WORKING WITH HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN THE LAB

SUGGESTED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

The following generic standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been developed relevant to safety and health considerations when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals. Laboratories should develop written SOPs for work area specific operations. Standard operating procedures should be read and signed by all affected employees. Please supplement these SOPs with information specific to your lab practices and procedures on the extra pages provided at the end.

Please note: "Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories" (National Research Council, 1981) was used as the basis for these guidelines.

Principal Investigator____________________________________________ Phone #____________________

Department________________________________ Room # and Bldg._______________________________

Signatures Certifying Review of SOP Contents:

Signature___________________________________________ Date________________________________

These Standard Operating Procedures were established/revised/reviewed by Principal Investigator:

Signature___________________________________________ Date________________________________

Developed by Wayne State University Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEH&S), 577-1200.

General Safety Principles:

The following guidelines have been established to minimize hazards and maintain basic safety in the lab.

Know the hazards associated with the materials being used. Carefully read the label before using an unfamiliar chemical and review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any special handling information. Determine the potential hazards and use appropriate safety precautions before beginning any new operation. Keep MSDSs received on file with your Chemical Hygiene Plan. All MSDSs are available through OEH&S.
Know the location of the lab's copy of the University Chemical Hygiene Plan Reference Guide and any other relevant safety documentation.
Be familiar with the location of emergency equipment - fire alarms, fire extinguishers, eye wash and shower stations, and know the appropriate emergency response procedures.
Avoid distracting or startling other workers when they are handling hazardous chemicals.
Always be alert to unsafe conditions and actions and call attention to them so that corrective action can be taken as quickly as possible.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment; lab coat, eye protection and gloves.
Use equipment and hazardous chemicals only for their designed purposes.
Always inspect equ ipment for leaks, tears and other damage before handling a hazardous chemical. This includes fume hoods, gloves, goggles, etc.
Make sure that all chemicals are correctly and clearly labeled. Post warning signs when hazards such as radiation, laser operations, flammable materials, biological hazards and other special problems exist.
Never smell or taste a hazardous chemical.

Health and Hygiene:

The following practices have been established to protect laboratory employees from health risks associated with the use of hazardous chemicals:

Know the types of protective equipment available and use the proper type for each job to avoid direct contact with any hazardous chemical.
Confine long hair and loose clothing and always wear footwear which fully covers the foot. Do not wear shorts in the lab.
Never mouth pipette a chemical.
Use appropriate safety equipment whenever exposure to gases, vapors or aerosols is suspected, and ensure exhaust facilities are working properly.
Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling any chemical, before leaving the lab and before eating or drinking.
Contact lenses should not be worn when using hazardous chemicals.
Replace personal protective equipment whenever necessary.
Laboratory employees shall be familiar with the symptoms of exposure for the chemicals with which they work and the precautions necessary to prevent exposure.

Food and Drink in the Laboratory:

The following is an example of a policy on food and drink in laboratories:

"There shall be no food, drink, smoking or applying cosmetics in laboratories which have hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials or biohazardous materials present. There shall be no storage, use or disposal of these 'consumable' items in laboratories (including refrigerators within laboratories). Rooms which are adjacent, but separated by floor to ceiling walls, and do not have any chemical, radioactive or biohazardous agents, present, may be used for food consumption, preparation, or applying cosmetics at the discretion of the principal investigator."

Housekeeping:

Safety follows from good housekeeping practices. Use the following guidelines to maintain a neat lab:

Keep work areas clean and uncluttered with chemicals and equipment. Clean up work areas upon completion of an operation or at the end of each work day, including floors.
Dispose of waste according to the University guidelines, using the proper labels and tags.
A separate waste receptacle must be designated for non-contaminated glass. Ensure that this container is labeled while in use and when being prepared for disposal.
Clean spills immediately and thoroughly. Call OEH&S for assistance with cleaning up chemical spills and for all mercury spills. If chemical spill kits are available in your lab, ensure that all employees know how to use them properly.
Keep a chemical inventory of all chemicals in your lab, especially highly toxic materials.
Record incoming chemicals and record the date and name of the responsible person on the container. Discard of old or unused chemical by arranging a waste pick-up through OEH&S.
Do not block exits, emergency equipment or controls or use hallways and stairways for storage.
Assure hazardous chemicals are properly segregated into compatible categories.

Chemical Handling and Storage:

The decision to use a hazardous chemical should be a commitment to handle and use the chemical properly from initial receipt to disposal.

Information on proper handling, storage and disposal should be made available to all laboratory employees prior to the procurement of the chemical.
Always purchase the minimum amount necessary to maintain operations.
Chemicals with missing or defaced labels or that violate appropriate packaging regulations should not be accepted.
Chemicals utilized in the laboratory must be appropriate for the laboratory's ventilation system.
Chemicals should not be stored on high shelves and large bottles should be stored no more than two feet from ground level.
Chemicals shall be segregated by compatibility. Once segregated into compatible hazard classes, chemicals may be arranged alphabetically.
Chemical storage areas must be labeled as to their contents.
Storage of chemicals at the lab bench or other work areas shall be limited to those amounts in the smallest increment necessary.
Any chemical mixture shall be assumed to be as toxic as its most toxic component.
Substances of unknown toxicity shall be assumed to be toxic.
Use the fume hood for operations which might result in the release of toxic chemical vapors or dust. It is good practice to use a hood for any substance with has a PEL of 50 ppm or less. This information is available on the chemical's MSDS.
Employees must know how to access MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.

Unattended Operations:

At times, it is necessary to leave a laboratory operation without supervision. Follow the basic guidelines below in such a situation:

Plan for interruptions in electric, water, inert gas and other services and provide for containment for toxic substances, should utility services fail.
Make arrangements for routine inspection of operations.
Always leave the laboratory lights on and leave an appropriate sign on the lab entranceway.

Working Alone:

Avoid working alone whenever possible, especially when carrying out a potentially hazardous operation. Should it prove to be absolutely necessary, make arrangements to cross-check with other employees working in other laboratories, or have public safety personnel check periodically.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR WORKING WITH HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

The Laboratory Standard defines a hazardous chemical as any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds which is a physical hazard or a health hazard. Specific definitions for each of these substances is in Appendix VIII of the University Chemical Hygiene Plan Reference Guide.

Physical Hazards

"Physical hazard" refers to a chemical for which there is evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water reactive. Materials which present a physical hazard can be safely used if the specific hazard(s) are understood, and measures are taken to address the hazards. If appropriate precautions are not taken, a fire, explosion, unwanted corrosion, personal injury, or property damage could occur.

Certain chemicals cannot be safely mixed or stored with other chemicals because a severe reaction can take place or an extremely toxic reaction product can result. See Appendix VII of the Chemical Hygiene Plan Reference Guide for a list of incompatible chemicals.

Special Precautions for Working with Flammables and Combustibles:

Eliminate ignition sources such as open flames, smoking materials, hot surfaces, sparks from welding or cutting, operation of electrical equipment, and static electricity.
Minimize the quantity kept in the work area.
Store in approved flammable liquid containers (safety cans) and storage cabinets, or in a special storage room designed for that purpose. Store away from all oxidizers. Label all storage containers or areas with a "Flammable" sticker.
Flammable liquids stored in glass containers shall not exceed 1 quart. Exception: For conditions where chemical purity must be protected, flammable liquids stored in glass containers shall not exceed 1 gallon.
Refrigerators and freezers used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids must have no internal sources of ignition (explosion-safe).
Assure there is proper bonding and grounding when it is required, such as when transferring or dispensing flammable liquids from a large container or drum. Assure bonding and grounding is checked periodically.
Assure appropriate sprinkler system and/or fire extinguishers are in the area.

Special Precautions for Working with Corrosives:

Containers and equipment used for storing and processing corrosive materials should be corrosion resistant.
Eye protection and rubber gloves should always be used when handling corrosive materials. A faceshield, rubber apron, and rubber boots may also be appropriate, depending on the task.
When mixing concentrated acids with water, add the acid slowly to water. Never add water to acid. Remember, A comes before W in the alphabet.
Acids and bases should be stored separately from each other. Organic acids should be stored with flammable materials, separate oxidizers and oxidizing acids. Store nitric acid separately.
An eyewash and safety shower must be readily accessible to areas where corrosives are used and stored. In the event of skin or eye contact with corrosives, immediately flush the area of contact with cool water for 15 minutes. Remove all affected clothing and get medical help.

Special Precautions for Working with Oxidizers:

Know the reactivity of the materials involved in an experiment or process. Assure there are no extraneous materials in the area which could become involved in a reaction.
If the reaction can be violent or explosive, use shields or other methods for isolating the materials or the process.
Use the minimum amounts necessary for the procedure. Do not keep excessive amounts of the material in the vicinity of the process.
Store properly, away from organic materials, flammable materials and reducing agents.

Special Precautions for Working with Peroxidizables:

Date all peroxidizables upon receipt and upon opening. Unless an inhibitor has been added by the manufacturer, materials should be properly disposed of after 18 months from the date of receipt or 3 months from the date of opening. Call OEH&S for disposal of expired chemicals.
Do not open any container which has obvious crystal formation around the lid. Call OEH&S.
Other special precautions are similar to those used for flammables.

Special Precautions for Working with Light-Sensitive Materials:

Store light-sensitive materials in a cool, dark place in amber colored bottles or other containers which reduce or eliminate penetration of light.
Date containers on receipt and upon opening, and call OEH&S to dispose of surplus materials after one year if unopened or 6 months if opened.

Special Precautions for Working with Shock-Sensitive or Explosive Materials:

Contact OEH&S when work with shock-sensitive or explosive materials is planned or when it is suspected that the inadvertent formation of shock-sensitive materials has occurred in ductwork, piping, or stored chemicals.
Date all containers of explosive or shock-sensitive materials upon receipt and when opened. Unless an inhibitor has been added, unopened shock-sensitive materials should be discarded within 12 months after receipt, or within 6 months of opening.
Use the minimum amount of materials necessary for a procedure. Keep a minimum amount of material on hand.
If there is a risk of explosion, use barriers or other methods to isolate the materials or process.

Special Precautions for Working with Compressed Gases:

Always use the smallest size cylinder required to perform the work.
Cylinders of compressed gases must be handled as high energy sources.
When storing or moving a cylinder, have the cap securely in place to protect the stem. Use suitable racks, straps, chains, or stands to support cylinders during use, storage or transport.
Use an appropriate cart to move cylinders.
Never bleed a cylinder completely empty. Leave a slight pressure to keep contaminants out.
Oil or grease on the high pressure side of an oxygen cylinder can cause an explosion. Do not lubricate an oxygen regulator or use a fuel gas regulator on an oxygen cylinder.
Always wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields when handling compressed gases.
Always use appropriate gauges, fittings, and materials compatible with the gas being handled.
When work with toxic, corrosive, or reactive gases is planned, contact OEH&S for information on specific handling requirements. Generally, these gases will need to be stored and used with local exhaust ventilation such as a lab hood or a gas cabinet designed for that purpose.

Special Precautions for Working with Cryogens:

Equipment should be kept clean, especially when working with liquid or gaseous oxygen.
Mixtures of gases or fluids should be strictly controlled to prevent formation of flammable or explosive mixtures.
For flammable cryogens the precautions provided under "Flammable/Combustible" materials should be used.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when handling cryogens. If there is a splash or spray hazard, a full face protection, an impervious apron or coat, cuffless trousers, and high topped shoes should be worn. Watches, rings, and other jewelry should not be worn. Gloves should be impervious and sufficiently large to be readily thrown off should a cryogen be spilled. Pot holders could also be used. Respirators may be required if the cryogen is toxic and sufficient local exhaust ventilation is not available. Contact OEH&S if this is the case.
Containers and systems containing cryogens should have pressure relief mechanisms.
Containers and systems should be capable of withstanding extreme cold without becoming brittle.

Health Hazards

"Health hazard" refers to chemicals for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. This term includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes. Consult Appendix VIII of the Chemical Hygiene Plan Reference Guide for complete definitions of each of the following health hazards.

Protection from health hazards is provided by assuring exposure to such hazards is minimized or eliminated. To minimize exposure, it is necessary to determine the route by which the exposure may occur, i.e., inhalation, skin contact, puncture, ingestion, or a combination of exposure routes.

Special Precautions for Working with Embryotoxins and Reproductive Toxins:

Examples include organomercurials, lead compounds, and formamide.

Review each use of embryotoxins with the research supervisor and OEH&S. Review continuing uses annually or whenever a procedural change is made.
Label containers as follows: EMBRYOTOXIN: READ SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR USE.
Store embryotoxins in unbreakable containers or unbreakable secondary containers in a well ventilated area.
Guard against spills and splashes. Appropriate safety apparel, especially gloves, should be worn. All hoods, glove boxes, or other essential engineering controls should be known to be operating properly before work is started.
Notify your supervisor and OEH&S of all incidents of exposure or spills, so that a medical consultation can be arranged.

Special Precautions for Working with Chemicals of Moderate Chronic or High Acute Toxicity:

Examples include diisopropylfluorophosphate, hydrofluoric acid, and hydrogen cyanide.

Consult one of the standard compilations that list toxic properties of known substances and learn what is known about the substance that will be used. Follow the specific precautions and procedures for the chemical.
Use and store these substances only in designated (restricted access) areas placarded with appropriate warning signs.
Use a hood or other containment device for procedures which may result in the generation of aerosols or vapors; trap released vapors to prevent their discharge with fume hood exhaust.
Avoid skin contact by use of gloves, long sleeves and other protective apparel as appropriate.
Maintain records of the amounts of materials on hand, amounts used, and the names of the workers involved.
Be prepared for accidents and spills. Assure that at least 2 people are present at all times if compound in use is highly toxic or of unknown toxicity.
Store breakable containers in chemically resistant trays; also work and mount apparatus above such trays or cover work and storage surfaces with removable, absorbent, plastic backed paper.
If a major spill occurs outside the hood, evacuate the area and call OEH&S for assistance.
Thoroughly decontaminate or dispose of contaminated clothing or shoes. If possible, chemically decontaminate by chemical conversion to a less toxic product.
Store contaminated waste in closed, suitably labeled, impervious containers.

Special Precautions for Working with Chemicals of High Acute Toxicity:

Examples include dimethylmercury, nickel carbonyl, benzo-a-pyrene, N-nitrosodiethylamine, other human carcinogens or substances with high carcinogenic potency in animals.

Conduct all transfers and work in designated (restricted access) areas; a restricted access hood, glove box, or a portion of the lab, designated for use of highly toxic substances, for which all persons with access are aware of the substances being used and the necessary precautions.
Protect vacuum pumps against contamination with scrubbers or HEPA filters and vent effluent into the hood.
Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other contaminated equipment, including glassware, before removing them from the designated area. Decontaminate the designated area before normal work is resumed there.
On leaving the designated area, remove protective apparel (placing it in an appropriate, labeled container) and thoroughly wash hands, forearms, face and neck.
Use a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to decontaminate surfaces. DO NOT DRY SWEEP SPILLED POWDERS.
If using toxicologically significant quantities of a substance on a regular basis (in quantities above a few milligrams to a few grams, depending on the substance, 3 or more times per week), contact OEH&S to evaluate the need for a medical consultation.
Keep accurate records of the amounts of these substances stored and used, the dates of use and the names of users.
Assure that the designated area is conspicuously marked with warning and restricted access signs and that all containers are appropriately labeled with the identity and warning labels (e.g., CANCER-SUSPECT AGENT).
Assure that contingency plans, equipment, and materials to minimize exposures of people and property in case of accident are available.
For a negative pressure glove box, ventilation rate must be at least 2 volume changes/hour and at a pressure of at least 0.5 inches of water gauge. For a positive pressure glove box, thoroughly test for leaks before each use. In either case, trap the exit gases or filter them through a HEPA filter and then release them into a fume hood.
Use chemical decontamination whenever possible; ensure that containers of contaminated waste are transferred from the designated area under the supervision of authorized personnel.

Special Precautions for Working with Chemical of High Chronic Toxicity:

For large scale studies, special facilities with restricted access are preferable.
When possible, administer the substance by injection or lavage instead of in a diet. If administration is in the diet, use a caging system under negative pressure or under laminar air flow directed through HEPA filters prior to discharge.
Devise procedures which minimize formation and dispersal of contaminated aerosols, including those from food, urine, and feces (e.g., use HEPA filtered vacuum equipment for cleaning; moisten contaminated bedding before removal from the cage; mix diets in closed containers in a hood).
When working in the animal room, wear plastic or rubber gloves, fully buttoned laboratory coat or jumpsuit and, if needed because of incomplete suppression of aerosols, other apparel and equipment (shoe and head coverings, respirator).
Dispose of contaminated animal tissues and excreta using approved methods.

LABORATORY SPECIFIC STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

In the following section you should include SOPs specific to the procedures carried out and the chemicals used in your lab. If necessary, please attach additional pages to this section with any other information relevant to health and safety in your lab.

Location of Chemical Hygiene Plan Reference Guide, MSDSs, reference material, etc.

________________________________________________________________________________

List chemicals with a high degree of toxicity, special physical hazard, etc.

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Special Handling Procedures

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Injury/Exposure Response Procedures

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Personal Protective Equipment

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Spill Response Procedures

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Decontamination/Clean-Up Procedures

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Waste Disposal Procedures

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Additional Information (special precautions, handling procedures, etc.)

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For further information please contact:

WSU Office of Environmental Health and Safety
625 Mullett
Detroit, MI 48226
phone (313) 577-1200
fax (313) 961-5603