SOP Development
The following steps may be utilized during SOP development.
- Conduct a hazard assessment. The purpose of a hazard assessmen is to identify and evaluate all chemical, biological, radiological, and physical hazards associated with laboratory operations and describe safety precautions necessary to avoid employee exposures and injuries. See video below.
- Develop site-specific SOPs. SOPs may be created based on any of the following categories:
- Individual Hazardous Chemical: (arsenic, benzene, hydrofluoric acid, etc.)
- Chemical Hazard Class: (corrosive, flammable, oxidizer, etc.)
- Process: (chromatography, distillation, synthesis, analysis, decontamination, etc.)
- Special Procedures: (carcinogens, reproductive toxins, teratogens, highly toxic substances, explosives, controlled substances, select biological agents, radioactive materials, radiation producing devices, and lasers)
- Train personnel on SOP and document the training.
The EH&S SOP Template (pdf) contains sections for the necessary health and safety information:
- Health and safety information for materials/equipment used
- Hazard control measures
- Waste disposal procedures
- Decontamination/cleaning procedures
- Spill/release containment measures
- First aid procedures
The template is also available as a Word document.
The SOP Template Guidance Document (pdf) provides additional guidance and helpful examples.