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 item 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.
Corrosive chemicals are substances that cause visible destruction or permanent changes in human skin tissue at the site of contact, or are highly corrosive to steel. The major classes of corrosives include strong acids, bases, and dehydrating agents.
Securing of gas cylinders
Not applicable
Decontamination procedures
Personnel: Immediately flush contaminated area with copious amounts of water after contact with corrosive materials. Remove any jewelry to facilitate removal of chemicals. If a delayed response is noted report immediately for medical attention. Be prepared to detail what chemicals were involved.
If the incident involves Hydrofluoric acid (HF), seek immediate medical attention.
If there is any doubt about the severity of the injury, seek immediate medical attention.
Area: Decontamination procedures vary depending on the material being handled. The corrosivity of some materials can be neutralized with other reagents. Special neutralizing agents should be on hand to decontaminate areas.
Designated area
Not applicable
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, spill clean up supplies, 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 corrosive material(s) handled in the laboratory
Eye protection
Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling corrosive materials. 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. It is recommended that face shields be worn when a splash potential exists with corrosive materials.
Eyewash
Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to corrosive chemicals, 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 corrosive substances should be carried out in a fume hood if corrosive vapor production is anticipated.
Glove (dry) box
Not applicable
Gloves
Gloves should be worn when handling corrosive chemicals. Disposable nitrile gloves provide adequate protection against accidental hand contact with small quantities of most laboratory chemicals. Lab workers should contact EHRS for advice on chemical resistant glove selection when direct or prolonged contact with hazardous chemicals is anticipated.
Hazard assessment
Hazard assessment should include instruction on proper use and handling; spill control; and splash protection.
EHRS Notification
Not applicable
Protective apparel
Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling corrosive materials. Additional protective clothing should be worn if the possibility of skin contact is likely.
Safety shielding
Safety shielding is required any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a highly exothermic reaction. All manipulations of corrosive materials 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 corrosive materials is used.
Signs and labels
Containers: All corrosive chemical must be clearly labeled with the correct chemical name. Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical formulas and structural formulas are not acceptable.
Special storage
Segregate the various types of corrosives. Separate acids and bases. Liquids and solids should also be separated. Specially designed corrosion resistant cabinets should be used for the storage of large quantities of corrosive materials. Store corrosives on plastic trays. Do not store corrosive materials on high cabinets or shelves.
Special ventilation
Manipulation of some corrosive materials outside of a fume hood may require special ventilation controls in order to minimize exposure to the material. Fume hoods provide the best protection against exposure to corrosive materials in the laboratory and are the preferred ventilation control device.
Spill response
Anticipate spills by having the appropriate clean up equipment on hand. The appropriate clean up supplies can be determined by consulting the material safety data sheet. This should occur prior to the use of any corrosive chemical. Corrosive spill controls neutralize the hazardous nature of the spilled material. Acids and bases require different types of spill control materials. In the event of a spill all personnel in the area should be alerted.. Do not attempt to handle a large spill of corrosive materials. Vacate the laboratory immediately and call for assistance.
Remain on the scene, but at a safe distance, to receive and direct safety personnel when they arrive.
Vacuum protection
Not applicable
Waste disposal
Most corrosive materials are hazardous wastes. Questions regarding waste disposal should be directed to the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety.