Standard Operating Procedure

LOCAL SAFETY OFFICER: Susan Carter
ROOM: Hoffman 331
P.I.: Ann Pearson

DATE: November 13, 2006

TYPE OF RESEARCH: Organic Biogeochemistry

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING THAT MUST BE USED FOR ALL WORK:

• Safety Glasses - To be worn ALWAYS.
• Gloves - Latex for general use and biology; nitrile for solvents.

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING RULES:

1. Keep things clean
2. Wash your dishes
3. Keep the balance clean

WASTE DISPOSAL RULES:

1. Waste must be added to appropriate containers; containers must be stored capped.  
2. When containers fill, please notify Susie or if she is not around, date the label and move the container to the satellite accumulation area, and call 6-3322 for hazardous waste pickup.
3. Biological waste must be put in the biohazard box or autoclaved.

FUME HOOD USE:

1. The laminar flow hood in 328 is not vented.  The laminar flow hood in 331 is vented for use with solvents.  Please close these hoods ALL THE WAY and turn off when done for the day.
2. The other two chemical hoods should be left with sashes pulled down when not in use.

CHEMICAL STORAGE:

1. General storage for dry chemicals is in the cabinets, desiccator, refrigerator or freezer in 328 as appropriate. 
2. Solvents and acids are stored in the metal cabinets under the organic hoods.

SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIRED:

Basic hazardous waste/chemical safety training (Lab Safety Training is taught every month by Environmental Health & Safety.)

CHEMICAL SPILL CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES:

1. Spill kits are found under the bench across from the autoclave bench. 
2. For large spills, clear the area of personnel and call the University Operations Center (5-5560).

OTHER RELEVANT COMMENTS:

1. Everyone should visit the safety committee website at http://www-safety.deas.harvard.edu and familiarize themselves with its contents.