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No. 46

EH&S Fact Sheet

Revised 08/14/09

Environment, Health and Safety Information for the Berkeley Campus

Laboratory-Specific
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a written set of instructions that document
how to safely perform work involving hazardous materials or hazardous operations.
SOPs are required by Cal/OSHA . There are no specific legal requirements regarding
their content.

The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) provides several Fact Sheets that
serve as SOPs for some common hazardous chemicals such as “Hydrofluoric Acid” .
These Fact Sheets are available on the EH&S web site or by contacting EH&S at
642-3073.

Many labs work with specific hazards that are not covered by the EH&S Fact Sheets
and will need to write their own laboratory-specific SOPs. In that case, start by
writing SOPs for the most hazardous chemicals and processes. Anything capable of
causing death, explosions, blindness, severe burns, etc., is a candidate for an SOP.
Has there been a close call in the lab recently? This is another candidate for an
SOP. Sharing SOPs between research groups and/or forming small groups to write
them together can save time and effort. For common laboratory equipment (e.g.,
ultracentrifuges), the manufacturer’s operations and maintenance manual may serve as,
or supplement, the SOP.

SOPs may focus on any of the following:

• Process (e.g., peptide synthesis, distillation)
• Hazardous chemical (e.g., carbon monoxide, perchloric acid)
• Class of hazardous chemical (e.g., organic solvents)

The EH&S SOP Template provides a physical format for writing an SOP. The
following 12 sections have corresponding sections in the SOP Template. When writing
an SOP, include the following sections.

Section 1 — Process
List the process or type of process involving hazardous chemicals - for example,
"atomic absorption spectroscopy for heavy metals." Include any unique equipment
used. If the term "process" does not apply, proceed to Section 2.
Section 2 —Hazardous Chemicals Involved
List the hazardous chemicals (or class of chemicals) involved, including any hazardous
products or by-products. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for highly reactive
or unstable chemicals should be on hand; MSDSs for all chemicals should be readily
accessible. MSDSs for most chemicals are available through the EH&S web site or
E H Office of Environment, Health & Safety
University of California through the chemical manufacturer.
& S
317 University Hall #1150
Berkeley, CA 94720-1150
UC BERKELEY
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu
(510) 642-3073
Fact Sheet: Standard Operating Procedures Page 2 of 3

Section 3—Potential Hazards

Describe the potential dangers for each hazardous chemical or each element of the
hazardous process or procedure. Include physical, health, and environmental hazards.
To find hazard information, look up the MSDSs (available from the EH&S web site
or from chemical manufacturers) or look online for other sources such as Cameo
Chemicals , a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) database
that provides hazard information in a user-friendly format. In addition, the Sigma-
Aldrich web site, has technical bulletins that provide detailed information about
various processes, equipment and classes of chemicals.
Section 4—Approvals Required
List the circumstances under which a particular laboratory operation, procedure,
or activity requires prior approval from the Principal Investigator (PI), laboratory
supervisor, or other personnel.
Section 5—Designated Area
Consider establishing a designated area for this operation within the laboratory. A
fume hood, portion of the laboratory, or the entire laboratory may be the designated
area.
Section 6—Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements
Describe special handling procedures and storage requirements including, (but not
limited to): specific laboratory techniques; ventilation requirements; temperature
controls; chemical incompatibilities; special containment devices; and access
restrictions. If applicable, describe safe methods to transport the chemicals.
Section 7—Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
List the PPE required for each activity or chemical. PPE includes gloves, laboratory
coats, safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and respirators. If applicable, indicate the
type of PPE (e.g., gloves, splash protection) needed for each phase of a process. For
help with PPE selection or to determine if respirator use may be necessary, contact
EH&S at 642-3073.
Section 8—Engineering/Ventilation Controls
List any engineering controls used. An engineering hazard control is generally defined
as equipment or physical infrastructure that reduces or removes hazards from the
laboratory. It can include specifically selected and arranged experimental equipment.
Common engineering controls include the fume hood, glove box, biosafety cabinet
and laser interlock.
Section 9—Spill and Accident Procedures
Describe procedures for handling potential emergencies related to this chemical or
process such as accidental releases to the sanitary sewer, spills, fires, chemical burns to
skin or eyes, shattered glassware, etc. Note the location of emergency equipment such
as spill kits, emergency eyewash/showers, fire extinguishers, etc. Take care to describe
any special procedures for dealing with personal exposures (e.g., calcium gluconate
should be used for HF exposures). Identify the location of emergency response phone
numbers and emergency contact phone numbers. Emergency situations can affect
your ability to think clearly. It is important that everyone feel confident in their
understanding of proper emergency procedures, including nearby lab members whose
work may not be related to this SOP but who may need to respond in an emergency.

E H
& S
UC BERKELEY Office of Environment, Health & Safety • University of California • 317 University Hall #1150 • Berkeley, CA 94720-1150 • http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu • (510) 642-3073
Fact Sheet: Standard Operating Procedures Page 3 of 3

Section 10 —Waste Disposal
Describe any unique waste disposal procedures for the chemicals.
Section 11—Decontamination
Discuss any appropriate decontamination procedures for equipment, glassware, and
clothing. Where applicable, include controlled areas (e.g., fume hoods, glove boxes) in
the text.
Section 12 — Process Steps (Optional)
This section is useful for particularly complex or multi-step processes. List each step
of the process or procedure chronologically on the left side of the SOP Template page.
On the right side of the page and directly across from the corresponding process steps,
list precautionary safety measures to be taken, including the use of specific laboratory
techniques and PPE. If possible, describe indicators (visual or otherwise) which show
whether the reaction, equipment, etc. is working safely as intended or that a hazardous
situation may be developing.

SOPs should be reviewed by the PI or at least one peer who is doing similar research.
Once an SOP is written, everyone performing work described by that SOP should
read it carefully and sign the SOP Training Documentation page at the end of the
SOP Template. The location of SOPs should be noted in the "Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs)" section of each laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan.

E H
& S
UC BERKELEY
Office of Environment, Health & Safety • University of California • 317 University Hall #1150 • Berkeley, CA 94720-1150 • http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu • (510) 642-3073