Bases

This chemical standard operating procedure (SOP) is for your safety. Read, understand, and follow this document. If this is a paper copy, you should check for the most recent version on the IsoLab website. This document was created from a template modeled after the University of Washington Environmental Health and Safety Laboratory Safety Manual Standard Operating Procedures Components.

Are bases particularly hazardous substances? NO

What is a particularly hazardous substance? The University of Washington Environmental Health and Safety defines it here.

The SDS for all bases can be found here.You should have taken EH&S Managing Laboratory Chemicals or similarly UW EH&S condoned course.

1. Process	Many processes in IsoLab use bases. They are prevalent and abundant and lab personnel need to be aware of how to be safe around them.
2. Hazards	IsoLab has solid and liquid forms of several bases. Sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide. All of our acids are considered corrosive and have specific hazards that you need to be aware of by reading through the appropriate SDS.
3. Personal Protective Equipment	Wear chemical splash goggles and heavy-duty Sol-Vex Nitrile Gloves for concentrated bases. A lab coat or apron is recommended for personal protection and is required when dispensing quantities greater than 1 liter or when cleaning up a spill of a quantity greater than 1 liter.
4. Environmental / Ventilation Controls	Concentrated bases should be dispensed in a fume hood.
5. Special Handling Procedures & Storage Requirements	When diluting bases, small amounts should be added gradually to water and mixed thoroughly to dissipate any heat generated. Bases should be stored separately from acids, oxidizers, and flammable solvents. Bases in glass bottles over 1 liter should be transported in spill proof carriers. Bases are stored in 303B, in the Corrosives cabinet of the west fume hood.
6. Spill and Accident Procedures	In case of skin contact, flush affected areas with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention. Neutralize any spilled base with citric acid. Spill kit can be found under sink in labeled cabinets in 302A, 303B, and 302B. The citric acid is located with the spill kit in 303B.
7. Waste Disposal	EH&S has a treatment program for acids and bases; for more information see https://www.ehs.washington.edu/chemical/chemical-treatment-and-recycling. If disposing of as hazardous waste, label with Hazardous Waste Label, accumulate according to requirements, and send in Chemical Collection Request or Routine Pickup request, both available online at https://depts.washington.edu/ehas/pubcookie/prod/mychemwaste/index.php. Chemical waste is accumulated in the gray secondary containment tubs in 303B near the door.
8. Special Precautions for Animal Use (if applicable)	N/A
Particularly hazardous substance involved?	NO, ignore 9-11
9. Approval Required	N/A
10. Decontamination	N/A
11. Designated Area	N/A

I have read and understood this Chemical SOP:

Name	Signature	Date

Signature

I have read and understood the present SOP and, before starting work outlined in the present SOP, I will complete all required training.

Last updated: 2021-05-27 17:17:25