Storage Procedure for Chemicals and Other Hazardous Materials. To prevent personal injury
when storing chemicals in the laboratory ensure the following measures are employed:
Make sure that every container and bottle is properly labeled.
Store heavy and/or large containers of chemicals on or as near to the floor as possible.
Do not fill a container with material other than that indicated on the label.
Store a standard solution of an acid or a base to avoid contamination by atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Do not store oxidizing agents with reducing agents.
Do not store acids and bases together. They will react with each other.
Do not place bottles containing acids or alkalis on high shelves or on top of equipment. Store them on
low shelves so they can be easily reached.
Store caustic soda solution and sulfuric acid in strong glass containers never in galvanized iron drums.
Keep all sample containers capped or plugged at all times except when pouring out test portions. Always
replace the same cap or stopper in the container from which it was removed.
Hold the stopper of a reagent bottle between two fingers of the pouring hand when pouring from a bottle.
Never lay the stopper on a surface that might be touched by personnel or their garments.
Keep reagent bottles stoppered tightly, and dry reagent bottles before replacing them on the shelf.
Wipe up any acid that spills or splashes on benches, tables, or floors.
Dispose of all unlabeled and contaminated chemicals IAW local environmental regulations or SOP.
Inspection Procedure for Fire Extinguishers. Ensure that petroleum laboratory fire extinguishers are
inspected on a monthly basis using the following criteria:
Extinguisher in designated location.
Pressure gage is operational.
Technical inspection tag is up-to-date.
Corrosion.
Distortion.
Weakening or degradation of seals.
Hose is not cracked, clogged, or otherwise inoperable.
Upon discovery of a possible non-functioning fire extinguisher, remove it from service and notify the unit or
installation fire safety office for pick-up and replacement.
Spill Clean-Up Procedures. Ensure the following procedures in addition to any procedures required by
local unit regulations, are included as part of the laboratory fire and safety SOP. Upon discovery of a spill,
personnel shall take action as follows:
Safely stop the source of the spill if possible (closing valves, up-righting containers, etc.).
Contain spill.
Apply absorbents.
Erect barriers or otherwise restrict or stop flow.
Block sewers.
When reporting a spill to the installation's Fire and Emergency Service or 911, the following questions should be
considered to determine the nature and quantity of the spill.
Is the spilled oil classified as a flammable liquid?
Is the quantity spilled 25 gallons or more?
Is the spill confined to a hard surface?
Is it possible that the spill will reach surface waters, wetlands, groundwater, streams, ditches, sewers, or
drains?
Does the reporting activity have the capability to contain or clean-up the spill?
Is the substance spilled classified with a required quantity (RQ) value?
Once the spill has occurred and been taken care of, it must be reported. The petroleum or other hazardous spill
must be reported immediately via the chain-of-command and cleaned up immediately after personal safety
precautions have been taken and notification to people in the area has been made IAW the ISCP, the SPCC,
and unit SOP.
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QM 5183
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