Kaka’ako EHSO – Handling Toxic Lightweight/Dusty Chemicals in the Fume Hood SOP Template
Created: August 2009 – Updated: October 1, 2013
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
HANDLING TOXIC LIGHTWEIGHT/DUSTY CHEMICALS IN THE FUME HOOD
(e.g. Paraformaldehyde, Acrylamide, Ethidium Bromide)
Principal Investigator:
Lab Location(s):
Emergency Contact
Information:
Annual Review Date:
Statement of Understanding and Compliance
I confirm that I have read and understand this SOP and will comply with the procedures and policies.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
NOTE: This SOP is intended to provide a template for researchers developing a SOP for handling
toxic, lightweight/dusty chemicals in the fume hood. This template should be reviewed and
revised to reflect the chemicals and tasks specific to your lab.
Before working with chemicals, the lab worker must have the approval of the PI who shall provide
specific training according to the chemical and in understanding the MSDS provided by the
manufacturer. The lab worker must complete UH lab safety training and UH Kaka’ako hazardous
waste generator 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 chemicals safely.
1. INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES ABOUT USING POTENTIALLY AIRBORNE TOXIC
CHEMICALS
A toxic lightweight chemical that is handled in its powdered form has the potential to be an airborne
hazard. Handling of these chemicals should be restricted to the chemical fume hood to provide protection
to the users and those working around them. Researchers are strongly encouraged to acquire these
chemicals in aqueous solution form.
2. ENGINEERING CONTROLS, WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS, PPE & Safety Equipment ****Modify
this section to reflect your lab specific procedures!
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Work with these chemicals should be restricted to chemical fume hoods as fume hoods can provide
containment of the chemical emissions, preventing dispersion into the general work area.
o Ensure proper operation of the fume hood and that sashes are set at the approved
height/width.
o Place toxic chemicals at least 6 inches behind the sash face.
o Ensure lab doors, in close proximity to the fume hoods, are kept closed when hoods are
in operation.
Kaka’ako EHSO – Handling Toxic Lightweight/Dusty Chemicals in the Fume Hood SOP Template
Created: August 2009 – Updated: October 1, 2013
Page 2 of 3
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o Foot traffic and rapid arm/body movements should be avoided.
If you must handle these chemicals outside of a fume hood, work should be restricted to a designated
area and strict containment practices must be followed. Ensure adequate ventilation.
No eating, drinking, or chewing gum when working with chemicals.
Facilities storing or utilizing this material must be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety
shower.
Understand the properties and hazards of all chemicals you are using through adequate research and
study; review the label and MSDS.
Note the Airborne Exposure Limits listed in the MSDS. Minimize the quantity of light-weight/dusty
toxic chemicals in the lab.
Store in the original manufacturer’s container whenever possible. Store all toxic chemicals in tightly
closed, air-impermeable, light-resistant containers, away from heat, light, direct sunlight, static
electricity, sources of ignition, oxidizers and oxidizing agents. Protect containers from shock, friction,
and do not shake.
Transport chemicals in closed containers and in secondary containment. Transport in a manner to
prevent spills and accidents.
Open containers only in the chemical fume hood. Make sure caps are replaced promptly after use.
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety eyewear, gloves, lab coat and
closed toe shoes with impervious uppers.
Change gloves frequently and after handling chemical. Immediately replace gloves if they become
contaminated during procedure.
Wash hands immediately after removing PPE.
If respiratory protection, i.e. respirators, will be used, contact EHSO about additional respiratory
protection program requirements.
3. PROCEDURES ****Modify this section to reflect your lab specific procedures!
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Absorbent bench paper should be used in the chemical fume hood to collect any potential spills.
Bench paper should be properly disposed or submitted to EHSO as chemical contaminated waste.
While working in a chemical fume hood, take an aliquot from the stock supply that closely
approximates the amount you need. Place the aliquot in a preweighed closable container.
Conduct final weighing transfers carefully to avoid airborne dusts.
Segregate contaminated wastes into the appropriate waste collection containers, which should be
properly labeled and stored until submitted for disposal by EHSO.
Clean fume hood, balances, and surrounding area and equipment when work is completed.
Wash hands immediately after removing gloves at end of procedure.
4. SPILL AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES ****Modify this section to reflect your lab specific
procedures!
Minor spill (one that is containable, does not spread rapidly, does not endanger personnel, property, or
the environment except by direct contact, and can be handled without external assistance)
 Do not attempt cleanup if you are unsure of how to proceed, do not have the appropriate PPE, or if
you may over-expose yourself or others. Call Kaka’ako EHSO 692-1854 / 692-1855 for assistance.
 Isolate the area to prevent the spread of contamination (i.e. close fume hood sashes, post warning
signs, alert others in the immediate vicinity to evacuate or not enter area).
 Don the appropriate PPE.
 For spills of powder, flake or granular chemicals, dampen absorbent pads/materials with an inert
liquid (water may be appropriate unless this is a water reactive chemical) before placing over spilled
material, and allow to sit for a few minutes before wiping it up. Do not generate dust by sweeping up
the dry material.
 Survey the contaminated area and decontaminate surfaces (soap and water may be appropriate).
 Collect spill clean-up waste, including contaminated PPE, in appropriately labeled waste container.
All spill clean up material should be disposed of as hazardous waste to Kaka’ako EHSO.
Kaka’ako EHSO – Handling Toxic Lightweight/Dusty Chemicals in the Fume Hood SOP Template
Created: August 2009 – Updated: October 1, 2013
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Do not flush down the drain. Do not let this chemical enter the sanitary sewer.
Report all incidents or near misses to Kaka’ako EHSO and complete the appropriate Incident Form.
Large Spill / Spill outside of a chemical fume hood:
 Notify others in room of spill.
 Evacuate room/immediate area.
 Call Kaka’ako EHSO.
 Call Security if the building has to be evacuated.
 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 Kaka’ako EHSO.
5. MSDS LOCATION ****Where is this located, as an attachment to the SOP, in the MSDS folder,
etc? Must have an MSDS, preferably manufacturer specific, for each type of toxic chemicals used.
References: University of Nebraska Lincoln, Duke University