Western Carolina University
General Use Standard Operating Procedure for Reproductive Toxins
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
reproductive toxins. This SOP is generic in nature and only addresses safety issues specific to reproductive toxicity of
chemicals. In some instances multiple SOPs may be applicable for a specific chemical (i.e., both the SOPs for
flammables and reproductive toxins would apply to benzene). If you have questions concerning the applicability of any
item listed in this procedure contact the Principal Investigator/Laboratory Supervisor of your laboratory or the Safety
Office at x7443.
3. Control of Hazards
Hazards:
The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines a reproductive toxin as a chemical which has an adverse effect on sexual
function and fertility in adult males and females (including chromosomal damage (mutations)) and effects on the
development of offspring (teratogenesis). A number of reproductive toxins are chronic toxins that cause damage after
repeated or long duration exposures and can have long latency periods. Women of childbearing potential should be
especially careful when handling reproductive toxins. Pregnant women and women intending to become pregnant
should seek the counsel of University Health Services before working with known or suspected reproductive toxins.
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:
o volatilizing these substances,
o manipulating substances that may generate aerosols
o 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.
Engineering/Ventilation Controls
Use a properly functioning lab fume hood when handling reproductive toxins. 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
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At minimum, safety glasses, long pants, and closed toed shoes are to be worn when entering laboratories having
hazardous chemicals in use.
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 manufacturing guidelines.
Goggles (not safety glasses) are appropriate for processes where splash or spray is foreseeable.
For hazardous chemicals that are toxic via skin contact/ absorption, additional protective clothing (i.e., face shield,
apron, over sleeves) is appropriate where chemical contact with body/skin is foreseeable.
4. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements.
Ensure secondary containment and segregation of incompatible chemicals guidance within the WCU CHP and chemical
SDS(s) is being followed.
5. Spill and Accident Procedures
Minor Spills (less than 150 cc/ml).
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. Gather chemical’s SDS for a hazard assessment and other pertinent information.
5. Locate an appropriate Spill Kit, if available. Some corrosives can be neutralized prior to clean up.
6. 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.
7. Confine and contain spill. Cover spill with appropriate absorbent material and neutralizing agent (when applicable).
8. Clean up spill using a scoop or other suitable item and place material in appropriate disposal container.
9. Decontaminate spill surface with mild detergent and water, as appropriate. Carefully remove PPE, place nonreusable items in disposal container and thoroughly wash hands.
10. Complete a hazardous waste label and affix label to container.
11. Replenish spill kit.
Major Spills (more than 150 cc/ml)
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. 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 Employee Health or Emergency
Department (after hours) for treatment. If possible, bring chemical label or MSDS.
4. University Police will contact the Safety Office and either Safety Office staff or outside personnel will respond to
the spill.
5. Staff knowledgeable about the spill should provide responders with all pertinent information and SDS.
6. The responders or designee will inform staff when it is safe to re-enter spill area.
7. Investigate cause of spill. Document spill, response and follow-up with staff and Safety Office.
6. Waste Disposal
Reproductive toxins materials intended for disposal are considered hazardous wastes and should be disposed of
accordingly. Consult WCU’s CHP for general guidance
7. Minimum Training Requirements
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Chemical Safety for Laboratories
Laboratory-specific 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 reproductive toxins, remove gloves and wash hands and arms with
soap and water.
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 reproductive toxins, 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! BENZENE WORK AREA – CARCINOGEN/
REPRODUCTIVE TOXIN.
• 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 Reproductive Toxins
“I have read and understand this SOP. I agree to fully adhere to its requirements.”
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