work areas and to be properly trained to work safely with these substances. This includes custodial and maintenance personnel (support staff) who work to maintain laboratories. All personnel, including principal investigators, laboratory supervisors, laboratory technicians, student workers, and support staff have a responsibility to maintain a safe work environment. All personnel working with chemicals are responsible for staying informed on the chemicals in their work areas, safe work practices and SOPs, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the safe performance of their laboratory work. Laboratory Supervisor Responsibilities The Laboratory Supervisor is the individual that is ultimately responsible for the overall laboratory operation, including the lab safety program and ensuring that the requirements of the CHP are followed by all staff members that work in the lab. For most research laboratories, the Principal Investigator (PI) is the Laboratory Supervisor. In cases where the PI has hired an individual such as a lab manager or postdoctoral scholar to manage the daily operations of the lab, the PI is still ultimately responsible for the overall operation of the lab and is considered to be the Laboratory Supervisor. The Laboratory Supervisor may delegate some safety duties to a qualified individual, but ultimately remains responsible for the safety of all personnel working in the laboratory. Specifically, the Laboratory Supervisor must: Understand applicable environmental health and safety rules, including the contents of the CHP; Identify hazardous conditions or operations in the laboratory and establish SOPs and hazard assessments to effectively control or reduce hazards; Ensure that all laboratory personnel that work with hazardous chemicals receive appropriate training (refer to Chapter 9 for detailed training requirements); Maintain written records of laboratory-specific training (e.g., PPE training); Ensure that appropriate PPE (e.g., laboratory coats, gloves, eye protection, etc.,) and engineering control equipment (e.g., chemical fume hood) are made available, in good working order, and being used properly; Conduct periodic lab inspections and immediately take steps to abate hazards that may pose a risk to life or safety upon discovery of such hazards; and Actively enforce all applicable safety procedures and ensure that the CHP is followed by lab staff and all visitors, including having a progressive disciplinary process for lab staff members that do not comply with safety rules. Laboratory Supervisors must ensure that employees receive CHP training and information before any work with hazardous materials occurs. Laboratory Supervisors must also ensure
Carcinogen, Respiratory Sensitizer, Reproductive Toxicity, Target Organ Toxicity, Mutagenicity Flammable, Pyrophoric, Emits Flammable Gas, Organic Peroxide Irritant, Dermal Sensitizer, Acute Toxicity (harmful), Narcotic Effects Gas Under Pressure Corrosive Explosive, Organic Peroxide, Self-Reactive Oxidizer Environmental Toxicity Acute Toxicity (Severe) Figure 2.2 – GHS Hazard Pictograms GHS labeling requirements are only applicable to chemical manufacturers, distributors, and shippers of chemicals. GHS labeling requirements are not required for chemicals being stored in a laboratory. However, since most chemicals stored in the laboratory have been purchased from a chemical manufacturer, the GHS labeling and pictogram requirements are very relevant and must be understood by laboratory employees. Figure 2.3 illustrates the GHS label format showing the required elements. ACETONE PRODUCT IDENTIFIER Code: HAZARD PICTOGRAMS
Standard Operating Procedure Compressed Gases Print a copy and insert into your Lab-Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan. Section 1 – Lab-Specific Information Department: Date SOP was written: Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor: Principal Investigator: Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager: Lab Phone: Office Phone: Emergency Contact: (Name and Phone Number) Location(s) covered by this SOP: (Building/Room Number) Section 2 – Type of SOP: Process Hazardous Chemical Hazardous Class Section 3 – Physical / Chemical Properties and Uses Physical / Chemical Properties: CAS#: N/A GHS Classification: Gases under pressure, compressed gas (depending on the type of compressed gas, other hazards such as toxicity and/or flammability often apply as well) Molecular Formula: N/A
Flame-resistant (FR) lab coats must be worn and be appropriately sized for the individual and buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of sufficient length to prevent skin exposure while wearing gloves. Personnel should also wear full length pants, or equivalent, and close-toed shoes. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that are occupying the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed. Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly and immediately after handling. Remove any contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Section 6 – Engineering Controls Use of water reactive material must be conducted in an inert atmosphere; use of a glove box is recommended. The chemical fume hood must be approved and certified by REM and have a face velocity between 85 – 125 feet per minute. Section 7 – First Aid Procedures If inhaled: Move into the fresh air immediately and give oxygen. If not breathing give artificial respiration. Seek medical attention immediately. In case of skin contact: Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash any contaminated clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Seek medical attention immediately. In case of eye contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. Seek immediate medical attention and continue eye rinse during transport to hospital. If swallowed: Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek medical attention immediately.
Complete a Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form to arrange for disposal by REM. Call REM at 49-40121 or visit the REM webpage for questions. () Section 12 – Safety Data Sheet (SDS) A current copy of the SDS for nitric oxide must be made available to all personnel working in the laboratory at all times. To obtain a copy of the SDS, contact the chemical manufacturer or REM at 49-46371. Many manufacturers’ SDSs can be found online on websites such as Sigma-Aldrich () or Siri MSDS Index (). Section 13 – Protocol/Procedure (Add lab specific Protocol/Procedure here) NOTE: Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI. Section 14 – Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required) Prior to conducting any work with nitric oxide, designated personnel must provide training to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance, work area decontamination, and emergency procedures. The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer. The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended appropriate laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last one year. I have read and understand the content of this SOP: Name Signature Date