

Chief State Medical Examiner
The PEOSH Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard, referred to on this page as the “PEOSH Laboratory Standard,” establishes minimum requirements for chemical hygiene practices in laboratories in New Jersey. The Standard includes requirements for a written chemical hygiene program, labeling, use, and handling of hazardous chemicals in a laboratory setting.
The PEOSH Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard has been adopted from the U.S. Department of Labor 29 CFR 1910.1450.
Q: Does the PEOSH Laboratory Standard apply to all public school science laboratories?
A: The Standard applies to laboratories that are engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals on a laboratory scale. Laboratory use of hazardous chemicals means handling or use of such chemicals in which all of the following conditions are met:
Laboratory scale is defined as "work with substances in which the containers used for reactions, transfers, and other handling of substances are designed to be easily and safely manipulated by one person." There are specific exemptions in the Standard for dip and read kits and commercially prepared kits where hazardous substances are contained within a sealed media and employee's potential exposure is minimal. Application of the Standard to public school science laboratories is based on the specific work practices at your laboratory. The Standard is more likely to apply to advanced high-school level chemistry laboratories using wet methods, but unlikely to apply to general science demonstrations. Schools are also less likely to limit the use of hazardous reagents for student safety purposes.
Q: Do I have to comply with the PEOSH Hazard Communication Standard if I am in compliance with the PEOSH Laboratory Standard?
A: The PEOSH Laboratory Standard is considered to be more specific to the laboratory setting than the PEOSH Hazard Communication Standard. If the employer is in compliance with the PEOSH Laboratory Standard, those covered employees are exempt from the requirements of the PEOSH Hazard Communication Standard.