Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures

Day One

• Purpose

This SOP has been developed to outline the hazards involved with research using bacterial pathogens and how to safely manipulate these materials to avoid any lab acquired infection (LAI).

• Process

List the process or type of process involving hazardous chemicals – for example, “atomic absorption spectroscopy for heavy metals.” Include any unique equipment used.

• Hazardous Chemicals Involved

List the hazardous chemicals (or class of chemicals) involved, including any hazardous products or by- products.

Day Two

• Potential Hazards

Describe the potential dangers for each hazardous chemical, biological material, or each element of the hazardous process or procedure.

• 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.

• 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.

Day Three

• Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

Describe special handling procedures and storage requirements .

• 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.

• 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.

Day Four

• 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.

• Waste Disposal

Describe waste disposal procedures for chemicals and biological materials.

Day Five

• 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.

• Process Steps

This section is useful for particularly complex or multi-step processes.

• Training

Include at the end a place to record review and acceptance of the SOP by lab personnel. Add additional pages as required.