EHRS

Access to Employee Exposure Records

The Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS) monitors employee exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents and maintains 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. 

Penn's written Hazard Communication Program is available in the Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS), 3160 Chestnut Street Suite 400/6287.  A library of material safety data sheets (MSDS's) for hazardous chemicals used at the University is maintained 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 MSDS's are also available on the EHRS's website, www.ehrs.upenn.edu/resources/msds/default.html. Copies of MSDS's for non-research areas are also available in the art department offices, UNNICO zone offices and the Facilities Services' stockroom.

Laboratory workers should refer to Penn's Chemical Hygiene Plan, www.ehrs.upenn.edu/programs/labsafety/labsafety_manual.html for additional information concerning the safe handling of chemicals in laboratories.

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