| The University Hazardous Materials Procedure requires the preparation and use of Safety Plans for each University area (laboratory, storeroom, extension facility, teaching laboratories, agricultural research facility, shared facilities, etc.) in which "Hazardous Materials" are used. The term "Hazardous Materials" encompasses all physical, biological, chemical, and hazardous processes such as those employing high voltage, high pressure or other hazards. Office personnel using chemicals such as white-out, glue and copying supplies are exempt from filing Safety Plans. New Safety Plans must be requested by submitting a Request for Safety Plan form. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1450, "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories” mandates all areas where hazardous chemicals are used must have a written Chemical Hygiene Plan. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29CFR 1910.1200 requires all employees receive information regarding chemical hazards in the workplace at the onset of employment. University Safety Plans are intended to fulfill these OSHA requirements as well as all other regulatory standards of local, state, and federal governing bodies. The NC State University hazardous material procedures require the preparation and use of safety plans for each area (laboratory, storeroom, extension facility, teaching laboratories, agricultural research facility, shared facilities, etc.) in which hazardous materials are used and/or stored. Hazardous materials encompass all physical, biological, chemical, and hazardous processes and equipment, such as high voltage, high pressure or other hazards. Office personnel using chemicals including WhiteOut, glue, and copying supplies are exempt from filing safety plans. New safety plans must be prepared and submitted on-line. The individual responsible for a laboratory, shop, storage area, or other workplace in which hazardous materials or potentially hazardous processes are used must prepare and submit a safety plan to Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for approval. The responsible individual must update the plan annually and submit changes, certifying each plan is current and efforts are being made to minimize chemical waste. The approved Safety Plan must be readily available to all employees working in the area(s) covered. The safety philosophy is to assure potential hazards are evaluated and eliminated. Where identified hazards cannot be eliminated, the goal is to assure no single point failure or operational error allows immediate exposure to hazards or directly results in injury, death, or equipment loss to personnel, facilities, or the environment. EH&S uses safety plans for:
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