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University of Hawaii at Manoa EHSO Phenol SOP TEMPLATE
Updated May 2008
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
PHENOL
Annual Review Date:
Principal Investigator:
Phone number:
Room & Building:
Emergency Contact Information:
I have read and understand the SOP:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Before working with Phenol, the lab worker must have the approval of the PI who shall provide
specific training according to this SOP and in understanding the specific MSDS provided by the
manufacturer. The lab worker must complete UH lab safety training prior to working with any
chemicals. The lab worker should sign this SOP as documentation that he/she understands the
hazards and has been trained in how to work with phenol safely.
1. INFORMATION ABOUT FORMALDEHYDE AND PROCEDURES USING FORMALDEHYDE
CAS#108-95-2
Phenol is commonly used in molecular biology techniques such as to separate proteins from nucleic
acids, usually in combination with chloroform. It is a corrosive and moderately toxic substance that
affects the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Phenol is irritating to the skin but has a local
anesthetic effect, so that no pain may be felt on initial contact, but severe burns may develop. Phenol is
rapidly absorbed through the skin so toxic amounts may be absorbed through relatively small areas.
2. HAZARDOUS PROPERTIES, POTENTIAL ROUTES OF EXPOSURE, SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
Phenol is a poison and toxic via ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. This chemical is easily
absorbed through the skin and fatalities have been documented from skin absorption through a relatively
small surface area.
Acute Effects:
Acute phenol intoxication causes shock, collapse, coma, convulsions, cyanosis, and death. Ingestion of
lethal amounts causes severe burns of the mouth and throat, marked abdominal pain, cyanosis, muscular
weakness, collapse, coma, and death. Tremors, convulsions, and muscle twitching have also occurred.
Contact of the skin with the solid or liquid can produce chemical burns, redness, edema, tissue necrosis,
and gangrene; contact with the eye may result in irritation, conjunctival swelling, whitened cornea, and
blindness.
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University of Hawaii at Manoa EHSO Phenol SOP TEMPLATE
Updated May 2008
Routes of Exposure
Phenol can enter the system by skin absorption, inhalation or ingestion.
Chronic Effects:
Chronic phenol poisoning is characterized by vomiting, difficult swallowing, excessive salivation, diarrhea,
anorexia, headache, fainting, vertigo, mental disturbances, and possibly skin eruptions. Prolonged
cutaneous exposure may result in deposition of dark pigment in the skin.
Cancer Hazard:
Not considered to be carcinogenic.
Reproductive Hazard:
May cause reproductive and fetal effects.
3. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
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Neoprene, double gloves, viton, rubber or vinyl gloves are recommended when handling phenol
(confirm glove type and use limitations by referring to the Glove Compatibility and Use Guide contact EHSO).
Safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles shall be worn.
A laboratory coat should be worn when working with this chemical.
Closed toe shoes are required when working in the laboratory.
Large quantities must be used in a chemical fume hood.
If body splash potential exists, wear a rubber or neoprene apron.
4. ENGINEERING/VENTILATION CONTROLS
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Work with phenol in a properly operating and certified chemical fume hood.
Work at least 6” inside the hood, never place your head in the hood, set the sash at the lowest
position possible (if using the horizontal sliding sashes do not open past the labeled positions).
Safety shower and eye wash stations should be easily accessible where phenol is used.
5. SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
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Keep container tightly closed to prevent agent from subliming and entering the atmosphere.
Store away from oxidizers such as chlorine, bromine, and calcium hypochlorite.
Store saturated phenol at 4C.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling (even if gloves were used).
Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, sources of ignition (including empty containers that will retain
product residue).
Store protected from light and moisture.
Use only in a chemical fume hood.
Transport chemicals in closed containers, in the smallest amounts possible, and use aids such as
carts, chemical transport carriers, etc.
It is highly recommended that all chemicals be stored below eye level so cracking or leaking
containers are immediately visible and there is less potential for chemicals falling onto lab workers
when pulling from shelves.
6. PROCEDURES ****Modify this section to reflect your lab specific procedures!
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Absorbent bench paper should be used with handling phenol. Bench paper should be disposed via
EHSO upon contamination from spilling or after usage.
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University of Hawaii at Manoa EHSO Phenol SOP TEMPLATE
Updated May 2008
Handling Phenol
o Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, lab coats, covered toe shoes).
o Change gloves after handling phenol.
o Waste container should be properly labeled and stored in chemical fume hood until disposal.
o Work in a chemical fume hood.
7. SPILL AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES
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Do not attempt cleanup if you feel unsure of your ability to do so or if you perceive the risk to be
greater than normal laboratory operators.
In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of
water until no evidence of chemical remains (15-20 minutes). Remove contaminated clothing and
shoes immediately if necessary. Seek medical attention. Do NOT use paraffin oils or alcohols!
Olive oil and vegetable oil are effective in removing phenol from skin and retarding absorption.
In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15
minutes (lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally) and obtain medical attention.
If inhaled, move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.
In the event of ingestion, if victim is conscious and corrosive injury is absent, remove poison by
gastric lavage or emesis. Activated charcoal (1g/kg) is useful. Follow with 240 ml of milk. Seek
medical attention immediately.
Report all incidents or near misses to EHSO and complete the appropriate Incident Forms.
Small spills:
Don appropriate PPE. If potential respiratory hazard exists, contact EHSO.
Use vermiculite or commercially available spill absorbent material to pickup spill. Collect spilled
material and clean up material into appropriately labeled waste container. Flood area with water
then cover with caustic soda ash to neutralize the residual material.
Large spills:
Notify others in room of spill. Evacuate room/immediate area. Call Campus Security at X66911
and notify EHSO. Close doors and post warning signs at entrances/exits notifying others of spill.
Prevent unnecessary entry into area. Provide assistance and information to spill responders.
Report all spills (minor and major) and any near misses to EHSO.
8. WASTE DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
Phenol is listed as a 6.1 poison hazardous material and should be disposed of properly to EHSO.
Gloves, test tubes, pipette tips, and paper towels, etc. that are contaminated with phenol should be also
collected for hazardous pickup by EHSO.
9. MSDS LOCATION ****Where is this located, as an attachment to the SOP, in the MSDS folder,
etc? Must have an MSDS, preferably manufacturer specific, specific for each type of phenol used
(per CAS#).
References: Information contained in this SOP was gathered from the following sources: Ohio State
University, University of Delaware OH&S, Sigma (MSDS), Fisher Scientific (MSDS).