Standard Operating Procedures

The Chemical Hygiene Plan requires that labs utilize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for experiments that involve the handling of hazardous chemicals. The use of SOPs represents the responsible conduct of research in that it standardizes procedures, promoting uniformity, and ensures the control of variables within the laboratory.

SOPs should be written to address health and safety considerations for researchers following that protocol. The SOP should identify the following:

• Hazards encountered during the experiment (e.g. chemical hazards, biological hazard, physical hazards, etc.)
• Personal Protective Equipment that must be worn
• Engineering controls (e.g. chemical fume hood, splash shield, biosafety cabinet, etc.)
• Work practices to be followed
• Handling of waste materials