Introduction

 

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. These SOPs are generic in nature. They address 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 these procedures contact the Chemistry Department storeroom (509-335-3325), 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.

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will also schedule training for groups that do not have the internal ability to provide training for group members.

A minimum list of known hazardous chemicals is included in appendix K of the laboratory safety manual.

If there is any additional information that is missed in these SOP’s contact the department storeroom to make additional SOP’s, or check in the university’s Safety Policies and Procedures Manual (SPPM) online at HTTP://www.ehs.wsu.edu/ and selecting the SPPM link at the bottom of the page. The full link is http://www.wsu.edu/manuals_forms/HTML/SPPM/S00_Intro_and_Indexes/S02.01_Table_of_Contents.htm.

The university’s standard operating procedures are included in this manual.

Environmental Health and Safety's Laboratory Safety Manual is located at Laboratory Safety Manual

The web site also links to a number of forms that may be needed by the department and individual research groups, so it would be a good idea to check out the site and or the SPP manual itself.