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.
Reactive liquids are chemicals that react vigorously with moisture or oxygen or other substances.
Securing of gas cylinders
Not applicable
Decontamination procedures
Personnel: Wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling reactive liquids.
Area: Carefully clean work area after use.
Equipment: Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other contaminated equipment (glassware) before removing them from the designated area.
Designated area
Not applicable
Emergency procedure
Emergency procedures which address response actions to fires, explosions, spills, injury to staff, or the development of signs and symptoms 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 equipment, eye wash, fire extinguishers, etc.)
The location and quantity of all reactive liquids in the laboratory
The method used to alert personnel in nearby areas of potential hazards
Special first aid treatment required by the type of reactive liquids handled in the laboratory
Eye protection
Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling reactive liquids. 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 reactive liquids, 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
Many reactive liquids will ignite or liberate combustible gas when exposed to water vapor or air. The use of a fume hood is recommended to prevent the buildup of flammable gases.
Glove (dry) box
A glove box may be used to handle reactive liquids if an inert or dry atmosphere is required.
Gloves
Gloves should be worn when handling reactive liquids. 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 of work involving reactive liquids should address proper use and handling techniques, fire safety (including the need for Class D fire extinguishers), storage, the specific reactive nature of the material (such as water and air reactivity), and waste disposal issues.
EHRS Notification
Not applicable.
Protective apparel
Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling reactive liquids. 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 reactive liquids that 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 reactive liquids are used.
Signs and labels
Containers: All reactive liquids must be clearly labeled with the correct chemical name. Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical formulas and structural formulas are not acceptable.
Special storage
Reactive liquids should be stored in a cool and dry location. Keep reactive liquids segregated from all other chemicals in the laboratory. Minimize the quantities of reactive liquids stored in the laboratory.
Date all containers upon receipt. Examine storage containers frequently. Dispose of any container that exhibits salt build up on its exterior. Dispose of all reactive liquids whenever they are no longer required for current research.
Never return excess chemicals to the original container. Small amounts of impurities may be introduced into the container that may cause a fire or explosion.
Special ventilation
Special ventilation may be required if these materials are used outside a fume hood. If your research does not permit the handing of reactive liquids in a fume hood you must contact the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety to review the adequacy of all special ventilation.
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 reactive liquids. Spill control materials for reactive liquids are designed to be inert and will not react with the reagent.
In the event of a spill alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred. Do not attempt to handle a spill of reactive liquids. Turn off all ignition sources and vacate the laboratory immediately. 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
All materials contaminated with reactive liquids should be disposed of as hazardous waste. Alert the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety if you generate wastes contaminated by reactive liquids. These wastes may pose a flammability risk and should not remain in the laboratory overnight.