SOP FOR PROMOTING SAFETY AWARENESS AND ENCOURAGE SAFE WORKING PRACTICES IN THE LABORATORY
- PURPOSE: To lay down the procedure to promote safety awareness and encourage safe working practices in the laboratory.
- SCOPE: This SOP is applicable to promote safety awareness and encourage safe working practices in the laboratory.
- RESPONSIBILITY: Technical Manager/Quality Manager/QC Chemist
- PROCEDURE:
4.1GENERAL SAFETY AWARENESS:
4.1.1 Familiarise yourself with all aspects of safety before handling any equipment/chemical etc.
4.1.2 Be alert to unsafe conditions of the equipment, procedures and actions, and call attention to them so that corrections can be made as soon as possible.
4.1.3 Label all storage areas, appropriately, and keep all chemicals in properly labelled containers.
4.1.4 Date all chemical bottles when received and when opened.
4.1.5 Note expiry dates on chemicals.
4.1.6 Note storage conditions and adhere to them.
4.1.7 Familiarise yourself with the appropriate protective measures when exposed to the
following classes of hazardous materials.
- i) Flammable iv) Corrosive
- ii) Carcinogen v) Compressed Gases
iii) Poisons vi) Toxic
4.1.8 Segregate chemicals by compatibility groups for storage.
4.1.9 Post warning signs for unusual hazards such as flammable materials no naked flames or other special problems.
4.1.10 Pour more concentrated solutions into less concentrated solutions to avoid violent reactions (i.e. add acid to water, not water to acid).
4.1.11 Avoid distracting other worker.
4.1.12 Use equipment only for its designated purpose.
4.1.13 Position and secure apparatus used for chemical reactions in order to permit manipulation without moving the apparatus until the entire reaction is complete.
4.2PERSONAL SAFETY:
4.2.1 Always use extracted wet benches for chemical work.
4.2.2 Always wear safety glasses or goggles at all times in the laboratory.
4.2.3 Always wear laboratory coat/apron in the laboratory.
4.2.4 Appropriate gloves should be worn as needed.
4.2.5 Appropriate shoes should be worn in the laboratory.
4.2.6 Wear breathing mask as and when appropriate.
4.2.7 Only trained personnel may use breathing apparatus.
4.3 PERSONAL HYGIENE:
4.3.1 Wash hands before leaving the laboratory.
4.3.2 Never mouth suck anything in a pipette in the laboratory.
4.3.3 No food or drink is allowed in laboratories or areas where chemicals are used or stored.
4.3.4 No food should be stored in a laboratory refrigerator.
4.3.5 Never eat or drink from the laboratory glassware.
4.3.6 Keep exposed skin covered in the laboratory.
4.4 FIRE PREVENTION:
4.4.1 Aware yourself of ignition sources in the laboratory and service areas (open flames, heat, electrical equipment).
4.4.2 Purchase chemicals in quantities that will be used in not distant future.
4.4.3 Always store flammable liquids in appropriate cabinets.
4.4.4 Do not store incompatible reagents together (e.g., acids with organic solvents).
4.4.5 Do not store ethers or similar chemicals for extended periods of time as explosive peroxides could form.
4.4.6 Date chemicals when received and opened.
4.4.7 Make sure that all electrical cords are in good condition and all electrical outlets are earthed. Remain out of the area of a fire or incident if you are not in position to help.
4.4.8 Familiarise yourself with site and condition of fire extinguishers. Broken seals mean fire extinguisher has been used and need be recharged.
4.4.9 Do not use fire extinguishers unless you are trained and feel confident to do so.
4.5 HOUSEKEEPING:
4.5.1 Eliminate safety hazards by maintaining the laboratory work areas in a good state of order.
4.5.2 Maintain clear passages to the laboratory exit.
4.5.3 Always keep bench tops, extracted wet benches, floors and aisles clear of unnecessary material.
4.5.4 Wipe down bench tops and other laboratory surfaces after each use.
4.5.5 All equipment should be inspected before use.
4.5.6 If experiments must be left unattended, place a note next to experimental apparatus indicating the chemicals involved and possible hazards and your name and a number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
4.5.7 Keep the laboratory floor dry at all times. Attend to spills immediately and notify other lab workers of potential slipping hazards.
4.5.8 Only authorised personnel should do maintenance work on laboratory equipment.
4.5.9 Sink traps should be flushed with water on a regular basis to prevent the release of chemical odours in the laboratory.
4.5.10 All compressed gas cylinders should be securely chained or clamped to a rack.
4.5.11 Take empty cylinders to the empty cylinder bay for collection. Unnecessary delays accumulate rent that is usually much more than the price of the gas.
4.6 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE:
4.6.1 Familiarise yourself with the safety guidelines and adhere to them.
4.7 EYE PROTECTION:
4.7.1 Splashing chemicals or flying objects are possible at any time in a laboratory environment. Eye protection should be worn in the laboratory all the time. Safety glasses, Goggles, and Safety Visors are available in the laboratory. Please select the one most appropriate for your work.
4.8 LABORATORY COAT:
4.8.1 The laboratory coat is designed to protect the clothing and skin from chemicals that may be spilled or splashed. Please wear laboratory coat in the chemistry laboratory all the time Aprons An apron provides an alternative to the lab coat. It is usually made of plastic or rubber to protect the wearer against corrosive or irritating chemicals. An apron should be worn over garments that cover the arms and body, such as a laboratory coat.
4.8.2 It is important you keep the protective clothing in good condition. Dirty and damaged clothing should be cleaned and repaired or replaced. Dirty protective clothing is a hazard in itself.
