Certified OSHA Laboratory Safety Specialist Course (COLSS)

More than 500,000 workers are employed in laboratories in the U.S. The laboratory environment can be a hazardous place to work, as laboratory workers are exposed to numerous potential hazards, including chemical, biological, physical, and radioactive hazards, as well as musculoskeletal stresses. Laboratory safety is governed by numerous local, state, and federal regulations. Over the years, OSHA has promulgated rules and published guidance to make laboratories increasingly safe for personnel.

Several primary OSHA standards apply to laboratories, in addition to other OSHA standards that cover various aspects of laboratory activities. The Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) was created specifically for non-production laboratories.