The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a new laboratory standard on occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals in laboratories that applies to museum and private conservation laboratories. The primary emphasis of the OSHA standard is on administrative controls necessary to protect workers from overexposure to hazardous substances in laboratories. This is achieved through a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) which is developed by the employer and implemented by a Chemical Hygiene Officer. The CHP will include standard operating procedures relevant to safety and health, employee training and information, medical consultation and examinations, hazard identification, provision and use of respirators, and record keeping of any measurements of employee exposures and medical consultations or examinations. The standard took effect 1 May 1990, but employers will have until 31 January 1991 to complete a CHP and begin carrying out its provisions.