Standard operating procedures (SOP) are intended to provide you with general guidance on how to safely work with a specific class of chemical or hazard. This SOP is generic in nature. It addresses the use and handling of substances by hazard class only. In some instances multiple SOPs may be applicable for a specific chemical (i.e., both the SOPs for flammable liquids and carcinogens would apply to benzene). If you have questions concerning the applicability of any items listed in this procedure contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (292-1284) or the Principal Investigator of your laboratory. Specific written procedures are the responsibility of the principal investigator. If compliance with all the requirements of this standard operating procedure is not possible, the principal investigator must develop a written procedure that will be used in its place. This alternate procedure must provide the same level of protection as the SOP it replaces. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is available to provide guidance during the development of alternate procedures. A partial list of acutely toxic gases is included in Appendix A of the chemical hygiene plan.
Securing of gas cylinders Cylinders of compressed gases
must be handled as high energy sources. When storing or moving a cylinder,
have the cap
Decontamination procedures Personnel: Wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling acutely toxic gases.
Designated area The room sign for the laboratory must contain a "Designated Areas Within" identifier. All locations within the
laboratory where acutely toxic gases are handled should be demarcated with
designated area caution tape (available from OEHS) and/or posted with designated
area caution signs.
Emergency procedure Emergency procedures which address response actions to fires, explosions, spills, injury to staff, or the development of sign and symptoms of overexposure must be developed. The procedures should address as a minimum the following:
Eye protection Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling acutely toxic gases. Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection. (Contrary to popular opinion these glasses cannot pass the rigorous test for industrial safety glasses.) Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z.87. 1 1989) and must be equipped with side shields. Safety glasses with side shields do not provide adequate protection from splashes; therefore, when the potential for splash hazard exists other eye protection and/or face protection must be worn.
Eyewash Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to acutely toxic gases, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable.
Fume hood Manipulation of acutely toxic gases should typically be carried out in a fume hood. All areas where acutely toxic gases are stored or manipulated must be labeled as a designated area.
Glove (dry) box Some processes involving acutely toxic gases may be performed in a properly vented glove box rather than a fume hood.
Gloves Gloves should be worn when handling acutely toxic gases. Disposable latex or nitrile gloves provide adequate protection against accidental hand contact with small quantities of most laboratory chemicals.
Hazard assessment Hazard assessment should focus on the education of employees concerning the health risk posed by acutely toxic gases, on proper use and handling procedures, the demarcation of designated areas, and emergency evacuation and notification procedures in the event of a spill.
OEHS Notification You should notify the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (292-1284) prior to the initial use of acutely toxic gases. Notification is also required following significant changes in procedures or the quantity of materials used.
Protective apparel Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling acutely toxic gases. The need for additional protective equipment will be determined by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety on a case-by-case basis..
Safety shielding Safety shielding is required any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a highly exothermic reaction. All manipulations of acutely toxic gases which pose this risk should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the lowest feasible position. Portable shields, which provide protection to all laboratory occupants are acceptable.
Safety shower A safety or drench shower should be available in a nearby location where the acutely toxic gases are used.
Signs and labels
Special storage Acutely toxic gases must be stored in a designated area. Special ventilation of the stored cylinders is required and must be approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Continuous monitoring devices which will alert staff of a release of the acutely toxic gas is required for certain gases. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will contact you concerning this requirement after receipt of notification. The quantity of an acutely toxic gas that may be stored in a laboratory will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Special ventilation Manipulation of acutely toxic gases outside of a fume hood will require special ventilation controls in order to minimize exposure to the material. Fume hoods provide the best protection against exposure to acutely toxic gases in the laboratory and are the preferred ventilation control device. Always attempt to handle acutely toxic gases in a fume hood. If your research does not permit the handing of acutely toxic gases in your fume hood you must contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety to review the adequacy of all special ventilation.
Spill response In the event of a escape
of gas alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred. Do not attempt
to handle a spill of
* Office of Environmental Health & Safety 292-1284 * University Police 911 This is a 24 hour service. Remain on the scene, but at a safe distance, to receive and direct safety personnel when they arrive.
Vacuum protection Not applicable
Waste disposal All empty or partially filled
acutely toxic gas cylinders should be returned to the supplier. If the
supplier does not acceptempty or partially filled cylinders, contact the
Office of Environmental Health and Safety concerning disposal.
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Acutely
Toxic Gases