Cal/OSHA requires standard operating procedures (SOPs) be established for work with hazardous chemicals. This requirement is stated in the 8 CCR §5191(Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, “Laboratory Standard”) under the provisions of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. SOPs document the laboratory-specific procedures for the safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Principal investigators and laboratory supervisors are responsible for establishing SOPs relevant to health and safety for laboratory activities involving hazardous chemicals under their direction. All lab personnel, who perform hazardous operations, need to document that they have read and understand all SOPs relevant to their research. New students/employees must be given hands-on training for hazardous operations which should include all relevant SOPs.
Chemicals classified as “Particularly Hazardous Substances” have additional SOP requirements. Particularly Hazardous Substances include (but is not limited to) acutely toxic chemicals, reproductive toxins and “select carcinogens." For these materials specific consideration shall be given to the following elements, which shall be included where appropriate:
- Establishment of a designated area;
- Use of containment devices such as fume hoods or glove boxes;
- Procedures for safe removal of contaminated waste; and
- Decontamination procedures.
All control banded templates have been prepared under direction from the UC San Francisco Chemical and Environmental Safety Committee. Please contact the Assistant Chemical Safety Officer to obtain SOP templates and assistance in developing laboratory-specific SOPs or determining whether a chemical is suitable for inclusion in a control band. Additional templates are under development and should be available soon.