Guidelines for Minimizing Toxic Air Contaminant Emissions in Laboratories

Abstract: 

In 1995 the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD, the District) adopted new regulations and formulated a set of Responsible Laboratory Management Practices (RLMPs) designed to minimize the emission of toxic air contaminants (TACs) from laboratory operations.

The University of California, Berkeley, is committed to protecting the local community and the environment and to complying with the laws and regulations governing emissions of TACs. In response to the new requirements, the campus Laboratory Operations & Safety Committee, together with the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S), has developed a program to help laboratories comply with federal, state, and local TAC regulations and incorporate the RLMPs into their work. These guidelines are a part of that program. They are based on federal and state law, BAAQMD regulations, and on the procedures set forth in the National Research Council publication Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals (National Academy Press Washington DC, 1995).

Author: 
Office of Environment, Health & Safety
Publication date: 
July 22, 2008
Publication type: 
Fact Sheet