Training
It is important that you have the required training before you start to work in the lab. Every laboratory worker is required to take Laboratory Safety Training annually. Also, if you work with certain biological materials, you may be required to take Bloodborne Pathogens training annually. These courses, provided by the Division of Safety, are the minimum required training to begin working in a laboratory at the NIH. Please speak with your supervisor to arrange task-specific training. Additional course information is available
here.
The table below outlines the mandatory training courses, who is required to take the course, and when to take the course.
You may find the following supplemental training resources helpful:
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Globally Harmonized System of Classifying and Labeling Chemicals (GHS)
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally recognized system developed by the United Nations (UN) to provide a consistent approach for identifying and communicating the hazards associated with chemicals.
In 2012 OSHA adopted GHS version 3 and incorporated it into the
Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom). This established standardized criteria for classifying chemical hazards and communicating those hazards through labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
On May 20, 2024, OSHA published a Final Rule updating HazCom to align with GHS revision 7. The revised standard took effect on July 19, 2024, and includes changes intended to improve hazard classification and communication, helping employees better understand chemical hazards in the workplace.
GHS Hazard Classification
Under GHS, chemicals are classified according to the type and severity of the hazards they present. Hazards are generally organized into three classes:
- Physical Hazards: These include hazards such as flammable substances, explosives, oxidizing chemicals, gases under pressure, and substances that are corrosive to metals.
- Health Hazards: These include acute toxicity, skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage or irritation, respiratory/skin sensitization, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, germ cell mutagenicity, specific target organ toxicity, and aspiration hazards.
- Environmental Hazards: GHS also provides classifications for hazards to the environment, particularly hazards to aquatic organisms and ecosystems
Pictograms
Pictograms are visual identifiers that will help employees readily recognize general hazard categories of chemicals. Pictograms feature a black hazard graphic on a white background inside a red diamond. A chemical can have multiple pictograms based on its hazard characteristics.
Hazard Statements
Hazard Statements describe the nature of the hazard (s) and the degree of the hazard for a chemical. A chemical may have multiple hazard statements. Each
hazard statement starts with letter “H" and defined by OSHA with an assigned 3-digit number. Hazard statements can be physical, health, or environmental.
Precautionary Statements
Precautionary Statements alert employees to actions they must take to protect themselves from hazards associated with chemicals. Each precautionary statement is defined by OSHA and assigned a number. Precautionary statements cover prevention, response, storage and disposal of chemicals.
Signal Word
Signal Word Indicates the relative severity of the hazard. "Danger" is used for more severe hazards, while "Warning" is used for less severe hazards.
Chemical Labels
GHS uses standardized label elements to communicate chemical hazards clearly. A GHS-compliant label may contain:
- Product Identifier: Identifies the chemical or product.
- Supplier Information: Provides information about the manufacturer, importer, or responsible supplier.
- Signal Word: Danger or Warning.
- Hazard Statements
- Precautionary Statements
- Pictograms
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
An important component of HazCom is the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The SDS provides detailed information about a hazardous chemical and is organized into a standardized 16-section format. Information includes first-aid measures, firefighting measures, accidental-release measures, handling and storage requirements, exposure controls and personal protection, physical, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, and other safety-related information.
Labeling Laboratory Synthesized Chemicals
Under the GHS, all chemical mixtures and compounds made in the laboratory will be required to have the following elements:
- Name, address and telephone number of person or company that prepared the mixture or compound
- Product identifier (name or chemical formula)
- Signal word, if applicable
- Danger (more severe)
- Warning (less severe)
- Hazard statements
- Precautionary statements
If you need assistance to identify the correct signal word, hazard statement, precautionary statement or pictogram, please contact your
Safety and Health Specialist
Other Chemical Hazard Labeling Systems, NFPA and HMIS
- NFPA NFPA 704 (National Fire Protection Association): Uses a four-color diamond to provide quick hazard information. Blue = Health, Red = Flammability, Yellow = Instability/Reactivity, and White = Special Hazards. Hazard severity Ratings range from 0 (minimal hazard) to 4 (severe hazard).
- HMIS (Hazardous Materials Identification System): It uses colored bars: Blue = Health, Red = Flammability, Orange = Physical Hazard, and White = Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Hazard severity ratings generally range from 0 (minimal) to 4 (severe).
GHS numerical hazard ratings are the opposite of NFPA and HMIS. GHS: lower number indicates higher hazard; NFPA/HMIS: higher number indicates higher hazard.
The following resources will help you learn more about GHS and HazCom
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Biological Safety and Safety Lab Equipment
Below are some links that you may find useful in addition to the
DS biosafety website. If you need more specific information or help, please contact your
IC Safety and Health Specialist.
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Additional Information
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Emergency Procedures
Use the links below to help familiarize yourself with NIH emergency procedures. Speak with your PI about lab specific emergency procedures.
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OSHA and Lab Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several laws and guidance documents that pertain to laboratory workers. The links below are a compilation of some of the pertinent resources from OSHA:
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