STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Purpose

The Lab Standard requires operating procedures relevant to safety and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals.  This Plan represents a minimum set of guidelines for UK laboratories handling hazardous chemicals. 

 

Background

The Lab Standard is intentionally vague about SOPs. Individual administrative units, laboratories or research groups are required to develop more detailed procedures as the situation arises.  These procedures must be written, added to the laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan, and made available to Laboratory Workers. To assist in the development of SOPs Form IV can be used.  Acceptable lab safety references such as those listed in the OSHA Lab Standard may be adopted in whole or may be useful in developing additional procedures.  In all situations, individual faculty or staff will be responsible for enforcing adequate safety and hygiene measures in laboratories they supervise.  If necessary, additional assistance from Environmental Health and Safety is available.

Hierarchy of Defense

To protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals there is a hierarchy of defense. At the top of the hierarchy are engineering controls.  Engineering controls consist of general room ventilation and most notably in laboratories, fume hoods.  The second is work practice/administrative controls and finally, personal protective equipment (PPE).   It is imperative that all lab personnel know what PPE is appropriate for all operations in the lab, what work practices are to be followed and then to understand how the engineering controls work.

The following standard operating procedures apply to all labs at the University. Your lab may require additional requirements as determined by a hazard evaluation.

Personal Protective Equipment

Attire Proper attire must be worn in the laboratory. All lab personnel must be wearing a lab coat when there is active work being done with hazardous materials such as biologicals, chemicals, radiologicals and physical hazards. Legs and feet must be covered, i.e. no open toed shoes.  Legs must be covered to at least ankle length.  Nylon hoses and tights are not considered appropriate attire.  Loose clothing and long hair must be confined.  Additionally, to enter the lab, eye protection must be worn.  This includes all laboratory personnel as well as visitors.  PPE must be left in the laboratories and not worn in public areas. Modification to this attire policy can be requested by contacting Occupational Health and Safety at 257-1376.

Eye Protection It is University of Kentucky policy that any University personnel including Students, Faculty, Staff and visitors shall wear appropriate safety glasses at all times when work is being conducted in the lab with hazardous materials as determined by the Assessment Chart and Hazardous Waste Identification Chart Index. The wearing of contact lenses in labs has been a controversial issue.  Most research has shown there is no greater risk when wearing contact lenses.  Contact your optometrist or ophthalmologist for additional questions.

Face Shields Full-face shields must be worn when conducting a procedure where splashing of corrosive or injurious material is a potential.  Face shields must be worn when working with >4 liters of corrosive liquid.  Full-face shields with bottom caps to protect under the chin are preferred due to the tendency to raise the chin when a splash occurs.

Footwear All footwear must cover the entire foot, be slip resistant and be made of impermeable material (e.g. leather).  Perforated shoes do not provide adequate protection against spilled materials.

Gloves Most laboratories will require more than one type of glove material.  Latex examination gloves are not meant to provide protection from chemicals and should not be used in labs for this purpose. Nitrile is a good all-purpose glove material and has less of an issue for allergic reactions.  Appendix IV offers some generic information for glove selection. Your glove supplier can also provide information. When working with highly hazardous chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, specific glove testing information should be obtained from the manufacturer. Written information needs to be provided to all lab workers preferably in the form of an SOP, Form IV. Occupational Health and Safety (257-2924) can provide additional assistance in appropriate selection.

Gloves shall not be worn in halls or public areas.  When samples are transferred through general use areas, a secondary container is recommended.  If a sample must be carried by hand, glove one hand to hold a protected sample.  The ungloved hand shall be used to open doors or push elevator buttons.  In the lab be aware of using common equipment with gloved hands such as computers and phones.

Lab Coats and Aprons

The primary purpose of a lab coat is to protect against splashes and spills.  A lab coat shall be nonflammable, where necessary.  A lab coat should fit properly and should be easily removed.  Lab coats shall be buttoned when in use.  Lab coats shall be clean.  If a coat becomes contaminated remove immediately.  Lab coats shall never be taken home to be laundered. A lab coat can be laundered in a work-related on-site washer and dryer.  Also, a laundry service, typically handled by the department, can be used.  Contact your supervisor if you have questions.

If working with flammable materials, such as pyrophorics, a flame-resistant lab coat is required. 

Rubber coated aprons may be needed for work with corrosive chemicals, depending on the specific tasks to be done. 

The chart below can help establish the appropriate lab coat needed in the lab.

Task	Material Needed
General Lab Work	100% Cotton Lab coat
>4  Liters of Corrosive Material	Rubber Coated apron
Pyrophoric Materials	Flame resistant lab coat

Respiratory Protection

The use of some substances may require respirators.  See Chapter 4 for a discussion of "Controlling Chemical Exposures". Any use of respiratory protection in the lab requires prior approval from OHS. Please contact the Institutional Chemical Hygiene Officer.

HAZARD ASSESSMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL LABORATORY OPERATIONS

Hazard	Personal Protective Equipment Required
	Eye	Face	Hand/Skin/ Body
Any laboratory use of chemicals	Safety glasses always		Lab coat
Use of corrosive chemicals, strong oxidizing agents, carcinogens, mutagens, etc.	Chemical splash goggles	Full face shield and goggles (for work with >4 liters of corrosive liquids)	Resistant gloves (See Appendix VI for chemical resistance of common glove materials)   Impervious lab coat, coveralls, apron, protective suit (for work with >4 liters corrosive liquids)
Temperature extremes	Safety glasses always		Insulated gloves for handling ovens, furnaces, cryogenic baths, and other devices over 100° C or below -1° C
Sharp objects (broken glass, insertion of tubes or rods into stoppers)	Safety glasses always		Heavy cloth barrier or leather gloves

 

Work Practice and Administrative Controls

Authorized Access The laboratory supervisor must restrict access to laboratories.  If the lab is not attended the entry door should be locked.  Children (under age 17) are not allowed in laboratories except as authorized by the laboratory supervisor for an officially sanctioned activity (e.g. class or open house).  Pets are also prohibited from laboratories.

Broken Glassware Broken glassware cannot be disposed of in the regular garbage. It should be placed in a box with a plastic liner so that no shards can present a hazard when disposing of the entire container. Do not overfill the container; keep it under 30 pounds.

Chemical Handling Encourage the use of poly coated bottles or use bottle carriers for transporting chemicals that are in regular glass containers. Close caps securely and avoid storing chemical containers in hard to reach areas. Pour chemicals carefully, and never add water to concentrated acid.  Metal containers and non-conductive containers (e.g., glass or plastic) holding more than five gallons must be grounded when transferring flammable liquids.

Chemical Inventory An annual updated chemical inventory is required for all laboratories on campus.  The University is using the Chematix Chemical Management Software system. Please see Form II for more information. For questions please notify Robert Thomas 257-4016.  

Chemical Spills and Accident Response As a matter of policy, University personnel should handle their own small spills and releases.  For emergency situations i.e., large spills and leaks, evacuate and call 911 (Campus Police) from a safe location.  See Chapter 11, Planning for Emergencies for more information.

Chemical Storage A chemical is considered to be in storage when the chemical is not in active use.  A chemical in storage should be stored in appropriate container such as a glass or plastic container with a secure tight-fitting lid.  Round bottom flasks are not considered proper storage containers.  Parafilm and aluminum foil are not considered to be secure lids.

Chemicals should be stored by compatibility, not simply by alphabetical arrangement.  Oxidizers should be separated from organics, air/water reactives must be kept dry and cyanides should be stored away from acids. (See Appendix V for examples of incompatible chemicals).

Flammable liquids including hazardous waste shall be limited to 10 gallons per 100 ft2.  Half that amount must be in a flammable storage cabinet.  Please review fact sheet at https://ehs.uky.edu/fire/flstpol1.html.

Cold Storage of flammables in a refrigerator are prohibited unless it is approved for such storage.  Such refrigerators are designed not to spark inside the refrigerator.  If refrigerated storage is needed, choose either a flammable safe or explosion proof refrigerator.  More information about the different types of refrigerators can be found at the following web page, https://ehs.uky.edu/docs/pdf/ohs_refrigerators.pdf.

Peroxide forming chemicals shall be labeled when received and opened, then disposed of by the manufacturer’s recommendation or within a specified time as discussed here: https://www.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/Peroxide%20Former%20Guideline_0.pdf .

Containers Check the integrity of containers and if damaged or leaking, transfer to an acceptable container or call Environmental Management for assistance (323-6280).  For disposal, complete an E-Trax waste pickup request and submit to Environmental Management.  Observe chemical compatibility; for example, hydrofluoric acid must not be stored in glass and some oxidizers should not be stored in plastic containers.

Cylinder Handling and Storage: https://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/cgc2.html

General Transport of Cylinders

• Transport cylinders by hand truck, do not roll, drag, or slide cylinder
• Secure cylinder to hand cart
• Move cylinders with valve caps in place
• Move extremely toxic chemicals (e.g. hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, and arsine) during off hours if possible

General Storage of Cylinders

• Secure cylinders to a wall or immovable object always
• Secure cylinders upright, with either a valve cap or gauge on the cylinder
• Store cylinders in a well-ventilated area
• Separate empty and full cylinders
• Secure cylinders according to compatibilities

General Use of Cylinders

• Match regulator with the cylinder
• Use the appropriate tubing
• Use appropriate PPE when needed

Other Considerations

• Contact manufacture for information on use and compatible materials
• Cylinders must be added to UK’s chemical inventory system, Chematix: https://etrax.chematix.com/Chematix/more details on page 112)
• For storage and use of flammable gasses, contact the Fire Marshal, 257-6326.

Disposal of Waste It is important to segregate waste.  To request pickup of hazardous, biohazardous or chemical waste, call Environmental Management at 323-6280 or complete an E-Trax waste pickup request (https://etrax.chematix.com/Chematix/). Disposal of all laboratory waste must follow the procedures specified by Environmental Management: https://ehs.uky.edu/env/waste_management.php.  To request pickup of radioactive wastes, contact Radiation Safety at 323-6780.

The Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan is a useful reference guide regarding Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan areas that accumulate hazardous waste (Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAA’s).   This plan also outlines Emergency Action Plans (BEAP) involving hazardous waste: https://ehs.uky.edu/env/media/contingency-plan-quick-reference-guide.pdf.

Door View Panel Laboratory door view panel should not be covered.

Electrical Policy Extension cords shall not be used as permanent wiring.  Only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed surge protectors that are ground and have a built-in 15-amp circuit may be used.   For more information regarding UK’s Electrical Policy: https://ehs.uky.edu/fire/electrical.html.

Equipment Use proper equipment that is in good condition. For example, never use chipped or cracked glassware. Never modify electrical equipment outside of the manufacturer’s specification.  Use flammables with only approved equipment such as blenders.  Flammables that require cooler temperatures for storage should be put in specific refrigerators/freezers.  One is referred to as flammable safe and has no exposed ignition sources inside the cabinet, such as lights or switches that could ignite vapors.  These are less expensive than the explosion-proof refrigerators/freezers and would be adequate in most lab applications.  The other type of refrigerator/freezer is referred to as explosion-proof. This type may be required in rare circumstances for hazardous locations.  Explosion-proof or spark-proof units have no interior or exterior ignition sources and are considerably more expensive.  For more information on selection of a flammable safe or explosion proof refrigerator, refer to the Cold Storage section on the previous page.

Food, Drink, Cosmetics Eating, drinking and the application of cosmetics (including lip balm) are forbidden in areas where hazardous chemicals, biohazards and radioactive materials are used.  These activities must be in designated, well defined non-chemical areas that are separated from the lab area by physical barriers such as partitions or filing cabinets. A line on the floor will not be considered adequate separation. Consumables must not be placed in the same refrigerator as chemicals, biohazards, or radioactive material.

Glass Tubing When inserting tubing into stoppers, lubricating tubing as well as wearing gloves or wrapping in a thick cloth will help to protect hands from being cut in the event of the tubing slipping and breaking.

Hazardous Materials Hazardous materials should not be used on open laboratory benches.

Headphones/Earphones These listening devices are acceptable as long as the volume is not too loud.  The wearer of these devices must have the volume low enough so that they are able to carry out a normal conversation.  Normal laboratory operations as well as alarms, (fume hood, fire, etc.) should be heard when the listening devices are in use.

Horseplay Practical jokes or other inappropriate and unprofessional behavior in the laboratory setting is forbidden.  Avoid distracting or startling any other workers.

Housekeeping Exits, aisles and safety equipment must NOT be obstructed in any way with equipment, furniture, etc.  No items can be stored in the corridors.  For questions related to the use of corridors, exits, or other Fire Marshal issues, contact the Fire Marshal’s office (257-6326).

Labeling All chemical containers must be labeled.  All labels must be legible, in English and include chemical/product name (chemical formulas alone are not acceptable) and relevant hazards.  Labels on incoming containers must not be removed or defaced.  Peroxide forming chemicals shall be labeled when received and opened, then disposed of by the manufacturer’s recommendation, or within a specified time as discussed here: https://www.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/Peroxide%20Former%20Guideline_0.pdf.

Waste chemical containers must be clearly marked as “Hazardous Waste” indicating the specific name of the waste chemical(s), rough percentage(s), and hazard class (e.g., flammables, oxidizers, carcinogen, etc.).  Contact OHS or Environmental Management for hazardous waste labels. Do not date waste containers until they are full and ready for pickup.

Reaction intermediates should be labeled.  These chemicals shall be assumed as hazardous and subject to the Chemical Hygiene Plan.   To ensure compliance, label the container with as much information as possible such as parent compounds, any potential hazards and health effects. 

LABORATORY DOOR SIGN Each laboratory door must be legibly marked with the following information:

1.        Room number

2.        Department

3.        Laboratory Supervisor's name

4.         Emergency contacts, including names, office location, and office and emergency telephone numbers

5.         Special hazards/instructions (e.g. location of large quantities of flammables or the presence of a "local alarm" system)

 

Use the Bioraft Door Sign Function to create your LABORATORY DOOR SIGN

Mercaptans To avoid false reporting of natural gas leaks, the Physical Plant department should be contacted when mercaptans are used in a laboratory in such a manner that persons outside of the laboratory could smell the mercaptan and suspect a natural gas leak in the building. Please review the fact sheet at https://ehs.uky.edu/docs/pdf/ohs_mercaptans.pdf If a natural gas leak occurs, the building should be evacuated, and the proper authorities should be notified.  For more information about the emergency response procedures for natural gas, please view the following website: https://ehs.uky.edu/fire/natgas.html.   

Mouth Pipetting Mouth pipetting is forbidden.

No Smoking This policy exists throughout the University and applies in all laboratories.

Open Flames on Benchtop Whenever possible, open flames should be replaced by electrical heating.  Prior approval is needed if open flames are to be used in the laboratory.

Open Lab Designs When working in an open lab design, such as the Biomedical Biological Sciences Research Building (BBSRB), noise should be kept to a minimum.  Be aware that neighbors cannot simply close the lab door to reduce the noise.  Sound attenuating devices should be used for noise producing bench top equipment, such as sonicators.

Pregnant Laboratory Workers If a worker is pregnant or is planning to become pregnant, (OHS) can provide guidance for working with reproductive toxins.  More information can be found at the following website: https://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/pregnant.php.

Perchloric Acid Contact OHS at 257-3242 for prior approval before initiating work with perchloric acid heated above ambient temperature or above 72% concentrations. It will give off vapors that can condense and form explosive perchlorates.  Hence, when heating perchloric acid above ambient temperature, a specifically designed and dedicated perchloric acid Laboratory chemical hood with a wash down system or a local scrubbing or trapping system must be used.

Personal Hygiene Hands should be washed frequently throughout the day, before leaving the lab, after contact with any hazardous material, and before eating, drinking, smoking, and applying make-up or lip balm.

Personal Use of Chemicals Laboratory workers are not allowed to remove chemicals from the lab for personal use.

Piranha Solution Contact OHS at 257-3242 for prior approval before initiating work with Piranha Solution. Waste containers for Piranha Solution must be closed with a vented cap.  Caps can be obtained from Environmental Management.

Pyrophoric/Water Reactive Chemicals

Special precautions need to be made when working with these compounds.   A written standard operating procedure (SOP) must be done when any of these chemicals are used in the laboratory. 

Recapping of Needles Recapping of hypodermic needles is prohibited in the laboratory.  If recapping is required, contact OHS for prior approval.

Unattended Experiments Frequently, laboratory operations are carried out continuously or overnight.  For experiments involving hazardous operations, it is essential to plan for interruptions in utility services such as electricity, water, and inert gas.  Operations are to be safe and plans made to avoid hazards in case of failure.  If necessary, arrangements for routine inspection of the operation can be made and, in all cases, the laboratory lights should be left on and an appropriate sign posted on the door.

Vacuum pumps and vacuum lines Exhaust from vacuums shall be vented through the fume hood or equipped with local exhaust. Vacuum lines leading from an experimental procedure shall always be equipped with traps to prevent contamination of vacuum equipment or house lines. Traps shall be evaluated for appropriateness and special safety precautions instituted if needed.

• Particulates: determine size range being generated and choose capable filtration

• Aqueous non-volatile: in most cases a filter flask at room temperature will prevent liquids from contaminating a vacuum source
• Solvent or other volatile liquids: choose a cold trap that is large enough and cold enough to condense vapors plus a filter flask large enough to hold all possible liquids that could be aspirated. Avoid using liquid nitrogen if possible. Liquid nitrogen should only be used in sealed or evacuated equipment and with extreme caution. Liquid oxygen can form if proper procedures are not followed. For most applications, a slurry of dry ice and isopropanol or ethanol can be used.
• Corrosive, highly reactive or toxic gases: a sorbent canister or scrubber shall be used that can trap the contaminant.

Waste Anesthetic Gas (WAG) Make sure that proper procedures are followed when using vaporizers and scavenging systems during animal surgeries.  A fact sheet regarding safe use of Isoflurane can be found here: https://research.uga.edu/docs/policies/compliance/oacu/UGA-IACUC-Isoflurane-Guidelines.pdf.

Working Alone When working with acutely hazardous materials, it is advisable to have a second person present, or at a minimum, maintain surveillance via telephone contact.

Engineering Controls

Laboratory Chemical Hood and Other Engineering Controls See Chapter 5, “Laboratory Chemical Hoods and Other Engineering Controls.”

Safety Shower/Eyewashes Safety showers and/or eyewashes are required in labs where corrosive chemicals are used.  PPD is charged with testing the eyewashes and shower units.  A log of those checks can be obtained by contacting PPD.

Laboratory personnel should be familiar with using an eyewash or safety shower.  Training for proper use can be found at the following website: https://ehs.uky.edu/classes/classes_ohs_0001.php#emergency_eyewash.  

If operations in the lab require safety procedures greater than what is outlined above, please insert or reference the location of lab specific SOPs here. For the SOP template consult Form IV.