Standard operating procedures (SOP) are intended to provide you with general guidance on how to safely work with a specific class of chemical or hazard. This SOP is generic in nature. It addresses the use and handling of substances by hazard class only. In some instances multiple SOPs may be applicable for a specific chemical (i.e., both the SOPs for flammable liquids and carcinogens would apply to benzene). If you have questions concerning the applicability of any items listed in this procedure contact the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (215-898-4453) or the Principal Investigator of your laboratory. Specific written procedures are the responsibility of the principal investigator.

If compliance with all the requirements of this standard operating procedure is not possible, the principal investigator must develop a written procedure that will be used in its place. This alternate procedure must provide the same level of protection as the SOP it replaces. The Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety is available to provide guidance during the development of alternate procedures.

A list of acutely toxic gases is included in Appendix B of the chemical hygiene plan.

Securing of gas cylinders

Cylinders of compressed gases must be handled as high energy sources. When storing or moving a cylinder, have the cap securely in place to protect the stem. Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to support cylinders.

Decontamination procedures

Personnel: Wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling acutely toxic gases.

Designated area

The room sign for the laboratory must contain a Designated Areas Within identifier.

All locations within the laboratory where acutely toxic gases are handled should be demarcated with designated area caution tape (available from EHRS, the cell center, or chemistry stockroom) and/or posted with designated area caution signs. This includes all fume hoods and bench tops where the acutely toxic gases are handled.

Emergency procedure

Emergency procedures which address response actions to fires, explosions, spills, injury to staff, or the development of sign and symptom of overexposure must be developed. The procedures should address as a minimum the following:

Who to contact: (University police, and Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety, Principal investigator of the laboratory including evening phone number)

The location of all safety equipment (showers, eye wash, fire extinguishers, etc.)

The method used to alert personnel in nearby areas of potential hazards

Special first aid treatment required by the type of acutely toxic material(s) handled in the laboratory

Eye protection

Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling acutely toxic gases. Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection. (Contrary to popular opinion these glasses cannot pass the rigorous test for industrial safety glasses.) Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z.87. 1 1989) and must be equipped with side shields. Safety glasses with side shields do not provide adequate protection from splashes; therefore, when the potential for splash hazard exists other eye protection and/or face protection must be worn.

Eyewash

Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to acutely toxic gases, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable.

Fume hood

Manipulation of acutely toxic gases should typically be carried out in a fume hood. All areas where acutely toxic gases are stored or manipulated must be labeled as a designated area.

Glove (dry) box

Some processes involving acutely toxic gases may be performed in a properly vented glove box rather than a fume hood.

Gloves

Gloves should be worn when handling acutely toxic gases. Disposable nitrile gloves provide adequate protection against accidental hand contact with small quantities of most laboratory chemicals.

Hazard assessment

Hazard assessment should focus on the education of employees concerning the health risk posed by acutely toxic gases, on proper use and handling procedures, the demarcation of designated areas, and emergency evacuation and notification procedures in the event of a spill.

EHRS Notification

You should notify the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety prior to the initial use of acutely toxic gases. Use the form in Appendix F for this purpose. Notification is also required following significant changes in procedures or the quantity of materials used.

Protective apparel

Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling acutely toxic gases. The need for additional protective equipment will be determined by the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety on a case-by-case basis..

Safety shielding

Safety shielding is required any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a highly exothermic reaction. All manipulations of acutely toxic gases which pose this risk should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the lowest feasible position. Portable shields, which provide protection to all laboratory occupants are acceptable.

Safety shower

A safety or drench shower should be available in a nearby location where the acutely toxic gases are used.

Signs and labels

Doorways: The room sign must contain a Designated Area Within Caution where carcinogens, reproductive hazards, and/or acutely toxic chemicals are stored or used.

Containers: All acutely toxic gas cylinders must be clearly labeled with the correct chemical name. Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical formulas and structural formulas are not acceptable. A label for acutely toxic gases is available (part number (S1728C).

Special storage

Acutely toxic gases must be stored in a designated area. Special ventilation of the stored cylinders is required and must be approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety.

Continuous monitoring devices which will alert staff of a release of the acutely toxic gas is required for certain gases. The Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety will contact you concerning this requirement after receipt of the notification form in appendix F.

The quantity of an acutely toxic gas that may be stored in a laboratory will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety.

Special ventilation

Manipulation of acutely toxic gases outside of a fume hood will require special ventilation controls in order to minimize exposure to the material. Fume hoods provide the best protection against exposure to acutely toxic gases in the laboratory and are the preferred ventilation control device. Always attempt to handle acutely toxic gases in a fume hood. If your research does not permit the handing of acutely toxic gases in your fume hood you must contact the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety to review the adequacy of all special ventilation.

Spill response

In the event of a escape of gas alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred. Do not attempt to handle a spill of acutely toxic gases. Vacate the laboratory immediately and call for assistance.

• Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety 898-4453
• University Police 511 or 898-7333 This is a 24 hour service.

Vacuum protection

Not applicable

Waste disposal

All empty or partially filled acutely toxic gas cylinders should be returned to the supplier. If the supplier does not accept empty or partially filled cylinders, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety concerning disposal.