Standard Operating Procedure for the Use of Chemicals

chemicals they handle on a more frequent basis.f. A user should identify the 3 most hazardous chemicals he or she handles,and familiarize with the hazards associated with that chemical.3.2 Storage and disposalg. All chemicals brought into the laboratory must be inventoried inaccordance with OSHE/SOP/GL/03.h. Chemical waste shall be disposed of in accordance withOSHE/SOP/CS/01.i. All chemical containers with capacity >200ml (for isopropanol andethanol: >500ml) must be stored in an approved safety cabinet when not inuse. Dropper bottles may be stored in working locations whereappropriate.j. Containers with chemicals shall under no circumstances be located onmessy working surfaces or within optical setups.k. Chemical should only be stored in small quantities. A guideline for what isconsidered small for a certain chemical is the quantity which will be usedduring one month.3.3 All chemical containers must be clearly labeled with their contents. Containerswith unreadable labeling need to be disposed according to 4.2.b3.4 Usagel. Before handling chemicals, a clean working surface needs to be preparedby the user to minimize contamination hazards for unrelated equipment.m. Proper working surfaces need to be chosen for handling chemicals.Untreated wooden surfaces are not to be used for handling any chemicals.Formica surfaces or surfaces which are inert to the chemical in use have tobe used.n. Appropriate gloves are to be worn whenever chemicals are handled whichrequire this. Gloves used for handling chemicals should be removed whenhandling equipment which will be used by other users without gloves toavoid cross contamination. Authoritative resource for such a decision isthe MSDS data sheet for the chemical under question.o. Lab coat and safety goggles are to be worn when transferring chemicalsfrom storage containers to wash bottles and dropper bottles. This is aparticular concern when acids are involved.