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Department of Chemistry Chemistry Life Safety

Developing Site Specific SOPs for hazardous materials

Introduction

For any hazardous material or method used in a lab should follow some sort of SOP on file, from compressed gasses to carcinogens some proper procedure should be in place.  Like in the recent case of University of Hawaii where misuse of a 50L H2/O2 gas mixture left one post-doc without an arm and the lab with $115,500 in fines.  The PI told the student not to continue with the experiment which would have negated liability except it was found they were lacking SOPs for the experiment that led to the accident.

Most of the following can also be found on the CHP SOP page.

When Do you Need a SOP? How do I fill one out?

There are a number of things to keep in mind as you develop an SOP.  More information on the defination and guidelines for a SOPs can be found on the EH&S website. While you’re generating SOPs they should be in line with WSU SPPMs, Washington’s WACs, and RCWs.  EH&S can be consulted if you want to ensure your SOPs comply with state and federal code.  Some common SPPMs you may want to take a look at include; SPPM 4.14 carcinogens, SPPM 4.50 laser safety, SPPM 4.26 Glass disposal, SPPM 4.25 Sharps disposal

Blank word forms have been created by WSU EH&S and can be found on the EH&S website along with a number of partially filled out templates.  More examples can be found on UW’s EH&S page but careful using SOPs from university’s in other states as they may not meet Washington’s WISHA RCWs.

Use of a material which deviates from the current SOP may need a separate SOP or consideration of revising an experiment to meet SOP standards.

Required Sections

The full explanation of required information of a SOP at WSU can be found in the WSU lab safety manual page here. In Summary it should have:

  • Identity of Procedure
  • Identification of hazards
  • Identity of trainer or resource person
  • Location of safety information
  • Required PPE
  • Disposal procedure
  • For particularly hazardous chemicals additional procedures are required including;
    • designated and demarcated working area
    • proper use of containment devices
    • additional information on removing contaminated waste
    • decontamination procedure
    • special storage and handling