OSHA

OSHA Regulations -- This federal agency was established in 1971 to be responsible for the health and safety of employees in the workplace. In 1985 the Hazard Communication standard, ("Right to Know Law"), took effect and OSHA became a very well know agency. And in 1988 Congress decided that the Hazard Communication standard should not only apply to employees in manufacturing jobs, but to any employee working with or around hazardous materials. OSHA does not consider students in college laboratories as employees. However, if you are a student employee of the University, and perform lab-related activities, then you are protected by OSHA standards. Students in science laboratories are still responsible for proper safety procedures when handling hazardous materials.