Standard Operating Procedures

Definition: A standard operating procedures (SOP) is set of written procedures explaining how to safely work with hazardous chemicals.
Why SOPs Are Required: In order to make the Chemical Hygiene Plan a legal document, principal investigators must add laboratory-specific procedures to the plan.
When SOPs Are Required: SOPs are required additions to the Chemical Hygiene Plan in any laboratories engaging in activities not covered by the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
When SOPs Are Not Required: SOPs are not needed when the Chemical Hygiene Plan covers the scope of the work performed in the laboratory. (In this case, insert into your copy of the Chemical Hygiene Plan a statement that all duties performed are covered by the CHP).

Guidelines for Preparing ths SOPs

Three methods that can be used to write SOPs:

By Process: (distillation, synthesis, chromatography, etc.)
By Individual Hazardous Chemical: (arsenic, benzene, hydrochloric acid, etc.)
By Hazardous Chemical Class: (flammable, corrosive, oxidizer, etc.)

Sections of the SOP:

Section 1: Process, Hazardous Chemical, or Hazard Class (check one). Information Guide
Section 2: Describe Process, Hazardous Chemical, or Hazard Class. Information Guide
Section 3: Potential Hazards. Information Guide
Section 4: Personal Protective Equipment. Information Guide
Section 5: Engineering Controls. Information Guide
Section 6: Special Handling and Storage Requirements. Information Guide
Section 7: Spill and Accident Procedures. Information Guide
Section 8: Decontamination Procedures. Information Guide
Section 9: Waste Disposal Procedures. Information Guide
Section 10: Material Safety Data Sheet Location. Information Guide
Section 11: Protocol(s). Information Guide

Blank Form (Create your own SOP.)
- Blank SOP
Templates (You will need to add date, PI, room, building, phone number, and your laboratory protocol (Section 11).)