The University is required to advise you of your rights regarding the Hazard Communication Standard, Personal Protective Equipment Standard and Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory. This manual meets these requirements in part. In addition, a standard OSHA "Notice to Employee" poster will be posted at locations where notices are normally posted. It is to your advantage to know your rights. Take time to read the "Notice to Employee" form posted in your work area.

Employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals have access to the following information where appropriate:

• chemical exposure information
• workplace chemical lists
• material safety data sheets

You have the right to file a complaint against the University regarding alleged violations of the Hazard Communication Standard or Chemical Hygiene Plan. If you file a complaint, the Act protects you from:

• discharge
• cause for discharge
• discipline
• discrimination
• loss of pay, position, seniority or benefits

The employer must assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment. The Principal Investigator fulfills this responsibility by completing a Chemical Hygiene Work Plan as described in Section II of this document.

The Principal Investigator is responsible to select and provide employees with routine personal protective equipment appropriate for laboratory work (e.g. lab coats, disposable gloves, safety glasses, face shields and other similar items along with laundry facilities or service for lab coats). Students may be required to purchase common items such as laboratory aprons or goggles. The Principal Investigator in consultation with the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety will select non routine personal protective equipment such as respirators, chemical protective gloves, and chemical protective clothing.

Principal Investigators shall assure that training in the use of routine laboratory personal protective equipment is provided. This training is provided through attendance of the program "Laboratory Safety at Penn", provided by the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety and through laboratory specific training provided by the Principal Investigator.

The Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety in conjunction with the Principal Investigator will provide training in the use of non routine personnel protective equipment.

Upon appointment, the University will provide an education and training program for employees using or handling chemicals. Additional instruction is required whenever the potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals is altered or whenever new information concerning a chemical is received. New or newly assigned employees must be provided training before working with, or in a work area containing hazardous chemicals. For students, training may be required for each course. Training programs shall include, as appropriate, the following:

• interpreting labels and MSDSs
• location of hazardous chemicals
• a description of the acute and chronic effects of chemicals
• safe handling procedures
• personal protective equipment
• cleanup procedures
• waste disposal

The University is required to keep a record of training sessions provided to employees. You may be requested to sign a ledger or swipe your Penn ID card through a card reader to verify your attendance at a training session.

If you do not understand the material provided or discussed, contact your supervisor, instructor or EHRS.