All undergraduate students working in any chemical research laboratory must read the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and sign the student's statement. The department or college may opt to have students sign this statement annually or at the beginning of each semester, therefore ensuring that the SOP is reviewed consistently. The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (EOHS) will provide Laboratory and Emergency Response Training when requested.
- PURPOSE
This SOP provides undergraduate researchers with standard operating procedures for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances in chemical laboratories at the University of Akron. Given the limited research and laboratory experience possessed by undergraduate students, this document is intended to be complemented by supervised hands-on training by a qualified person. - SCOPE
This SOP is not a substitute for common sense or any other safety rules specific to laboratory activities formerly instituted by the department and based on the research objectives. It only suggests additional guidelines for undergraduate researchers to work safely in a chemical laboratory. Particular attention should be given to good housekeeping, proper operation of hoods, and the required personal protective equipment. - REGULATORY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Most of the information contained in this SOP will be taken from 29 CFR 1910.1450 referred to as the Chemical Hygiene Plan. This regulation targets chemical laboratories using hazardous substances in a laboratory setting and covers items such as SOP for laboratory operations, control measures for chemicals, maintenance for equipment, training, medical surveillance, and special procedures for high hazard cases. - APPLICABILITY
This document applies to undergraduate students working in any chemical research laboratory. Additional safety measures specific to the department and the nature of the research will complement this document. - STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Undergraduate students working in a chemical laboratory are responsible for:
(a) Developing and demonstrating their competence to perform laboratory tasks.
(b) Adhering to procedures, instructions, and guidance from their supervisors, as well as in this SOP, to carry out their tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
(c) Proper use of the required safety equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat, hoods, shields).
(d) Knowing emergency procedures.
(e) Seeking advice from the instructor or graduate student supervisor when any doubt arises about a procedure, technique, or observation.
(f) Reporting all incidents immediately to their supervisor.
(g) Participating in safety training and departmental safety meetings, when offered. - RESPONSIBILITIES OF RESEARCH SUPERVISORS
All research supervisors are responsible for:
(a) Providing guidance on the safe handling and storage of chemicals.
(b) Periodically reviewing safety procedures for adequacy.
(c) Ensuring that students have read and do understand the SOP.
(d) Reporting any safety violation to the proper authority.
(e) Ensuring that all students comply with safety rules including those of this SOP.
(f) Reporting any major laboratory incident to the proper authority. - HOUSEKEEPING
Good housekeeping must be practiced at all times. The following is the list of suggestions enabling the laboratory to become a neat and pleasant place to work for all students. Remember, you are not the only one using the room and associated equipment. You would like to find it clean, so leave it tidy for the next person.
(a) The laboratory must be kept neat and orderly at all times.
(b) Keep the work area free from unnecessary apparatus, paper, chemicals, waste.
(c) All spills must be cleaned up before continuing work or other tasks.
(d) All paths to exits must be kept clear and unobstructed.
(e) All paths to emergency shower and eyewash areas must remain unobstructed.
(f) Label clearly all chemical containers for easy identification by all.
(g) Rinse broken glassware before disposal into the "Glass Waste" container.
(h) Safely transfer "organic waste" into the proper waste container.
(i) Transfer waste paper, gloves, packing material, wood into the regular waste container.
(j) Clean all your equipment and put it away before leaving.
(k) Clean your work area completely before leaving.
(l) Return all unused chemicals to their proper storage places or to the laboratory cart. - OTHER LABORATORY PRACTICES
(a) Do not store food in the laboratory refrigerator. It is for chemicals only.
(b) Do not eat in the laboratory.
(c) Do not drink in the laboratory.
(d) Do not smoke in the laboratory.
(e) Do not horseplay in the laboratory.
(f) Do not bring visitors in the laboratory.
(g) Do not wear shorts while working in the laboratory.
(h) Do not wear sandals while working in the laboratory.
(i) Do not bring or play a radio in the laboratory. - ACCIDENT AND INJURY PREVENTION
The first rule of self-protection is to be alert at all times to potential hazards in the lab. Make a conscious effort to prevent accidents. Do not assume that others will watch out for you.
(a) Wear your eye protection when working with chemicals.
(b) Handle all chemicals with respect.
(c) Do not allow chemicals to come in contact with your skin or clothing.
(d) Do not inhale or taste chemicals.
(e) Always recheck labels on chemical containers.
(f) Consult your SDS before working with chemicals for safe handling and storage tips.
(g) Do not mix unknown chemicals.
(h) Use your fume hood to prevent inhaling chemicals.
(i) Do not tamper with safety devices such as fire alarms, fume hood alarms or gas monitors.
(j) Do not attempt to repair equipment that you are not qualified to repair. Contact your department's technician for equipment repair and service.
(k) Store left-over chemicals in their original container. Ensure that container labels are legible and intact.
(l) Always be prepared to leave the building when the alarm sounds.
(m) Call 911 for emergencies.
(n) Call 6866 or 7766 for spills.
(o) Know the locations of and how to use the eyewash and the emergency shower. - WASTE DISPOSAL
(a) Each laboratory must have:
1 hazardous waste can for halogenated/nonhalogenated organic waste (5-gal) -- this is the red waste container.
1 hazardous waste can for aqueous waste (5-gal) -- this is the white waste container.
(b) NO ORGANIC waste should be poured down the drain or into the sewer system.
(c) Organic waste should be transferred into the RED waste cans as identified.
(d) Waste cans must be kept closed at all times except when adding waste to them.
(e) Complete a Request for Waste Disposal.
(f) Vacuum pump oil must be kept in a separate container labeled "Waste Oil."
(g) Identify and label all your waste using the IUPAC nomenclature.
Unknown waste or waste without a label will be identified at the cost of $75.00 per container and charged to the research group.
(h) Make sure that the waste generated from your research has been safely disposed.
(i) Only certain aqueous corrosives may be neutralized and poured down an approved lab drain with copious amounts of water. In general, aqueous solutions containing heavy metals may not be poured down the drain. Contact your laboratory supervisor or EOHS if there is any question about suitability for drain disposal. - RADIATION SAFETY
If you are planning to do research involving radiolabelled materials, x-ray generating equipment, or radioisotopes, you must first contact the University's Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) at 972-7766 or EOHS at 972-6866. - BIOHAZARDS
The University is a large quantity generator of infectious waste. All research involving the handling of human tissue or bodily fluids, laboratory equipment associated with infectious agents, sharps and needles, is regulated by the Ohio Department of Health. Contact EOHS at (330) 972-6866 for specific guidelines. - KNOWING YOUR CHEMICALS
(a) Incompatibles
Will react with each other. Acids and Bases such as:
ACIDS: Sulfuric, Hydrochloric, Nitric, Phosphoric, etc. will react with
BASES: Ammonia, Sodium & Potassium hydroxide, etc.
Therefore, incompatible chemicals must be segregated from each other during storage
(b) Shock-Sensitive
Potentially explosive when subjected to shock or friction
Hydrogen Peroxide (above 30%)
Nitro Compounds
Picrates (Nickel, zinc picrate)
(c) Potentially Explosive (organic peroxide formers)
Picric acid, perchloric acid, isopropyl ether, ethyl ether, vinylidene chloride, soda amide, metals (sodium, potassium), cyclopentene, cyclohexene
(d) Water-Reactive
Phosphorous pentoxide, alkali metals, halides of nonmetals (SiC14), inorganic acids (POC13, SO2C12)
(e) Pyrophoric
Metals (A1, Fe, Mn, Ti), Phosphorous, t-butyllithium
(f) Inorganic/Aqueous
Only acids and bases can be sewered after neutralization and with copious amounts of water - MISCELLANEOUS
(a) If you are pregnant, make sure that your doctor is aware of the chemicals used in your work.
(b) If you have health problems associated with diabetes or epilepsy, inform your advisor who must notify EOHS personnel.
(c) Make sure that your laboratory is a neat and clean working space.
(d) Secure or chain all compressed gas cylinders to a stable structure to prevent accidental falls. Cylinders containing flammables must be kept away from oxidizers and potential sparks and stored in an area with good ventilation. Lecture bottles are exempt. Make sure that your vendor can take the compressed gas cylinders back.
The following is a summary of steps to take if you are injured at work:
- Call 911 for any serious or life threatening injury.
- Notify your supervisor immediately. If you are unable to notify your supervisor, call UA Police at (330) 972-2911.
- You will need to have a Sedgwick package with you when you receive your first treatment. (It is a good idea to have several in your lab.)
Human Resources – Benefits Administration
Your Supervisor
Wayne College – Business Office - As soon as possible, complete the First Report of Injury form with your supervisor. This form needs to be delivered to or faxed (330-972-5816) to Benefits Administration. The Benefits office is located in the Administrative Services Building (ASB) at 185 East Mill Street (University office hours Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) This will expedite the process of determining your Workers' Compensation claim allowance.
- You must select a BWC-certified provider for your care. Please contact Benefits Administration for this information (local hospitals and several urgent cares are BWC approved).