Help water and wastewater lab staff handle chemicals, fume hoods, glassware, autoclaves and centrifuges safely while testing treatment samples.
This specialized safety training program is designed for water and wastewater treatment plant laboratory personnel who face unique chemical, biological, and equipment-related hazards in their daily work. Laboratory staff who collect and analyze water samples using a variety of testing equipment must understand the serious risks present in treatment plant laboratories, where numerous chemicals, processes, and equipment can cause injuries, illness, or even death if handled improperly. Participants will learn to implement and comply with the Chemical Hygiene Plan, a critical safety document that outlines procedures for safe chemical handling, storage, and disposal. The course covers comprehensive chemical safety protocols, including proper use of fume hoods for volatile substances, safe handling of acids, bases, and reactive materials, and procedures for managing waste chemicals in compliance with environmental regulations. Training topics include safe glassware handling and cut prevention techniques, autoclave and centrifuge safety procedures, proper selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including lab coats, gloves, eye protection, and respirators, and understanding hazardous communication requirements through Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The program also addresses fire prevention strategies, emergency response procedures for chemical spills and exposures, and safe work practices for field sample collection. This comprehensive training ensures laboratory personnel can perform their critical water quality testing duties while protecting themselves from the chemical, physical, and biological hazards inherent in treatment plant laboratory environments.
Anyone who collects or analyzes samples at a water or wastewater treatment plant needs laboratory safety training. That includes lab analysts, technicians and field staff who handle reagents or operate lab equipment. Supervisors responsible for the lab's chemical hygiene plan, waste handling or emergency procedures should complete it as well.
OSHA's Laboratory Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450, covers employers whose workers use hazardous chemicals in laboratories. It requires a written Chemical Hygiene Plan, exposure monitoring where needed, and employee training. Lab chemicals and labels also fall under the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, and public plants may follow a state OSHA plan.
A chemical hygiene plan is a written program explaining how a laboratory protects workers from hazardous chemicals. It sets standard operating procedures, criteria for fume hoods and other controls, PPE requirements and training. It also designates a chemical hygiene officer where appropriate, and OSHA requires it to be reviewed at least once a year.
The main hazards in a water treatment laboratory are chemical exposure, cuts from broken glassware, burns and fires. Equipment such as autoclaves and centrifuges adds pressure, heat and mechanical risks. Careless handling of chemical waste, or working outside a fume hood, can also lead to inhalation exposure or dangerous reactions.
Broken lab glassware should never be picked up by hand. Use a brush and dustpan, tongs or forceps, and place the pieces in a puncture-resistant container labeled for broken glass. Inspect glassware for chips or cracks before each use, and discard damaged items rather than risk cuts during testing.
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