Standard Operating Procedure
Example: Research using LPS
PI:
Lab Location:
Issue Date:
Prepared by:
___
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Revision Date:
Approved by: ___________
Background and Hazard Information:
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, is a structural component of the cell wall of
gram negative bacteria. It is a chemical that is considered a pyrogen and induces a strong
immune response, including inhalation airway inflammation, the progression of asthma, and
other forms of airway disease. Humans are the most susceptible species for immune response.
The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) indicates that some types of
LPS are considered reproductive effectors, teratogens, and mutagens
Experimental Procedures:
Control Plan:
General Controls:
 Any work with LPS needs to be done over disposable absorbent benchtop spill pads.
 The fume hood or other approved containment must be cleaned upon completion of tasks
with 10% bleach.
 When transporting LPS, the vials should be placed in secondary, sealed, plastic, labeled, nonbreakable containers.
Engineering Controls:
 The preparation of LPS including reconstitution, weighing, and diluting should be performed
in a fume hood. Work should be done over absorbent pads.
 Utilize safe sharps procedures: No recapping needles, have a sharps container in close
vicinity, use Leurlock syringes, if possible
Required PPE:
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Double nitrile gloves
Chemical safety goggles
Lab coat
Ensure that all exposed skin is covered.
Precautions for Animal Use:
 Animals should be restrained or anesthetized during injection.
 Once LPS is injected, animals are neither hazardous nor infectious.
 Since the animals are not likely to shed the toxin, no special handling of bedding or carcass is
required.
Waste Management Procedures:
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Excess solids and solutions: Dispose as hazardous chemical waste, following procedures
detailed in the University’s Hazardous Waste Guidebook.
Disposable lab supplies (e.g., gowns, gloves, benchtop pads, etc.,): Collect in red bags for
disposal.
Needles and sharps: Dispose of immediately in sharps container.
Spill cleanup materials: Place in leak proof container and box for disposal as hazardous
waste following procedures detailed in the University’s Hazardous Waste Guidebook.
Spill and Accident Procedures:
Spill Cleanup
 Solid: If source container drops and breaks (1-100 grams max), avoid raising dust – do not
sweep up dry material. Evacuate spill area, restrict other from entering the area and from a
safe spot, call 911 and request AHERPS.
If a small amount (<250 mg) spills, wearing a disposable gown, chemical safety goggles, and
two pairs of nitrile gloves (an N-95 respirator if outside of the hood), cover material with
paper towels, spray lightly with bleach water solution (10% bleach) and carefully scoop
material and paper towels into leak proof container and box for disposal as hazardous waste
following procedures detailed in the University’s Hazardous Waste Guidebook. The entire
spill area should then be cleaned with a 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes followed by
clean water. For amounts in between, use prudent judgment to decide whether to attempt
cleanup, or call for spill response.
 Solution: Should be cleaned immediately by personnel wearing a disposable gown,
chemical safety goggles, and two pairs of nitrile gloves. Use absorbent pads to wipe-up
liquid. The spill area should then be cleaned with a 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes
followed by clean water. Place spill waste in leak proof container and box for disposal as
hazardous waste following procedures detailed in the University’s Hazardous Waste
Guidebook.
Accidental Exposures
 Wash exposed skin with soap & water, flush eyes for 15 min.
 Call 911 or seek medical attention.
 For urgent care, employees may go to HealthPartners Occupational and
Environmental Medicine (M/F day time or Urgent Care after hours), or UMMCFairview Hospital (24 hrs). You may seek medical attention at the closest available
medical facility or your own healthcare provider.
 Follow-up must be done by HealthPartners Occupational and Environmental
Medicine.
 Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible, fill out the appropriate
documentation.
 Employee First Report of Injury
 Supervisor Incident Investigation Report
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Note: It is important to fill out all of the appropriate documents to be eligible to collect
workers compensation should any complications from the hazardous exposure arise in the
future.
Report all exposures to supervisor as soon as possible!