The core of Occupational Safety System Management Systems is hazard analysis and control. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) employs a systematic approach to evaluating hazards and has required hazard reviews for laboratory operations for approximately six years. During this time, thousands of hazard reviews have been performed, using a system based on ANSI Z10 and OHSAS Standard 18001:2007. Using continuous improvement principles, the program has evolved over the years to better serve the laboratory staff. Recently, a web-based application was deployed that is currently used by the majority of NIST laboratories. The major components of NIST's hazard review process and the specific application used by the these laboratories will be described, along with challenges still faced. The systematic evaluation approach required by NIST Directives and facilitated by the web-based application has proven superior to the unstructured assessment approach historically taken. Plans for future improvements to the application will also be described.

Hazard review and approval system at the national institute of standards and technology

251st National Meeting (2016)

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