary function testing in preschool children. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007;175:1304–1345. 3. American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory General Laboratory Task Force. Standard- ization of lung function testing: general considerations for lung function testing. Eur Respir J 2005;26:153–161. 4. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. CLSI protection of laboratory workers from occupation- ally acquired infection: approved guideline, 3rd ed. CLSI M29–A3. Clinical and Laboratory Stan- dards Institute; 2005.

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