Standard Operating Procedures for Chemicals or Processes

#1   Process

(if applicable)

Phenol

Use in molecular biology.

#2  Chemicals

Causes severe burns, toxic if inhaled or skin contact, poison, readily absorbed by skin.  May be fatal if swallowed.  Distructive to tissues of eyes, upper respiratory tract, mucus membranes and skin.  May cause nervous system disorders.

#3   Personal Protective                        Equipment (PPE)

Neoprene or natural rubber gloves, double gloves; lab coat: chemical goggles.  A rubber or neoprene apron must be worn when pouring liquids and splashes may occur.  SAFETY SHOWER MUST BE AVAILABLE

#4   Environmental /

Ventilation Controls

A protective shield is required around all pressurized systems handling phenol.  Use phenol only in the fume hood at 251

#5  Special Handling Procedures & Storage Requirements

Store saturated phenol in the cold (4ºC).  Will discolor with light.

Wash thoroughly after handling.  Is incompatible with STRONG ACIDS, BASES and STRONG OXIDIZING AGENTS.

#6  Spill and Accident                         Procedures

Use drench shower or eyewash immediately if any contact with skin/eyes, and seek medical attention.  Personnel in this lab are only allowed to clean up spills inside the fume hood of 50 ml or less using absorbent.  For spills outside the fume hood or larger spills, evacuate the laboratory, prevent re-entry by un-authorized personnel, and call EH&S 543-0467 for help.

#7  Waste Disposal

Contain waste in fume hood.  Solid containers with trace liquid remnants:  dry in fume hood and dispose of in lab glass waste container (plastics in biohazard waste for proper disposal). Liquid and solid waste is collected for disposal through EH&S (685-2848).  3/4 full notify lab manager for waste pick-up.

#8  Special Precautions                       for Animal Use

(if applicable)

N/A

Particularly hazardous

substance involved?

  X   YES:

Blocks #9 to #11 are Mandatory

      NO:

Blocks #9 to #11 are Optional.

#9  Approval Required

Approval by PI before first use.

#10 Decontamination

Wear face shied to protect face and eyes from splatters, rubber gloves, boots and apron.  Flood area with water and cover with caustic soda ash to neutralize any un-absorbed phenol.

#11 Designated Area

Inside fume hood only.

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