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 - some have been written from an undergraduate lab perspective.

• Disposing of Biohazardous Waste
• Handling Cryogens (Liquid Nitrogen)
• Autoclave Use
• Operating a Roto-evaporator
• BSL1 Bleaching Procedures
• Glove Box 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

These are good procedures:

• Handling Foul Smelling Substances
• Handling Explosive Chemicals
• Appropriate Solvent Drying Methods

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.