Department of Chemistry at McMaster: Health&Safety

SOP Resource Page

> Chemistry Dept. Health &Safety Policy

> Safety Committee Members & First Aid Reps

> Joint Health & Safety Committee Tools

> Environmental and Occupational Health Support Services

> CCINFOWEB (MSDS's)

> Lab Safety Video!
(i) Lab Preparation
(ii) Fire Safety
(iii) Emergency Stations
(iv) Panic Alarms
(v) Chemical Handling
(vi) First Aid

> Place a Work Order

> Designated Substance Reports & JHA's

Health and Safety - SOP's

Feel Free to Download these for your lab's purposes! Many thanks to all those in the Chemistry Department who took the time to write them.

You're asking yourself, "Do I need to write these? And if so, for what?"

The answer is: From the University Risk Managment Manual, RMM 301: SOPs, Supervisors must complete an SOP if any of four conditions apply:

1. The procedure/process could cause a critical injury.
2. The procedure/process could cause occupational illness.
3. The procedure/process could cause environmental impairment.
4. The procedure/process could damage University property.

SOP's: Standard Operating Procedures
Please note that not all are in the format as set out by RMM 301 but are still useful as a starting point - read thoroughly and amend as necessary for your lab group.

Autoclave Use
Chemical Inventory & Management
Gas Cylinder Handling
Hazardous Chemicals(not in RMM format)
Ultracentrifuge, use of
Dry Ice Crusher, Use of
Mercury SOP
Organic Solvents, Use of
Setting up Solvent Stills(not in RMM format)
Vacuum line, Use of

Lots more at this link: http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/safetyoffice/safety_equipment.html

The following is a general guideline for working in a laboratory, complete with a sign off page. If you do not have this type of document in place in your lab, please feel free to modify this one and implement it. Keep a copy of the signed page in your graduate students' personnel files.

General Laboratory Guidelines

Disclaimer

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, the Department of Chemistry does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. The Department of Chemistry is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

	Want information on EVERYTHING? Click here: Eng. Phys Safety pages A fabulous website for Health & Safety Info!
	McMaster Health and Safety Policies
	Mandatory Training Requirements As specified by the Dean of Science
	Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for Set-up and use of Stills: Useful procedures you may wish to adopt in your lab or modify for your purposes.
	Is the fume hood sash broken? Is water dripping on the floor? Learn how to place a work order!
	Grounding and Bonding Solvent Drums Many researchers use solvent drums and dispense into smaller vessles. Click the link above to learn more about proper grounding and bonding
	Working with HF? It is mandatory that you attend the HF training course and have an emergency HF kit in your lab.

In the News:
An assault in a Chemistry lab in Ottawa occurred over the Labour Day Weekend - Please make sure you enter the building safely after hours, inform Security of your presence and lock the door behind you!

A fire occurred in a lab in Ohio State University - hexane was the solvent involved - as it was in our last lab fire. Be aware - this could happen to you! Please work safely and follow proper handling/storage/waste procedures.