Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Which organization is responsible for regulating the Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories?

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

4. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

The correct answer is: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the correct answer because it is the federal agency primarily responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions by enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA specifically regulates the exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories through its Hazard Communication Standard and the Laboratory Standard, which set forth requirements for identifying hazardous chemicals, informing employees about these hazards, and ensuring proper safety protocols and practices are in place. Other organizations mentioned have different roles: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health and safety issues, particularly in the context of infectious diseases; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deals primarily with environmental protection regulations, including hazardous waste management, but not specifically laboratory safety; and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates the use of nuclear materials and radiological safety, which is outside the scope of general hazardous chemicals. Thus, OSHA is the designated authority for the regulations concerning occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratory settings.