Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical name/class:
PI:
Building:
for work with
Corrosive Materials (acids, bases,
CAS #: Various
bleach, phenol, etc); DOES NOT apply
to hydrofluoric or perchloric acid;
Acutely toxic and reactive PHS acids
require customized SOPs.
Date:
Room #:
1. Circumstances of Use:
Various.
Corrosive materials are the most common toxic substances encountered in most laboratories.
2. Potential Hazards:
Corrosives materials can cause destruction of living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact and can be solids,
liquids, or gases. Corrosive effects can occur not only on the skin and eyes, but also in the respiratory tract and, in
the case of ingestion, in the gastrointestinal tract as well. While acids and bases are familiar corrosives, many other
materials are corrosive to the body as well (including bleach and phenol).
Check the MSDS of the material to determine if it is corrosive and to check for other hazards. If the material also
has physical hazards or other health hazards, follow appropriate SOPs.
See SOP templates for hydrofluoric acid and perchloric acid. Acutely toxic and reactive acids on the list of Particularly
Hazardous Substances require customized SOPs that incorporate their toxic and/or reactive hazards.
3. Engineering Controls:
 An eyewash/drench hose combination unit must be available in the immediate work area for any work with
corrosive materials.
 If large quantities of corrosives will be used, a safety shower will also be necessary. Contact EHS at 937-775-2215
for a determination of the need for a safety shower if there is not one available.
 Volatile or powdered corrosives should be handled in a chemical fume hood if there is any potential for
inhalation exposure.
4. Work Practice Controls:
 Purchase corrosives in the smallest containers that are practical for lab use.
 Purchase in shatter-resistant containers if available (such as PVC-coated glass).
 Work with the smallest practicable amount and lowest practicable concentration of corrosive materials.
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE):
Personal protective equipment is especially important. Wear a buttoned lab coat, safety goggles, and gloves for any
work with corrosives. Depending on the quantities and concentrations used, a face shield, impenetrable apron and
sleeves (or coverall), and special gloves may be recommended.
6. Transportation and Storage:
 Transport corrosives in secondary containment, preferably a polyethylene or other non-reactive acid/solvent
bottle carrier.
 Store in well-ventilated areas with secondary containment, such as a non-reactive plastic bin.
 Store below eye level.
 Store away from metal (unless the metal has a corrosion-proof coating), and do not store under the sink.

Store away from incompatibles – many corrosive materials are incompatible with each other – oxidizing acids

are incompatible with organic acids, and acids are incompatible with bases. Check the MSDS for incompatibility
information and/or the list of Compatible Storage Groups in Prudent Practices, and store accordingly.
Avoid storing on the floor. If storing on the floor is necessary, use secondary containment.
7. Waste Disposal:
Handle and store corrosive wastes following the guidelines above while accumulating wastes and awaiting chemical
waste pickup. Waste must be disposed of following your laboratory-specific chemical hygiene plan and the
requirements of Wright State University’s Chemical Waste Policy and the Laboratory Chemical Waste Management
Practices.
8. Exposures/Unintended contact:
Contact EHS at x2215 for information on occupational chemical exposures. For an actual chemical exposure/injury,
 Flush exposed eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes, then seek medical attention if needed at nearest
Urgent care center, or Emergency Department, as appropriate
 Call 911 from a campus phone or 775-2111 from any phone to request assistance if needed. Contact EHS at 7752215 for exposure-related advice.
The work-related injury or illness report found at:http://www.wright.edu/administration/ehs/resources/report.html
should be completed within 24 hours. Follow-up medical attention should be sought.
9. Spill Procedure:
On the Wright State University campus, “large” spills of volatile or powdered hazardous materials must be referred
to the EHS spill response team by calling 911 from a campus phone or 775-2111 from any phone.
10. Training of personnel:
All personnel are required to complete the online General Lab Safety session thru the EHS website. This session
includes an introduction to general chemical safety. Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this
SOP when handling corrosive materials.
“I have read and understand this SOP. I agree to fully adhere to its requirements.”
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