STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
1 of 10
Faculty:
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
FSE-02-08
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for
HANDLING, USING, AND STORING OF CHEMICALS
SOP# FSE-02-08
Creation Date:
December 2008
Next Review:
August 2013
Prepared By:
Brad Sheeller
Reviewed By:
DOHS
YORK UNIVERSITY
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
2 of 10
Faculty:
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
1.
FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Introduction/Purpose
Many different chemicals with different associated hazards are used in teaching and research
laboratories. While toxic chemicals pose a direct risk to personal health if handled improperly,
flammable liquids pose a fire risk and the potential for explosion.
2.
Scope
These guidelines are for all faculty, staff and students within the Faculty of Science and
Engineering that handle, use or store chemicals.
3.
Definitions, Abbreviations
Bonding: elimination of electrical potential between two or more objects. This is accomplished by
attaching a conductive wire between the objects to allow a free flow of charge. Bonding does not
eliminate static discharge – it simply allows it to equilibrate.
Combustible Liquids: any liquid that has the ability to burn and has a flashpoint that is at or above
37.8 °C. Combustible liquids are referred to as Class II (flashpoint at or above 37.8 °C but less
than 60 °C) or Class III (flashpoint at or above 60 °C) liquids.
DOHS: Department of Occupational Health and Safety
Flammable Liquid: any liquids which has a flash point of less than 37.8 °C. Flammable liquids are
divided into 3 subclasses as follows:
Class of Flammable Liquid
Class IA
Class IB
Class IC
Flash Point
< 22.8 °C
< 22.8 °C
>22.8 °C
< 37.8 °C
Boiling Point
< 37.8 °C
> 37.8 °C
Examples
acetaldehyde, diethyl ether
acetone, acetonitrile, ethanol, hexane
amyl acetate, butanol, xylene
Flashpoint: the minimum temperature at which a liquid within a container gives off vapour in
sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid. Note, it
is the vapour which ignites, not the liquid.
FSE: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Grounding: a means for continuously discharging a charged object to earth. Unlike bonding,
grounding removes static charge as quickly as it is produced.
LC50: Quantity of toxic material in the air needed to cause death in 50% of the test subjects.
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
PPE: Personal protective equipment
PI: Principal Investigator
WHMIS: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
3 of 10
Faculty:
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
4.
FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Responsibilities and Training
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5.
The Principal Investigator and/or lab supervisor play a key role in the health and safety of
staff and students working in the in their research or teaching facilities. Laboratory
training (including orientation, familiarity with lab rules and lab protocols) may be
delegated by the PI to other experienced staff members. Lab staff and students will also
attend relevant safety training (i.e. WHMIS II, Chemical Handling/Volatile Rooms), and all
such training will be documented.
If a designated substance (Acrylonitrile, Arsenic, Asbestos, Benzene, Ethylene Oxide,
Isocyanate, Lead, Mercury, Silica and Vinyl Chloride) is handled, used or stored, an
assessment must be made. See SOP on Assessing and Controlling Designated
Substance for more information on designated substances.
The Principal Investigator, Lab Supervisor or designate must make sure MSDS have
been kept up to date (not older than 3 years). The MSDS should be placed in a binder
(alphabetically) or kept in a separate folder on a computer (workers must be trained on
how to access MSDS) and a CD back-up must be kept). The MSDS should be in the area
where controlled products are being handled, used or stored. See MSDS Management
Protocol for guidance on MSDS maintenance.
Equipment and Facilities Required
•
Training must be provided on how to properly use all equipment or instruments needed to
perform any lab experiments. A complete list of all equipment required is beyond this
document. Written instructions on the proper use of all equipment are recommended.
Equipment (as applicable)
Cart:
An acceptable cart was a sturdy frame for the material being transported, wheels
in good condition and the platform should have turned up edges.
Fire Extinguisher:
A sufficient fire extinguisher is required, depending on what type of fires
are possible (class A for wood/paper, class B for flammable liquids, class
C for electrical equipment, class D for combustible metals). Most labs are
equipped with an ABC extinguisher.
Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet: No more than 10 litres of flammable & combustible
liquids combined may be stored outside of a storage
cabinet. Of the 10 litres, no more than 5 litres may be
Class I flammable liquids.
Fumehood:
Used to remove toxic and harmful vapours from the user. (see section 8 of
this SOP for details on fumehood maintenance and usage).
Grounding/Bonding wires:
Used to remove electrical potential or static charge from
equipment or containers.
Leak-Proof Safety Bottle Carrier:
A plastic container with lid and handle used to carry
glass bottles of chemicals when outside of the lab. It
both protects the bottle and offers secondary
containment if the bottle breaks.
Chemical Spill Kit: A kit that contains neutralizing agents and an absorbent material. They
may be separate components or an all in one ‘universal’ spill material.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
Faculty:
4 of 10
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
GLOVES
Prevent exposure by protecting
your hands
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Research the best type of glove for your application. Different
gloves give varying levels of protection again different
chemicals.
Have disposable gloves available in all areas where chemicals
will be handled.
Change your gloves if they become heavily contaminated, torn,
or compromised. Do not wash and reuse gloves.
Remove your gloves following the proper removal procedure.
Work from “clean to dirty” to help prevent contamination. For
information on donning/removing gloves properly and handwashing, go to:
www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Glove_Use_Information_Leaflet.pdf
www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/pubhealth/pdf/handwashing_tech.pdf
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Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when
changing or discarding gloves, and when all the work is
completed.
Do not touch your face, or make any other adjustments to your
PPE, particularly once your gloves have become contaminated.
Never touch surfaces outside of the designated lab area. This
includes such things as doorknobs, keyboards and phones.
When walking in hallways, keep one hand gloved to handle
samples, but keep the other ungloved for touching door
handles, elevator buttons etc.
SAFETY GLASSES/GOGGLES
Prevent exposure by protecting
your eyes and face
•
Always wear safety glasses/goggles when handling chemicals.
If there is a danger of material splatter (i.e. liquids) safety
goggles must be worn.
LABCOATS,CLOTHING AND
FOOTWEAR
Prevent skin from becoming
contaminated
RESPIRATOR
Prevent inhalation exposure of
volatile toxic chemicals
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Wear a long-sleeved, fastened lab coat over regular clothing.
Clothing should fully cover any exposed skin.
A shoe that fully covers the foot is required.
•
When using chemicals that are harmful by inhalation and
engineering controls are not effective in controlling exposure
(i.e chemical is not within an exhausted fumehood) a respirator
should be worn.
A respirator fit test must be administered before a respirator is
worn. The fit test is provided by DOHS for York Employees who
need to wear one.
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Facilities
Volatile Chemical Storage Rooms:
There are volatile chemical storage rooms for products
sold in the Farquharson (G105) and Petrie (030H)
Science stores.
These are rooms with exhausted ventilation for container
storage and dispensing, as per the Ontario Fire Code.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
Faculty:
5 of 10
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
6.
FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Storing Chemicals
General Chemical Storage
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Chemicals stored above eye level (keep in mind that not everyone has the same eye
level) should be stored on a shelf with a lip or within an enclosed cabinet.
All chemicals should be stored in a closed container with a proper label.
Any chemicals being stored should have an up to date MSDS near by.
Storing Flammable Chemicals
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Flammable liquids must be stored in an approved flammable storage cabinet. The
cabinet should have the follow label: FLAMMABLE – KEEP FIRE AWAY
The Ontario Fire Code permits a total of 500 litres of flammable and combustible liquids
in closed containers to be stored in an approved flammable storage cabinet of which no
more than 250 litres are of Class I flammable liquids. These volume amounts must take
“waste” liquid/solvent into account as well.
If more than a single flammable storage cabinet is in a room, the total quantity of
flammable and combustible liquids stored in such cabinets must not exceed the total
quantity permitted for a single cabinet.
Do not store flammable chemicals near oxidizers.
Avoid using plastic containers for storing flammable liquids, since plastic is prone to static
electricity but difficult to ground. Use glass bottles or metal pails.
Storing Chemicals in Fridges
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Refrigerated storage used for flammable or combustible liquids must be clearly identified
as such and all electrical equipment within the refrigerator must conform to the Electrical
Safety Code made under the Electricity Act.
Flammable liquids must be kept in a closed container.
The fridge should have a label indicating the types of substances stored within
(i.e. alcohols, fluorinated gases, enzyme assays).
Storing Toxic Chemicals
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7.
Toxic chemicals should be stored within an exhausted, enclosed area.
Avoid storing toxic organic chemicals with inorganic acids.
Highly toxic chemicals should be stored separately from other hazard classes.
Maintain the lowest possible quantities of highly toxic chemicals.
Handling Chemicals
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Users that are handling any chemicals must have received WHMIS II training. Users that
are handling large volumes of chemicals (larger than 4L) must have received Volatile
Room/Chemical Handling training.
Refer to MSDS before transporting, handling or dispensing of chemicals.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
Faculty:
6 of 10
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Transporting Chemicals
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All glass and plastic bottles must be transported through public corridors in an approved
bottle carrier, which is a secondary container capable of holding all materials in the event
of accidental breakage and spills.
When transporting heavy drums or multiple bottles of chemicals you should use a cart.
When transporting chemicals, on a cart, between buildings or over a steep ramp (i.e.
volatile storage rooms), bottles must be contained within a barrier that is at least ½ the
height of the bottle.
Chemicals must be transported in closed containers. This includes chemicals transported
within the laboratory.
Dispensing Flammable Liquids
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All dispensing and collection of flammable liquids in a laboratory must be conducted in a
properly functioning fume hood. Dispensing of flammable liquids inside fume hoods
should be done slowly (no rapid or splash filling) to prevent the accumulation of static
electricity as the liquid is dispensed.
Dispensing of flammable liquids into plastic containers should be avoided since plastic is
prone to static electricity. Use glass bottles or metal pails. Exceptions are the small ‘squirt
bottles’ and the use of a plastic funnel.
When dispensing flammable liquids to or from containers of greater than 5L, the
container must be grounded/bonded. Any conductive containers must be
grounded/bonded via a conductive wire.
Proper bonding and grounding techniques must be in place before dispensing of a
flammable liquid begins.
o The drum must be grounded via a conductive wire to a metal structure (e.g.
metal shelf in Petrie/Farquharson Volatile Storage Rooms).
o A safety can larger than 5L has to then be bonded via a conductive wire to the
flammable liquid drum.
o See illustration below.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
Faculty:
7 of 10
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Using the Volatile Chemical Storage Rooms (030H PSE & G105 FB)
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8.
Chemicals available through Science Stores are stored within the volatile chemical
storage rooms. A key can be signed out from Science Stores.
Before entering volatile rooms, you should have received Volatile Room/Chemical
Handling and WHMIS II training.
To minimize the risk of spillage, all substances which are in glass bottles must be
transported in a safety container or on laboratory carts.
Î If the cart does not have a barrier that is at least ½ the height of the bottle, the
bottles must be transported in or out of the volatile storage room individually.
You should not enter the volatile rooms alone, especially when dispensing solvents or
getting multiple bottles; use the ‘buddy system’.
If the door is shut while you are inside, keep the key in the door to allow others access in
case assistance be needed.
The door may be left open while you are transporting chemicals into or out of the room.
The door must be kept closed when you are not in the room. An open door compromises
the effectiveness of the fire system.
Some volatile rooms are protected by a CO2 Fire Suppression System. Upon
annunciation (audible bell and visible strobe light), vacate the room immediately. 20
seconds after annunciation has been initiated, CO2 will be discharged into the room.
Using Chemicals
Follow general lab safety rules when working with Chemicals:
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Users of any chemicals must have received WHMIS II training. Users of large volumes of
chemicals (i.e. containers larger than 4L) must have received Volatile Room/Chemical
Handling training.
Consult MSDS before using chemical so you know how to handle appropriately, including
spill and accident procedures.
Safety glasses/goggles should always be worn in any lab setting. Other PPE may be
required, depending on the chemicals being used.
Understand the hazards associated with the chemical being used.
No food and drink in the lab area.
Absolutely no mouth pipetting.
Use leak-proof containers and secondary containers when transporting outside lab.
When not in use, all containers must be kept closed.
Use special care when handling sharps, needles, scalpels, and glassware to avoid
accidental cuts or punctures to the skin. Do not recap needles. All sharps, including
needles, scalpels, and glassware must be put in a puncture-proof container.
Fumehood Maintenance and Usage
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Fumehoods should be certified on an annual basis.
Fumehoods should not be used for chemical storage.
Before each use, verify it is in working order, if not contact Facilities Services at 22401.
Check the flowmeter, which should be between 80-120 fpm (ideally 100 fpm).
Î If the flow rate is below 80 fpm, close the sash and affix a sign indicating the
fumehood should not be used.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
Faculty:
8 of 10
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
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FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Do not stick your head into fumehood when chemicals are within the fumehood.
Keep the sash as low as possible when working with chemicals in the fumehood (18
inches max) and keep the sahs closed when not in use.
Be mindful of possible disruptions to the airflow:
– putting hands over open containers hinders removal of fumes
– quick or sudden hand/arm movements can alter the airflow
– a brisk walk in front of the fumehood can have an effect on airflow
Î After any rapid movement in or around the fumehood, allow the airflow to return to
normal before continuing to work in the fumehood
You should not heat perchloric acid in a fumehood. Special fumehoods and ductwork are
required when heating perchloric acid.
Sample labeling requirements:
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Ensure that chemicals received from a supplier are labeled with a supplier label that is
legible.
If a product has been produced in the laboratory or transferred from the original
container, the receiving container must have a workplace label.
Refer to the WHMIS program for more details on labeling requirements or to get a
sample workplace label: http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/documents/WHMIS_Program.pdf
Using Flammable/Combustible Chemicals
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Keep flammables away from open flames or other sources of ignition.
Keep flammables and combustibles away from oxidizers.
A portable class B fire extinguisher has to be kept available in the laboratory. The
extinguisher must be clearly visible, accessible, operational and fully charged.
Care must be taken when working with combustible metals (e.g. magnesium, titanium,
potassium, sodium). When working with these substances, it is advisable to have a Class
D fire extinguisher or a sand bucket present.
Using Corrosive Chemicals
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Always use corrosive chemicals in a fumehood.
Î When using corrosive chemicals that are harmful by inhalation and engineering
controls are not effective in controlling exposure, a respirator shall be worn.
Wear protective gloves that can withstand for the chemical being used.
Wipe up drips and residue immediately.
Use care when diluting corrosive liquids and add reagents slowly. Dilution of inorganic
acids produces a lot of heat that may cause the liquid to boil violently.
Using Toxic Chemicals
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Always use toxic chemicals in a fumehood.
o When using toxic chemicals and engineering controls are not effective in
controlling exposure, a respirator shall be worn.
Wear protective gloves that can withstand for the chemical being used.
Whenever possible substitute toxic chemicals with a less toxic chemical. Otherwise, use
the smallest quantities possible.
Be aware of the typical symptoms of overexposure and appropriate first aid procedures.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Faculty:
Page:
of Chemicals
9 of 10
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Using Reactive Chemicals
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9.
Reactive chemicals have distinct properties and associated hazards, depending on the
chemical being used.
Thoroughly review the procedures and risks before working with reactive chemicals.
Take extra precaution when working with reactive chemicals. Additional or specialized
PPE may be required
Follow outlined procedures exactly.
Do reactions with very small amounts of a reactive chemical.
Spill Response
For an outline of the procedure used to assess an emergency spill (spill response flowchart
should be posted in the lab) go to:
www.yorku.ca/dohs/documents/Emergency_Spill_Procedure.pdf
After assessment, if it is deemed that the worker can deal with the spill, the follow procedure
should be followed:
Spill response items:
PPE
Acid/Base neutralizer
Absorbent material
Leak proof container
Non-toxic Chemical Spills
1) Ensure any injured person seeks first aid or medical aid, but prevent spreading the spilled
materials by washing exposed sites or removing contaminated lab coats.
2) Ensure adequate PPE is donned before cleaning up a spill.
3) Contain the spill:
a) keep spilled chemicals out of the drains using an absorbent sock, a barrier of absorbent
or an impermeable cover
b) contain spill to as small an area as possible
4) Keep others out of the area affected by the spill (i.e. cordon off the spill area)
5) Neutralize/absorb the chemical spill
→ depending on your type of spill kit, this may be one step (‘universal’ spill kits – a) or
separate steps (b)
a) Add ‘universal’ (already contains neutralizing compounds) absorbent material. Leave for
at least 10 minutes to allow for neutralization and absorption.
b) i) Add appropriate acid or caustic neutralizer until the spill has been neutralized. It may
take 5-10 minutes for neutralization (some have colour indicators).
ii) Add absorbent material and leave for 10 minutes to allow for absorption.
6) If help is required, contact the Health & Safety Officer for FSE (ext. 20770), or the Chemical
Control Officer from DOHS, to help guide you through clean up procedures.
7) Survey the area and look for other sites that may have been splattered and contaminated.
8) Transfer the spilled materials and absorbent into a leak proof container.
9) Label the container as solid waste and dispose through Science Stores.
10) Once the situation is under control, you report the incident to the lab supervisor.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Handling, Using, and Storing
Page:
of Chemicals
Faculty:
10 of 10
SOP Number:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
FSE-02-08
Revision Date:
Aug. 20, 2011
Volatile Toxic Chemical Spills
Additional considerations are required for toxic spills of volatile chemicals with a health hazard
rating of 3 (1000 ppm > LC50 ≤ 3000ppm) or a health hazard rating of 4 (LC50 ≤ 1000 ppm).
A few examples (this does not constitute a full list; check the MSDS for each chemical used) are
acetic anhydride, acrylamide, boron tribromide, formaldehyde, halides, hydrofluoric acid,
hydrogen cyanide, mercaptans, methylene chloride, nitrogen oxides, some heavy metal
compounds (i.e. arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, tellurium, titanium), ozone,
phosgene, pyridine.
• If spill is within the fumehood, close the sash immediately. Assess the spill and if help is
required contact the Health & Safety Officer for FSE (ext. 20770) or the Chemical Control
Officer from DOHS.
• If the building uses re-circulated air (all FSE buildings use re-circulated air to some
extend) and the spill has occurred outside of the fumehood, use the following procedure:
1) If the area is occupied by others, evacuate the area. Place a sign to keep others out
of the area.
2) If necessary (i.e. a significant amount of spilt material or it is located in a common
area, like a hallway) pull the fire alarm to evacuate the building.
3) Contact Facility Services (ext. 22401) to shut down air handling system. Tell them the
health hazard of the chemical spilt, the building and location of spill within the
building.
4) Contact York Security immediately (ext. 33333 or 416-736-5333). Tell them the
location of the spill, the type of chemical (include health hazard information), as well
as any other relevant information.
5) Contact the Health and Safety Officer (ext. 20770) for the Faculty of Science and
Engineering.
10.
Related References, Standards, Guidelines
i) Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, Regulation 851 & Regulation 860
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900851_e.htm
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900860_e.htm
ii) Ontario Fire Code
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2007/elaws_src_regs_r07213_e.htm
iii) National Fire Code of Canada
iv) Electrical Safety Code
v) NFPA 45 – Standards on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals
vi) Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act
vii) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
www.ccohs.ca