The Chemical Hygiene Plan as implemented is designed to fulfill all of the tenets of hazard communication for workers engaged in handling or using chemicals. Hazard communication consists of five components including : (1) a written chemical hygiene plan, (2) labeling of all chemicals (including chemical waste), (3) acquisition of material safety data sheets on all stored or used chemicals, (4) maintenance of current chemical inventories and (5) an employee training program.
Hazard communication is a "right-to-know" law which is based on the premise that an informed worker is less apt to be injured while using chemicals and can respond more adequately when chemical-related accidents occur. Chemical accident prevention is a key objective of this safety plan.
"Prudent Practices in Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories" (1981) is recommended as a reference for all chemical users. It is available from the National Academy of Sciences Press, Washington, D.C. Chemical users should also refer to applicable regulatory documents as required in implementation of individual laboratory chemical hygiene programs.
It is also important to remember that safety in general can not be easily divorced from chemical safety. Each individual is urged to follow and promote good overall safety habits. It is the intent of the College of Medicine Chemical Hygiene unit to inform employees, as much as is feasible, of many safety issues relevant to the work place in general. A list of references is appended.
Telephone Numbers for Chemical Hygiene Information and Response:
University Environmental Safety: Mr. Claude Williams, Director (806-1006 thru 1009)
College of Medicine Departmental Representatives:
Cancer Center: Dr. Raj Sridhar, 865-1421
Department of Anatomy: 806-6555
Department of Anesthesiology: 806-7670
Department of Biochemistry: Dr. Matthew George, Jr., 806-6289
Department of Medicine: Dr. Kanwal K. Gambhir
Department of Microbiology: Ms. Myrna Stupart 806-6284
Department of Pathology: 806-6306
Department of Pharmacology: Dr. Hutchinson James, 806-6311
Department of Physiology and Biophysics: Dr. Eva K. Polston,
Graduate Student Representative:
Department of Radiology: Dr. Roma V. Gumbs
Sickle Cell Center: 806-7930
Veterinary Services: Dr. Doris E. Hughes 805-5905 or 6293
College of Medicine Program Staff:
College of Medicine Chemical Hygiene Officer: Arvind K. Nandedkar, Ph.D.,DABCC, 806-9710
College of Medicine Administrative Contact: Mr. Sterling M. Lloyd, Jr., 806-6270
Program Response Unit Coordinator Mr. Robert Moore, 806-7849
Outside Emergency Response:
D.C. Fire Department Hazardous Material Unit: 911
Howard University:
Emergency Management: 806-6666
Howard University Security: 806-6187 thru 6189
Howard University Employee Health Service: 865-1481
Howard University Hospital: 865 -6100