Western Carolina University
General Use Standard Operating Procedure for Highly Acutely Toxic
Materials
1. Contact Information
Name of Responsible Person:
(PI, Supervisor, or
Autonomous Researcher)
Location of Procedure:
(Building and room)
Applicable Chemicals in Use:
Safety Office:
227-7443
2. Process or Experiment Description
This standard operating procedure (SOP) is intended to provide general guidance on how to safely work with materials
having high acute toxicity, also referred to as highly toxic materials. This SOP is generic in nature and only addresses
safety issues specific to the high acute toxicity of chemicals. In some instances, several general use SOPs may be
applicable for a specific chemical (i.e., for carbon monoxide gas, general use SOPs for highly toxics, flammables, and
compressed gases could apply). If you have questions concerning the applicability of any item listed in this procedure
contact the Principal Investigator/Laboratory Supervisor of your laboratory or Safety Office at x7443.
3. Control of Hazards
Hazards:
A highly toxic material is considered a chemical falling within any of the following categories:
• A chemical with a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 mg or less per Kg of body weight when administered orally
to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 gm each.
• A chemical with a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200 mg or less per Kg of body weight when administered by
continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits
weighing between 2 and 3 Kg each.
• A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 5000 ppm by volume or less of gas or vapor,
or 50 mg per liter or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less
if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 gm each.
Control of Hazards - General
• Use the smallest amount of chemical that is consistent with the requirements of the work to be performed.
• Use containment devices (such as lab fume hoods or glove boxes) when: (i) volatilizing these substances, (ii)
manipulating substances that may generate aerosols, and (iii) performing laboratory procedures that may result in
uncontrolled release of the substance.
• Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, carbon filters, or scrubber systems with containment devices to
protect effluent and vacuum lines, pumps, and the environment whenever feasible.
• Use ventilated containment to weigh out solid chemicals. Alternatively, the tare method can be used to prevent
inhalation of the chemical. While working in a laboratory hood, the chemical is added to a pre-weighed container.
The container is then sealed and can be re-weighed outside of the hood. If chemical needs to be added or
removed, this manipulation is carried out in the hood. In this manner, all open chemical handling is conducted in
the laboratory hood.
• Refer to chemical SDS sheets for specific guidance.
Engineering/Ventilation Controls
Use a properly functioning lab fume hood when handling highly toxic materials. If the process does not permit the
handing of such materials in a fume hood, contact the Safety Office to determine the adequacy of ventilation
measures.
Personal Protective Equipment
• At minimum, safety glasses, lab coat, long pants, and closed toed shoes are to be worn when entering laboratories
having hazardous chemicals.
• When handling hazardous chemicals or contacting potentially contaminated surfaces, protective gloves are to be
worn. For proper selection of glove material, review chemical SDS and glove manufacturer guidelines.
• Goggles (vs. safety glasses) are appropriate in processes where splash or spray is foreseeable.
• For hazardous chemicals that are toxic via skin contact/absorption, additional protective clothing (i.e., faceshield,
apron, over sleeves) is appropriate where chemical contact with body/skin is foreseeable.
4. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements.
Storage:
Ensure secondary containment and segregation of incompatible chemicals guidance within the WCU CHP and chemical
specific SDS sheets is being followed.
5. Spill and Accident Procedures
The designation of a spill as a minor or major spill will depend upon the hazard of the chemical in question, as well as
the risks involved within the laboratory environment. The quantities that justify considering a spill as a “major spill”
will be left up to the discretion of the PI.
Minor Spills
1. Notify fellow workers in vicinity of spill.
2. Secure area, by restricting access and posting signs.
3. Remove any potential ignition sources and unplug nearby electrical equipment.
4. In case of an injury or chemical contamination:
a. Wear PPE and move victim from spill area.
b. Locate nearest emergency safety shower or eyewash. Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected
areas with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes.
c. If first aid trained, administer first aid as appropriate. Assist person to University Health Services for
treatment. If possible, bring chemical label or SDS.
5. Gather chemical’s SDS for a hazard assessment and other pertinent information.
6. Locate an appropriate Spill Kit, if available.
7. Don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which usually includes chemical splash goggles, gloves,
apron or lab coat. If high splash potential exists, also wear a face shield and protective clothing.
8. Confine and contain spill. Cover spill with appropriate absorbent material and neutralizing agent (when applicable).
9. Clean up spill using a scoop or other suitable item and place material in appropriate disposal container.
10. Decontaminate spill surface with mild detergent and water, as appropriate. Carefully remove PPE, place nonreusable items in disposal container and thoroughly wash hands.
11. Complete a hazardous waste label and affix label to container.
12. Replenish spill kit.
Major Spills
1. Notify and evacuate fellow workers to a safe area. Post signs. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN A MAJOR SPILL!
2. If spill poses a fire hazard, activate nearest fire alarm. Call University Police at x8911 and give details of spill
including specific location, chemical, quantity, and if anyone is injured.
3. University Police will contact the Safety Office and either Safety Office staff or outside personnel will respond to
the spill.
4. Staff knowledgeable about the spill should provide responders with all pertinent information and SDSs.
5. The responders or designee will inform staff when it is safe to re-enter spill area.
6. Investigate cause of spill. Document spill, response and follow-up with staff and Safety Office.
6. Waste Disposal
Highly toxic materials intended for disposal are considered hazardous wastes. Refer to the WCU CHP and chemical SDS
sheets for disposal guidelines.
7. Minimum Training Requirements
•
•
•
Chemical Safety for Laboratories
Laboratory-specific training
Fire Extinguisher training
8. Approval Request
Reference the WCU CHP to determine the need for prior approval for high risk procedures. Approval must be granted
from the PI and the Safety Office and documented in writing.
9. Decontamination Procedures
Personnel: Immediately after working with highly acutely toxic materials, remove gloves and wash hands and
arms with soap and water. If contact occurs, 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 w/ water for at least 15 minutes. Consult SDS for guidance on appropriate first aid.
Where medical attention is required, transport to University Health Services and ensure to provide SDS(s) of
chemical(s) to aid medical staff in proper diagnosis and treatment. If immediate medical attention is required,
call x9-911.
Area: Decontamination procedures vary depending on the material being handled. The toxicity of some materials
can be neutralized with other reagents. All surfaces should be wiped with the appropriate cleaning agent
following dispensing or handling. Waste materials generated should be treated as a hazardous waste.
Equipment: Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other contaminated equipment (glassware) before removing them from
the designated area.
10. Designated Area
For use of highly toxic materials, a designated area shall be established where limited access, special procedures,
knowledge, and work skills are required. A designated area can be the entire laboratory, a specific laboratory
workbench, or a laboratory hood. Designated areas must be clearly marked with signs that identify the chemical
hazard and include an appropriate warning; for example: WARNING! HYDROFLUORIC ACID WORK AREA – HIGHLY
TOXIC MATERIAL.
• Upon leaving the designated area, remove any personal protective equipment worn and wash hands, forearms,
face, and neck.
• After each use (or day), wipe down the immediate work area and equipment to prevent accumulation of chemical
residue.
• At the end of each project, thoroughly decontaminate the designated area before resuming normal laboratory
work in the area.
General Use Standard Operating Procedure for Highly Acutely Toxic Materials
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