Regular environmental or employee exposure monitoring of airborne concentrations is not usually warranted or practical in laboratories because chemicals are typically used for relatively short time periods and in small quantities. However sampling may be appropriate when a highly toxic substance is used regularly (3 or more separate handling sessions per week), used for an extended period of time (greater than 3 to 4 hours at a time) or used in especially large quantities. Notify the Director of EHS if you are using a highly toxic substance in this manner; see OSHA’s online Chemical Hazard and Toxic Substances topic page (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardoustoxicsubstances/index.html) and Carcinogens topic page (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/carcinogens/standards.html) for more information.
The exposures to laboratory employees who suspect and report that they have been over exposed to a toxic chemical in the laboratory, or are displaying symptoms of overexposure to toxic chemicals, will also be assessed. The assessment will initially be qualitative and, based upon the professional judgment of the Director of EHS and may be followed up by specific quantitative monitoring. A memo, or report, documenting the assessment will be sent to the employees/students involved and their supervisors within fifteen days of receipt of the results. A copy will be stored in a central exposure records file maintained by the Director of EHS.
Individual concerns about excessive exposures occurring in the laboratory should be brought to the attention of your supervisor or the Director of EHS immediately.