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EHRS
February 5, 2008, Volume 54, No. 20

Employee Exposure Records: The Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS) monitors employee exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents when there is a question or concern regarding exposure. EHRS maintains these employee exposure records. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standard, Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records (29CFR1910.1020) permits access to employer-maintained exposure and medical records by employees or their designated representative and by OSHA.

University employees may obtain a copy of their exposure record by calling EHRS at (215) 898-4453 or by e-mail: ehrs@ehrs.upenn.edu. 

Hazard Communication Program: The University of Pennsylvania’s Hazard Communication Program consists of information regarding access to Material Safety Data Sheets, proper labeling of hazardous chemicals and the hazard communication training programs required for all employees who handle hazardous chemicals as part of their work. Laboratory workers should refer to Penn’s Chemical Hygiene Plan for additional information concerning the safe handling of chemicals in laboratories.

The University’s written Hazard Communication Program is located on the EHRS website www.ehrs.upenn.edu or is available from the Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety, 3160 Chestnut Street/6287. A library of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for hazardous chemicals used at the University is also located at EHRS. An MSDS describes the physical and chemical properties of a product, health hazards and routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency procedures, reactivity data, and control measures. Many MSDSs may also be obtained through the EHRS website www.ehrs.upenn.edu/resources/msds.

Copies of MSDSs for products used in non-research areas are typically maintained in each area.

University employees may obtain an MSDS by calling EHRS at (215) 898-4453 or by e-mail: ehrs@ehrs.upenn.edu.

In accordance with OSHA 29CFR1910.1200, all employees working with chemicals outside of a laboratory setting must complete hazard communication training. EHRS provides hazard communication via Knowledge Link, the EHRS website, or directly to FRES employees.

Almanac - February 5, 2008, Volume 54, No. 20