It is good practice to keep levels of airborne contaminants as low as possible, regardless of established exposure limits. Laboratory and art studio operations must be conducted in a manner that prevents exposure to chemicals above the most stringent exposure limit for the chemical. Laboratory and art personnel must not be exposed to chemical concentrations in excess of the PEL (specified in 29 Code CFR 1910.1000 Subpart Z, OSHA Toxic and Hazardous Substances). Environmental monitoring must be conducted when there is reason to believe that exposure levels for a hazardous chemical exceed the permissible exposure limits (PEL) established by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1000 Subpart Z, OSHA Toxic and Hazardous Substances). Environmental monitoring may be appropriate when modifications to laboratory ventilation equipment are necessary or when Particularly Hazardous Substances are used regularly (three times a week). After a suspected or actual exposure, personnel should contact OLS at (703) 993-8448. safety@gmu.edu.

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious agents, such as HIV and HBV that may be transmitted through contact with human tissue, blood or blood products, other bodily fluids, excreta, or cell culture. The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) stipulates that training on the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens, safe laboratory practices, medical waste management, and emergency procedures is required annually for all those at occupational risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Individuals working in or routinely entering laboratories or clinical settings where bloodborne pathogens or the materials listed above are present must receive bloodborne pathogens training before beginning work. Training must be renewed annually. Personnel whose work requires them to use materials that may contain Bloodborne Pathogens should attend Bloodborne Pathogens Training provided by OLS prior to beginning work and annually thereafter. Contact OLS at (703) 993-8448 if you have any questions.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established 29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory Protection, requires that all individuals who are issued respiratory protection be enrolled in the George Mason University Respiratory Protection Program. Medical evaluations and annual training and fit testing are required as part of this program. Personnel whose work requires the use of respiratory protection (e.g., half face, full face, Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), particulate mask (including N95 or N99)) should contact OLS at (703) 993-8448 prior to beginning work.