Section 6. A research laboratory, as defined in section one, shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. In order to qualify a work area of a workplace or a workplace as a research laboratory, an employer shall file a sworn statement with the commissioner of DPH which shall include sufficient information pertaining to the workplace or area and the personnel employed therein to enable the commissioner to determine whether the workplace or work area is qualified for the research laboratory exemption, and assurance that the employer has notified the employees of said workplace or work area that this exemption is being claimed.
If the commissioner fails to receive sufficient information to determine whether a workplace or work area qualifies as a research laboratory, or if the commissioner has reason to believe that the workplace or work area does not qualify as a research laboratory, or that the operation of the workplace or work area for which a research laboratory exemption has been claimed poses a threat to the health and safety of employees employed at that workplace or work area, he shall notify the employer in writing and offer the employer an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to chapter thirty A of the General Laws. If the employer fails to substantiate his claim that a workplace or work area is a research laboratory and that said laboratory is being operated in a manner which does not pose a threat to the health and safety of employees employed at that workplace or work area, the commissioner may issue an order revoking the research laboratory exemption in part, or in its entirety for that workplace or work area. The commissioner of DPH may establish by regulation the conditions under which a research laboratory may retain its exemption. An employer may appeal an order of revocation pursuant to the procedures of chapter thirty A.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Chapter 111f - Hazardous Substances Disclosure by Employers
Section 2 - Administrative Responsibilities; Rules and Regulations; Promulgation
Section 5 - Material Safety Data Sheets; Trade Secret Claims; Disclosure
Section 6 - Research Laboratories; Exemption
Section 7 - Containers; Labels
Section 8 - Material Safety Data Sheets; Preparation; Revision
Section 9 - Material Safety Data Sheets; Obligation to Provide to Purchaser
Section 10 - Material Safety Data Sheets; Mixtures
Section 11 - Material Safety Data Sheets; Employers' Duties; Employee's Right to Examine
Section 14 - Records; Examination; Copying
Section 15 - Instruction on Nature and Effects of Toxic or Hazardous Substances to Employees
Section 16 - Material Safety Data Sheets; Filing Copies
Section 17 - Material Safety Data Sheets; Requests for Copies
Section 18 - Endangerment of Public Health or Safety; Investigation; Findings; Review
Section 19 - Material Safety Data Sheets; Release to Municipal Officials
Section 20 - Material Safety Data Sheets, Release to Treating Physician; Confidentiality Agreement
Section 21 - Disclosure of Information; Public Record; Penalties