This standard operating procedure (SOP) is intended to provide general guidance on how to safely work with sensitizers. As sensitizers often have other potential hazard characteristics such as carcinogenicity and corrosivity, ensure to account for these risks also. If you have questions concerning the applicability of any item listed in this procedure contact the Principal Investigator/Laboratory Supervisor of your laboratory or Environmental Health and Safety (x3-0448).

A sensitizer (allergen) is a substance that causes exposed people to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the substance. Examples of compounds that may cause sensitization in some individuals are diazomethane, various isocyanates, formaldehyde, and benzylic and allylic halides.

Handling processes should be designed to minimize the potential for splash, splatter, or other likely scenarios for accidental contact.

Use a properly functioning lab fume hood when handling sensitizers that can be inhaled (via mist/fume/gas/vapor).

If the process does not permit the handing of such materials in a fume hood, contact Environmental Health and Safety at x3-0448 for review the adequacy of ventilation measures.

At minimum, safety glasses, lab coat, long pants, and closed toed shoes are to be worn when entering laboratories having hazardous chemicals.

Additionally:

• When handling hazardous chemicals or contacting potentially contaminated surfaces, protective gloves are to be worn. For proper selection of glove material, review chemical MSDS and SU glove selection guidance.
• Goggles (not safety glasses) are appropriate for processes where splash or spray is foreseeable.
• For hazardous chemicals that are toxic via skin contact/ absorption, additional protective clothing (i.e., faceshield, apron, oversleeves) is appropriate where chemical contact with body/skin is foreseeable.

Ensure secondary containment and segregation of incompatible chemicals per guidance within the SU Chemical Hygiene Plan. Also, follow any substance-specific storage guidance provided in MSDS documentation.

Prompt response to chemical spills is critical to protect worker health & safety and to mitigate adverse affects to the environment. For further guidance, refer to "Response to Chemical Spills and Exposures".

Laboratory personnel who work with hazardous chemicals are to be provided the opportunity to receive medical attention/consultation when:

• A spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence results in a hazardous exposure (potential overexposure).
• Symptoms or signs of exposure to a hazardous chemical develop.

Many sensitizers intended for disposal may likely be considered hazardous wastes. For general guidance regarding waste disposal, refer to: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/enviro/waste/index.html

• General Safety & Emergency Preparedness (EHS-4200)
• Chemical Safety for Laboratories (EHS-1900)
• Laboratory-specific training

Consult with PI regarding need for prior approval. Laboratory personnel shall seek and the PI must provide prior approval of any chemical usage involving the following list of restricted chemicals.

Personnel: If immediate medical attention is required, call x9-911 (or x286 in the School of Medicine). Remove any contaminated clothing, and IMMEDIATELY flush contaminated skin with water for at least 15 minutes following any skin contact. For eye exposures, IMMEDIATELY flush eyes w/ water for at least 15 minutes.

Consult MSDS for guidance on appropriate first aid. Where medical attention is required, ensure to bring along MSDS(s) of chemical(s) to aid medical staff in proper diagnosis and treatment.

Area: Carefully clean work area after use. Decontamination procedures vary depending on the material being handled.

For sensitizers that are also considered particularly hazardous substances, a designated area shall be established per the other applicable SOP(s).