Standard Operating Procedure

Flammables
Print a copy of this SOP and insert into your Safety on Site (SOS) Binder.

Department:

Date SOP was written:

Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:

Principal Investigator:

Principal Investigator Signature:

Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:

Lab Phone:

Office Phone:

Emergency Contact:
(Name and Phone Number)

Location(s) covered by this SOP:

(Building/Room Number)

Type of SOP: ☐ Process ☐Hazardous Chemical X Hazardous Class

Contents
Purpose Medical Emergency
Subject Chemicals Used in this Laboratory Spill & Accident Procedure
Properties & Hazards Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Administrative Controls Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Engineering Controls Required Training/Approvals
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Additional Notes
Special Handling & Storage Requirements Documentation of Training
First Aid Procedures

APPENDIX A: Lab-Specific Use Procedures

Flammables 1 Revised: 9/12/16 SCH

 Purpose
The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to acquaint you with the proper and safe handling,
use, storage and disposal of the subject chemicals.

Subject Chemicals Used in this Laboratory

Refer to the banded laboratory chemical inventory located in the SOS binder for a listing of all chemicals
in this laboratory that this SOP applies to. In addition, the banded inventory includes chemical-specific
notations that supplements the information provided in this SOP (e.g., special hazards, handling, PPE).

Properties & Hazards

Chemicals in this band can easily catch fire. The band is generally divided into two hazard levels as
follows:

Highly Hazardous
 gases which have a flammable range (LEL to UEL) of ≥12% greater in air at NTP conditions,
or are ignitable at a concentration of ≤13% in air at NTP conditions
 liquids with a flashpoint <73 ºF
 solids subjected to a burn rate test where: 1) non-metals with a burn time of <45s or burn
rate >2.2mm, or 2) metals with a burn time of ≤ 10 minutes

Generally Hazardous
 gases which can form a flammable mixture in air at NTP conditions
 liquids with a flashpoint ≤200 ºF

The GHS and Cal/OSHA definition of the band is described in the table below:

UCI Hazard
GHS Category GHS H-Code Cal/OSHA Definition
Level
Aerosols (Cat.1) H222 Flammable
Highly Flammable Gases (Cat.1) H220 Flammable
Hazardous Flammable Liquids (Cat.1,2) H224, H225 Flammable
Flammable Solids (Cat.1,2) H228 Flammable
Aerosols (Cat.2,3) H223, H229 Flammable
Generally
Flammable Gases (Cat.2) H221 Flammable
Hazardous
Flammable Liquids (Cat.3,4) H226, H227 Flammable, Combustible Liquid

Administrative Controls
In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.

General practices:

1. Be sure to review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all chemicals to be used in the experiment.

2. Never work alone. At least one other person must be present in the same laboratory when any
work involving hazardous chemicals is being done.

3. Eliminate or substitute for a less hazardous material when possible.

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 4. Design your experiment to use the least amount of material possible to achieve the desired result.
5. Verify your experimental set-up and procedure prior to use. Be familiar with the Safety Data
Sheets for all chemicals in use. Assess the hazards to ensure that appropriate controls are in
place to minimize risk and address emergency shut-down procedures as appropriate.

6. Consult with the PI if the work involves procedure scale-up or other large quantities or there are
any questions regarding appropriate safety procedures.

Band-specific practices:

1. Minimize your purchases of Class 1 flammable liquids to only what is needed for a reasonable
amount of time. There are significant fire code restrictions on the quantities of Class 1
flammable liquids allowed in use or storage within research buildings (see special use and
storage requirements below).

Engineering Controls
In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.

General practices:

1. In general, it is preferable to perform all work with hazardous chemicals in a fume hood. Sash
height should be kept as low as possible to avoid the escape of vapors, gases and particulates.

2. Supplemental equipment such as blast shields should be used when working with chemicals or
processes that may result in explosions or pressure releases.

3. Consider the use of a glove box, toxic gas cabinet or other local exhaust in order to further
contain hazards as appropriate.

Band-specific practices:

1. Use a fume hood when working with highly flammable chemicals. This restriction may be lifted
when using small volumes. This requires PI approval, after reviewing the particular application.

2. Flammable liquids burn only when their vapor is mixed with air in the appropriate concentration.
Therefore, such liquids should always be handled to minimize the creation of flammable vapor
concentrations. Dilution of flammable vapors by ventilation is an important means of avoiding
flammable concentrations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection is generally not required for lab research, provided the appropriate engineering
controls are employed. Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:

Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a
regulatory requirement. If you think that your process may require respirator use, contact EH&S for
assistance (http://www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/ih/respiratory.html)

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 Hand Protection

Disposable nitrile gloves provide sufficient protection for most routine lab operations involving small
quantities. They should be changed if liquid is splashed onto them. They are not appropriate for longer
operations or operations using larger quantities.

For longer operations, or operations using larger quantities, use thicker gloves made from a material
appropriate for the specific chemical in use (e.g., natural rubber, butyl, neoprene, nitrile, PVA). When
working chemicals or processes that increase the risk of exposure to fire, use hand protection appropriate
to both the risk of chemical exposure and the risk from fire. Gloves must be inspected prior to use for
signs of wear or damage. Such gloves should be disposed of in accordance with appropriate laboratory
disposal practices.

Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with
any chemical residues on the surface. Wash and dry hands after use.

For additional information on selection of glove material, review the specific chemical Safety Data Sheet.
Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer’s website to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with a specific chemical substance. Common manufacturer glove selection guidance can be
found at::

http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
http://www.mapa-pro.com/our-gloves/protections/chemical-protection/b/handled_product.html

Eye Protection

Use safety glasses with side shields or tightly fitting safety goggles whenever working in the laboratory.

Skin and Body Protection

Long pants, closed toed-shoes, shirt and a lab coat must be worn whenever working in the laboratory.
Flame resistant Nomex® lab coats should be used when working with chemicals or processes that
increase the risk of fire. Fully extend sleeves to the wrists and keep buttoned at all times. Avoid wearing
synthetic clothing when practicable.

Hygiene Measures

Wash hands immediately and thoroughly after handling chemicals. Any contaminated clothing should be
disposed of or washed before reuse.

Band-specific practices:

1. Flame resistant Nomex® lab coats must be worn when using highly flammable chemicals.
2. No synthetic clothing may be worn when using highly flammable chemicals.

Special Handling & Storage Requirements

In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific section of
this SOP.

Band-specific practices:

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 1. Handle highly flammable chemicals only in areas free of ignition sources. In addition to open
flames, ignition sources include electrical equipment (especially motors), static electricity, and,
for some materials (e.g., carbon disulfide), hot surfaces. Check the work area for flames or
ignition sources before using a flammable substance. Likewise, check for the presence of
flammable substances before lighting a flame.

2. The vapors of many flammable liquids are heavier than air and are capable of traveling
considerable distances. This possibility should be recognized, and special care should be taken
when using ignition sources at a level lower than that at which the flammable substance is being
used.

3. It is essential that all flammable liquids be stored separately from all chemicals with which they
may react (e.g., oxidizing agents). Ensure the use of secondary containment and segregate
incompatible chemicals per guidance provided in the UCI Chemical Hygiene Plan. In addition,
follow any substance-specific storage guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
documentation.

4. Avoid heat, flame, sparks, temperature extremes, and direct sunlight. Do not store with oxygen,
oxidizing agents, reducing agents, halogens, strong acids, strong bases, perchlorates, and
trimethylaluminum.

5. Store flammable liquids in a flammable storage cabinet, when flammable liquids must be stored
outside a flammable storage cabinet use approved safety cans whenever possible.

6. Table 1 describes the maximum type and size of container allowed for use or storage based on
flammable liquid hazard classifications:

Table 1. Maximum container size by hazard class

Container Type Class I-A Class I-B Class I-C
Glass 1 pint 1 quart 1 gallon
Metal or listed, approved plastic 1 gallon 5 gallon 5 gallon
Safety cans 2 gallon 2 gallon 2 gallon
Notes:
Class I-A = flash point < 73 °F, boiling point < 100 °F
Class I-B = flash point < 73 °F, boiling point ≥ 100 °F
Class I-C = flash point ≥ 73 °F and < 100 °F

7. The maximum quantity limits (aggregated) allowed per fire compartment (area of building with
fire resistive construction) will vary depending on a variety of building design factors. Consult
with EHS for specific limits for a given laboratory.

8. Use only refrigeration equipment certified for storage of flammable materials. Ordinary
refrigerators are a hazard because of the presence of potential ignition sources, such as
switches, relays, and, possibly, sparking fan motors, and should never be used for storing
flammable chemicals.

9. Never use environmental rooms (also called cold/warm rooms) to store flammable materials.
Environmental rooms have many ignition sources and little or no outside air circulation. Small
quantities of flammable or hazardous materials (<500 ml) can be used in these spaces, but they
cannot be used for storage.

10. Metal lines and vessels discharging flammable liquids should be properly grounded to disperse
static electricity. For instance, when transferring flammable liquids in metal equipment, static-

Flammables 5 Revised: 9/12/16 SCH

 generated sparks can be eliminated by proper grounding with ground straps.

11. Development of static electricity is closely related to the level of humidity and may become a
problem on cold dry winter days. When nonmetallic containers (especially plastic) are used,
contact with the grounding device should be made directly to the liquid rather than to the
container. In the rare circumstance that static electricity cannot be avoided, all processes should
be carried out as slowly as possible to give the accumulated charge time to disperse or should
be handled in an inert atmosphere.

First Aid Procedures

In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.

Consult the Safety Data Sheet for the subject chemical for specific first aid procedures. General first aid
procedures for hazardous chemicals are provided below.

If inhaled
Move to fresh air. Have victim rest in half-upright position. Artificial respiration victim is not breathing.
Seek medical attention immediately.

In case of skin contact

In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get
medical attention immediately

In case of eye contact

Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water
from emergency eyewash station for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately.

If swallowed
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything
by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get
medical attention immediately.

Medical Emergency
Be familiar with information in the UC Irvine Injuries & Medical Treatment poster
(http://www.ehs.uci.edu/MedEmergPoster.pdf)

a. Life Threatening Emergency (all times: Business Hours, After Hours, Weekends and Holidays)--
CALL 911 if the condition is LIFE THREATENING or REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x46200 within 8 hours. Complete online incident
report at https://www.ehs.uci.edu/apps/hr/index.jsp

b. Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Notify your supervisor or faculty staff if condition is not life
threatening or does not require immediate medical attention.

ALL WORK RELATED INJURIES MUST BE REPORTED via the On-line Incident Form
https://www.ehs.uci.edu/apps/hr/index.jsp or call Human Resources, Workers Compensation (949)
824-9152.
Spill & Accident Procedure

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 In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.
Evacuate the spill area. Post someone or mark-off the hazardous area with tape and warning signs to
keep other people from entering the area. Keep the appropriate fire extinguisher nearby. Avoid
incompatible extinguishing agents. Use Class A-B-C or B-C for flammable liquids. Fire extinguishers
containing water are not suitable for flammable liquid fires.

Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help contaminated or injured persons if safe to do so. Evacuate the
spill area. Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or
absorbent material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).

Small (<1 L, <100 g) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate
personal protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.

Large (>1 L, >100 g) – Dial 911 and EH&S at x46200 for assistance.

Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower
for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S at x46200 immediately.

Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water from the
emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention.
Notify supervisor and EH&S at x46200 immediately.

Band-specific practices:

1. Use extreme caution due to potential ignition of flammable chemicals or impacted materials.
a. Evacuate the spill area. Post someone or mark-off the hazardous area with tape and
warning signs to keep other people from entering the area.
b. Keep the appropriate fire extinguisher nearby. Avoid incompatible extinguishing agents. Use
Class A-B-C or B-C for flammable liquids. Fire extinguishers containing water are not
suitable for flammable liquid fires.

Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure

In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.

All of the subject chemicals must be disposed as a hazardous waste.

Label Waste
 Hazardous waste labels must be placed on the hazardous waste container upon the start of
accumulation. Labels are available online at www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.

Store Waste
 Hazardous waste containers must be kept closed, except when adding waste.
 Hazardous waste containers must be stored in secondary containment to adequately contain all
of the contents of the container.
 Hazardous waste containers must be inspected weekly for signs of leaks, corrosion, or
deterioration.

Dispose of Waste
 Hazardous waste must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 6 months of being generated.

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  Empty Containers: At no time should full or partially full containers be placed in the trash. For
more information on empty container management visit www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.
 Hazardous Waste Disposal:
o Visit www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.
o Fill out the “Chemical Waste Collection” form.
o EH&S will pick up your waste within 1-3 days.
 Do not dispose of chemicals by pouring them down the drain or placing them in the trash.
 Do not use fume hoods to evaporate chemicals.

Band-specific practices:

1. Hazardous waste containing flammables must be segregated from other hazardous waste
streams.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location

Online SDSs can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uci.edu/msds.html

Required Training/Approvals
In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.

All work with the subject chemicals requires the following prior to beginning work:

1. Must be pre-approved by the Principal Investigator prior to use and all training must be well
documented.

2. Must be familiar with the UC Irvine Chemical Hygiene Plan.

http://www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/lsg/CHP2013.pdf

3. Must have documented Laboratory Safety training.

4. Must read the relevant Safety Data Sheet (formerly referenced as Material Safety Data Sheets).

5. Any additional laboratory specific training that is needed is referenced in the 'Laboratory Specific
Use Procedures' section. Signed and dated training documents must be uploaded into each
assigned researchers training records.

Additional Notes
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.

Documentation of Training

 Prior to conducting any work with the subject chemicals, designated personnel must provide
training to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards and procedures involved in
working with these substances.

 The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and
a copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.

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  The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended
appropriate laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last one year.

I have read and understand the content of this SOP:

Name Signature Identification Date

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 APPENDIX A:
Lab-Specific Use Procedures

A-1
Lab-Specific Use Procedures

The following describe how the subject chemicals are used in this laboratory beyond the practices
described above.

This section must describe lab-specific procedures to address the safe use of all highly hazardous
chemicals from this band in use in the laboratory. These procedures may be organized around specific
chemicals, specific tasks or the band as a whole. The following minimum requirements must be met:

 Identify designated use areas within the laboratory for highly hazardous chemicals in the following
hazard bands:
o Carcinogens
o Reproductive Toxins
o Toxic Chemicals
 Identify maximum use quantities for which the procedures in this band apply.
 If it is determined that this hazard band SOP is sufficient to address the safe use of all subject
chemicals in this lab, then include the following statement in this section: “Procedures described
in this hazard band SOP are sufficient for addressing the safe use of subject chemicals in this
laboratory within the listed quantity limitations.”
 If it is determined that this hazard band SOP is not sufficient to address the safe use of all
chemicals from that band in the lab, then write lab-specific procedures for to address these high
hazard operations. Such operations are generally indicated by:
o tasks requiring the use of specialized PPE,
o tasks using highly hazardous chemicals outside of the fume hood,
o tasks using larger quantities of hazardous chemicals,
o tasks involving the use of particular chemicals considered by UCI EHS to be extremely
hazardous, and
o tasks considered to present high risk by lab personnel.

A few examples of what lab-specific tasks may look like are provided below:

Task #1: Title of the specific procedure being done.

1) Provide step-by-step instructions in a numbered/lettered format.
2) Include in the procedure any relevant:
a) Locations of “designated areas” as called for in the special handling section of the SOP, or as
otherwise required by regulations. The entire laboratory, fume hood, or a portion of the
laboratory may be considered as a designated area.
b) Use of specific administrative, engineering and PPE controls.
c) Specific quantity use limits/restrictions.
d) Specific storage requirements.
e) Specific first aid and spill procedures (including what should be handled by whom).
f) Specific disposal procedures.
g) Process-specific PI approvals required.

Task #2: Making dilutions of the acids and bases.

1) Consult with PI and obtain approval if quantities greater than 4 L are needed.
2) In a fume hood, add the appropriate amount of concentrated acid or base to the calculated
amount of water.
3) Return the concentrated acids/bases to the proper secondary containment or cabinet.

Task #3: Using the pH meter.

1) Calibrate on the day of pH testing using at least 2 standards.
2) Before use, rinse the electrode with deionized water and blot dry with a kim-wipe.

A-2
 3) Transfer the electrode to the test solution.
4) If using a stir plate, make sure the electrode does not touch the stir bar.
5) Record the pH when the reading is stable (5–20 seconds after insertion of the electrode into the
solution)
6) Add dilute acid or dilute base drop-wise until the correct pH is reached.
7) Rinse the electrode with deionized water and store according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Make sure the acid and base caps are on tightly.

Add as many tasks as necessary.

A-3