Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Guideline for Laboratory Safety, Handling of Laboratory incidents, Volatile materials, Corrosive Chemicals, Laboratory Glassware, Environmental Safety (Laboratory) etc.
Procedure for Laboratory Safety
1.0 Objective :
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- To lay down a procedure for maintaining the laboratory safety.
2.0 Scope :
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- This SOP is applicable in Quality Control during working in laboratory for safety.
3.0 Procedure – Laboratory Safety:
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General Instructions for Laboratory Safety :
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- Keep all gangways, exits and fire fighting equipment free from obstruction.
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- Do not smoke, chew, eat or drink in the laboratory.
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- Ensure that all chemical waste disposed off in a predetermined manner.
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- All injuries, minor or major, treated immediately.
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- Any accident, however slight, reported.
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- First Aid Kit should be checked at regular intervals.
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Handling of Volatile materials :
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- Volatile solvents and corrosive liquids should not pipetted directly.
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- Do not pour out volatile solvents near a naked flame.
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Handling of Corrosive Chemicals:
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- These should prevent from coming in contact with body surfaces, including alimentary and respiratory systems.
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- While handling these, rubber gloves, rubber aprons, safety goggles and, other necessary Laboratory Safety apparel must be worn.
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- Do not store large bottles of acids and other corrosive materials above waist level.
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- While handling cyanides and other poisons, keep antidote nearby.
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- Poison materials / chemicals should lock and the key should under authority of HOD QC.
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- Do not leave apparatus containing corrosive materials at the sink to be washed.
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- Always drain out the apparatus before leaving for washing.
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- Bottles containing strong acids should be supported on acid resistant sheet/trays. Acid splashes should be washed with water, and then neutralized with sodium bicarbonate solution.
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Handling of Glassware :
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- Examine glassware for defects before any experiment.
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- Do not use cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged glassware.
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- Reagent bottles and other glassware should be labeled correctly and clearly.
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- Pour liquids in a direction away from label to avoid damaging the label.
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- If any liquid spills on outside of bottles, wash / wipe the outside of bottle with water before returning to shelf.
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- To remove tight stoppers, tap alternatively on each side of stopper.
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- If this does not work and the contents of the bottle are not flammable or toxic, gently warm the neck of the bottle.
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- When a glass tube or rod is to be cut, use gloves and eye protection.
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Handling of Electrical Hazards :
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- Ensure that there are no open connections and bare wires in the department.
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Handling of Fire Hazards :
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- Gas cylinders should not be stored in the direct sun and kept at a reasonable distance from any source of heat.
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- Cylinders should be fastened so that they cannot roll or fall.
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- They should be preferably enclosed in a cage.
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- All laboratory staff must be familiar with the position and operation of all fire fighting equipments in their vicinity.
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- Vacuum pumps must be checked for oil level at regular intervals.
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Environmental Safety (Laboratory) :
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- Waste inflammable solvents which are not miscible with water should be poured into bottles intended for this purpose and not into the sink.
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- Dilute the solutions of poisons like cyanide, etc.,
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- Before emptying into the sink and this should be followed by sufficient flushing with tap water.
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- Concentrated solutions should be treated to render them innocuous before pouring down the drain.
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- Reactive chemicals like Phosphorous Pentoxide, etc. should be converted to non-reactive compounds before pouring them down the drain or disposal.
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Laboratory Safety Aids :
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- Safety goggles / Face Shield for Laboratory:
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- These are used to protect eyes where splashing may occur or breaking of glass, eg. While working with apparatus under pressure.
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Gas Masks:
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- These should be used for protection against toxic gases and fumes.
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- When an operation cannot be carried out in a fuming hood.
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Gloves:
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- Asbestos gloves should be used for handling of hot material, acid resistance gloves for concentrated Acids, Bases and Surgical gloves for corrosive materials.
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Laboratory coats and aprons:
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- These must be worn at all times for protection of body and clothes.
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- Rubber aprons can be worn while handling corrosive materials.
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Fuming hood cupboard:
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- Any work involving fumes and harmful gases should be carried out in a fuming cupboard.
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- Make sure the ventilation is in order before commencing the operations.
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Accident Procedures:
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- Minor Injuries:
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- Give the appropriate first aid in case of burn.
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- The person should should take to a medical center for further treatment.
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Major Injuries:
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- Arrange immediate medical aid.
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- Do not move the person except to a position of less danger.
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- Keep the person warm and quiet to minimize the effect of shock.
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- Poisons: Arrange for medical aid. In the meantime, render the following treatment :
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- Give large quantities of water, milk or barley water to drink.
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- Where the poison is non-corrosive, an antidote should be given, but not for corrosive poisons.
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- A corrosive poison is evinced by burning of mouth and lips.
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Electric shock:
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- Whenever shock of current at the main source of the area concerned, to rescue a person in contact with a live switch.
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- If not possible, use rubber gloves or dry woolen materials to protect your hands.
