Standard Operating Procedure
for work with
Chemical name/class:
Toxic liquids (customization required for
CAS #: Various
PHS liquids – must complete red sections)
PI:
All Duke PIs (customization required for PHS liquids)
Date:
Building: All Duke Buildings (customization required for PHSs)
Room #:
Designated Work Area for PHS liquids:
1. Circumstances of Use:
Various.
Toxic liquids include all substances on the particularly hazardous substances list that are liquids at room
temperature, as well as any liquid that, as used, could create a concentration of vapor that may produce health
effects for laboratory personnel. Note that water-based solutions/suspensions of PHS solids are covered in the SOP
Template for Toxic Powders and Solutions.
For toxic liquids on the PHS list, you must list circumstances of use, including concentration and quantity.
2. Potential Hazards:
Toxic liquids may evaporate and pose an inhalation hazard. They may also absorb through the skin or mucous
membranes and cause local or systemic effects.
Check Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the material for exposure limits and vapor pressure to determine inhalation
hazards, and for skin warnings to determine skin hazards. The SDS will also provide information on other hazards
(i.e., flammability) – follow other SOPs as appropriate.
For toxic liquids on the list of Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHSs), this section must indicate that the chemical
is a PHS and why, and give a general overview of the hazards. If PHS liquids have other hazards associated with their
use (e.g. flammable, corrosive, reactive), those must also be addressed in this SOP. Alternately, this document may
refer to another source of information (such as a lab inventory that includes basic hazard information).
3. Engineering Controls:
Work with volatile toxic liquids in a chemical fume hood. (Dilute solutions may be used on the benchtop in small
quantities.)
4. Work Practice Controls:
 If other specific written procedures are required for work with toxic liquids on the particularly hazardous
substances list, you must list them here or attach a step-by-step procedure. (If no further procedures are needed
beyond those listed in this template, you can delete this bullet.)


If animals will be dosed with the chemical (including drugs), state that the SOP for Handling Animals Dosed with
Toxic Chemicals will be followed, including advanced notification of the animal facility and room and cage
labeling requirements.
Keep containers closed as much as possible.

Be aware of skin absorption as a possible route of exposure. Plan work so that minimal glove contact is
expected, and purchase appropriate gloves for cleaning up small spills. (Check a glove penetration guide, such as
this one provided by Oklahoma State, to select an appropriate glove.)


Use in the smallest practical quantities for the experiment being performed.
Determine a means for decontaminating the work area for PHS liquids and list it here. (E.g., a mild detergent and
water, or another solvent may be used - as long as the method is compatible with the chemical.)
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE):
The minimum PPE for toxic liquids is standard nitrile laboratory gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses.
If glove contact is anticipated, check a glove penetration guide to select an appropriate glove. (Many toxic liquids,
including acetone and methylene chloride, easily penetrate common laboratory gloves.)
If working with toxic liquids that may splash, wear chemical splash goggles and/or a face shield.
6. Transportation and Storage:
 Transport toxic liquids in secondary containment, preferably a polyethylene or other non-reactive acid/solvent
bottle carrier.
 Store in secondary containment.
 If the toxic liquid is also flammable, follow transportation and storage guidelines for flammables.
 Avoid storing on the floor.
7. Waste Disposal:
Handle and store toxic liquid wastes following the guidelines above while accumulating wastes and awaiting
chemical waste pickup. Toxic liquid wastes must be disposed of following Duke University’s Chemical Waste Policy
and the Laboratory Chemical Waste Management Practices. These policies cover container management and
procedures and timelines for chemical waste pickup.
8. Exposures/Unintended contact:
Contact Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (EOHW) at 919-684-3136 for medical advice on occupational
chemical exposures. For an actual chemical exposure/injury
 Flush exposed eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes, then seek emergency medical attention.
 For volatile toxic liquids, remove all persons from the contaminated area. (It may be necessary to go outside.)
 Call 911 from a campus phone or 919-684-2444 from any phone to request assistance if needed. Contact
Employee Occupational Health and Wellness at 919-684-8115 for exposure-related advice.
The work-related injury or illness report found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/medical/workcomp/report.php
should be completed within 24 hours. Follow-up medical attention should be sought through Duke Employee
Occupational Health and Wellness (919-684-3136).
9. Spill Procedure:
Employees in the area should be prepared to clean up minor spills, including most spills confined to the chemical
fume hood. Wearing appropriate gloves, splash goggles, lab coat (and impermeable apron, if available), use
absorbent pads to absorb spilled material. Contaminated PPE and clean-up materials must be placed in a clear
plastic bag or compatible container for pick-up by OESO (see waste disposal section for more information).
Large spills of volatile toxic liquids, as well as any mercury spill, must be referred to the OESO spill response team by
calling 911 from a campus phone or 919-684-2444 from any phone.
10. Training of personnel:
All personnel are required to complete the online General Lab Safety session thru the OESO website. This session
includes an introduction to general chemical safety.
Training on lab-specific procedures for PHS liquids is required all personnel working with these materials, and must
be documented (topics covered, date, employee names and signatures).
Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when handling toxic liquids. For toxic liquids on
the particularly hazardous substances list, a laboratory- and chemical-specific SOP is required, and employees must
indicate that they will comply by signing and dating the SOP.
“I have read and understand this SOP. I agree to fully adhere to its requirements.”
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