SAFETY OPERATING PROCEDURE TEMPLATE
By signing and dating here the Principal Investigator/ or a designee certifies that the Safety
Operating Procedure (SOP) for Nitric Acid is accurate and effectively provides safe operating
procedures for employees and students in this lab who will handle this hazardous chemical.
_________________________________________________________________________
Signature
Printed Name
Date
I affirm that I have read and understand the Safety Operating Procedure for Nitric Acid and have
undergone the EH&S Laboratory & Research training and any lab specific training regarding this
SOP.
Printed Name
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Signature
Date
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Nitric Acid
Chemical Name:
Building/Room
Number:
Date of
Creation/Revision
8/2/2012
Principal Investigator:
Emergency Phone
number:
HAZARD SUMMARY
Potential physical and health hazards associated with the use of this chemical include:
Danger! Strong oxidizer. May be fatal if inhaled. Causes severe eye skin, respiratory and
digestive tract burns. Contact with other material may cause a fire. Acute pulmonary edema or
chronic obstructive lung disease may occur from inhalation of the vapors of nitric acid. Corrosive
to metal.
When heated to decomposition it emits toxic nitrogen oxides fumes and hydrogen nitrate. Will react with
water or steam to produce heat and toxic and corrosive fumes.
SPECIAL HANDLING AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Describe special handling and storage requirements for this hazardous chemical in your laboratory, i.e. restricted
access to chemical, inclusion of designated areas to limit and minimize possible sources of exposure to these
materials. The entire laboratory, a portion of the laboratory, or a laboratory fume hood or bench may be
considered a designated area.
Special handling and storage requirements for this chemical include:
Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and
wash before reuse. Do not breathe dust, mist, or vapor. Do not get in eyes, on
skin, or on clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with clothing
and other combustible materials. Do not use with metal spatula or other metal
items. Use only with adequate ventilation or respiratory protection.
Storage: Always store chemical in secondary containment. Store in a cool, dry,
well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Do not store near
combustible materials or in direct sunlight. Keep container closed when not in
use. Inspect periodically for damage or evidence of leaks or corrosion. Do not
let dust accumulate where nitric acid is stored. Store in the fume hood when in
use.
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Keep away from metals, alkalines, and organic materials.
It is non-corrosive in the presence of glass, most stainless steel and brass.
Contaminated clothing and PPE should be washed at an appropriate facility
before reuse. This substance is not to be put down the drain, or placed in the
trash. Discard contaminated shoes. Wash hands and face thoroughly after
handling and before work breaks, drinking, eating and smoking.
Store Nitric Acid in secondary containment away from light, heat, and
combustible materials. Secondary containment is a must if storing it within the
Acids cabinet.
Work with this chemical in approved working areas where environmental
controls can be utilized, e.g. a corrosion-resistant ventilation system.
ENGINEERING AND VENTILATION CONTROLS
Include requirements for specific engineering/ventilation controls for this specific chemical, i.e. fume hood. If the
process does not permit the handling of such materials in a fume hood, the lab personnel should contact
Environmental Health and Safety at x4-4036 for review the adequacy of ventilation measures.
Handling processes should be designed to minimize the potential for splash, splatter, or other likely scenarios for
accidental contact. The handling of this chemical must be conducted in a fume hood.
Additional engineering/ventilation controls for the handling of this chemical include:
Facilities should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Ventilation Controls: Use a corrosion-resistant ventilation system to keep airborne concentrations below
the permissible exposure limits.
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne
Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the
contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Include specific personal protective equipment required for the handling of this chemical. See the following
references:
1. The USF Hazardous Inventory Tracking System (HITS) provides access to MSDS.
2. A glove compatibility chart provides specific information on the type of safety gloves that should be used
based on the hazards of specific chemicals.
3. The following EH&S webpage provides links to glove manufacturers as well as other PPE selection
resources, http://usfweb2.usf.edu/eh&s/labsafety/links.html.
At minimum, safety glasses, lab coat, and gloves are to be worn when using this hazardous chemical.
Additional PPE Requirements for the handling of this chemical include:
appropriate clothing (long pants, close-toed shoes)
gloves; indicate type:______________________________
safety goggles
face shield
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□
□
flame-resistant lab coats
other:__________________________
If the use of an N95, half mask, or full face respirator is requested, the individual and/or their
supervisor must first contact Environmental Health & Safety for a consultation to determine if respirator
use is necessary. If EH&S determines the use of a respirator is
necessary, the individual must participate in the University’s respirator program. This includes a
medical evaluation; respirator fit test, and training.
Eyes: Wear chemical splash goggles and face shield.
Skin: Wear butyl rubber gloves, apron, lab coat or coveralls, appropriate clothing to prevent skin
exposure, and closed toed shoes.
Respirator (NIOSH approved): If the exposure limit is exceeded, or if irritation or other
symptoms are experienced, wear a supplied air, full-face piece respirator, air lined hood,
or full-face piece self-contained breathing apparatus. Nitric acid is an oxidizer and should
not come in contact with cartridges and canisters that contain oxidizable materials, such
as activated charcoal. Canister-type respirators using sorbents are ineffective.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If a there is a spill involving an extremely hazardous chemical, emergency responders should be contacted
immediately. Dial 911 during and after normal business hours to contact the local emergency responders for
your area and provide detail information to the emergency responders including chemical name, volume,
hazards, spill location, and any injuries incurred. Building occupants can be notified of a building evacuation
through the activation of a fire alarm pull station.
Personnel: If lab personnel are exposed to an extremely hazardous chemical, call 911 immediately. Remove
any contaminated clothing, and IMMEDIATELY flush contaminated skin with water for at least 15 minutes
following any skin contact. For eye exposures, IMMEDIATELY flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
Consult MSDS for guidance on appropriate first aid. Where medical attention is required, ensure to bring along
MSDS(s) of chemical(s) to aid medical staff in proper diagnosis and treatment.
Fire and Emergency Evacuation Procedures:
In case of fire or emergency situation, call 911 and or use emergency blue phone immediately to notify
the fire emergency services and campus police.
 Immediately evacuate the building via the nearest exit when the fire alarm is activated.
 If unable to evacuate due to a disability, shelter in the area of rescue / refuge, typically a stairwell
landing, and wait for assistance from drill volunteers or emergency responders.
 Instruct visitors and students to evacuate and assist them in locating the nearest exit.
 Do not use elevators to exit the building during an evacuation as they may become inoperable.
 Carry only those personal belongings that are within the immediate vicinity.
 Close doors to limit the potential spread of smoke and fire.
 Terminate all hazardous operations and power off equipment.
 Close all hazardous materials containers.
 Remain outside of the building until the building is released for reentry.
 Do not restrict or impede the evacuation.
 Convene in the designated grassy gathering area and await instruction from emergency responders or
drill volunteers. Avoid parking lots.
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


Report fire alarm deficiencies, (e.g., trouble hearing the alarm) to facilities personnel for repair.
Notify evacuation drill volunteers or emergency responders of persons sheltering in the areas of
rescue/ refuge.
Never assume that an alarm is a “false alarm”. Treat all fire alarm activations as emergencies.
Get out of the building!

In case of large spill: Remove everyone from the area, close the door, and call EH&S, 4-4036. After
hours, dial UPD at 911. Post notice on the door.
In case of a small spill: Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Protective Equipment
section.
Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Isolate the hazard area and provide ventilation. Neutralize with alkaline
material (soda, ash, lime) then absorb spill using inert, non-combustible material such as earth, sand, or
vermiculite. Do not use combustible materials such as sawdust. Place chemical in approved chemical
waste container. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel.
Immediate first aid treatment reduces the health effects of this substance.
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call
a physician.
Ingestion:
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! Give large quantities of water or milk if available. Never give anything
by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get
medical attention immediately.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids
occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
The Laboratory/Studio and Field Incident Report form is to be completed by the Lab
Manager/Teaching Assistant/Instructor for any incident that occurs in any University of South
Florida affiliated teaching or research laboratory/studio or field research project. An incident means
any unplanned event within the scope of a procedure that causes, or has the potential to cause, an
injury or illness and/or damage to equipment, buildings, or the natural environment. Please fill out
the online Laboratory/Studio and Field Incident Report form below and submit to Environmental
Health & Safety within 24 hours of the incident. Due to medical privacy concerns, no personal
identifying information of the person involved in the incident shall be entered or submitted with the
form.
http://usfweb2.usf.edu/eh&s/labsafety/LabIncident.html
WASTE DISPOSAL
All chemical waste generated within USF System laboratories are considered hazardous waste and must be
disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with USF Hazardous Waste Management Procedure, the EPA,
and the DEP. The USF Hazardous Waste Management Procedure can be found using the following link,
http://compass.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1118/kw/hazardous%20waste.
This substance is not to be put down the drain, or placed in the trash. The empty container may be placed
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in the trash. Do not wash out container and use it for other purposes.
Place waste in an appropriate and compatible container, with a closed lid and labeled with the words
“Hazardous Waste,” and list the components of the waste. Do not combine Nitric Acid with other acid
waste or incompatible chemicals.
Place in Satellite Accumulation Area, and contact EH&S for pickup.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
All individuals working with chemicals in USF laboratories must take EH&S’s Laboratory & Research Safety
Training. To register for Laboratory & Research Training, please use the following link,
http://usfweb2.usf.edu/eh&s/labsafety/tmaterials.html. However, the use of this chemical may warrant
additional safety training per the PI, EH&S, or an authorizing unit such as the Biosafety or Radiation Safety
programs. Additional training requirements are listed below.
Training Requirements:
Laboratory & Research Safety Training (EH&S)
Research-specific Training (PI)
□ Other _____________________________________________________________
PRIOR APPROVALS
□ The handling of this chemical requires prior approval from the PI/designee.
The handling of this chemical does not require prior approval from the PI/designee.
Approval Signature (if required by PI) _________________________________________________________
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