Standard Operating Procedure for Safe Handling of Carcinogenic and Teratogenic Substances

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of carcinogenic and teratogenic substances, ensuring the protection of personnel, the environment, and regulatory compliance.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the handling, transportation, storage, and disposal of carcinogenic and teratogenic substances within laboratories, warehouses, and production facilities.

3) Responsibilities

• Operators: Follow all safety measures and wear appropriate PPE when handling these substances.
• Supervisors: Monitor handling procedures and ensure safe working conditions.
• Safety Officers: Conduct risk assessments, provide safety training, and inspect compliance with this SOP.
• Maintenance Team: Ensure the functionality of ventilation systems and emergency equipment.

4) Procedure

4.1 Identification of Carcinogenic and Teratogenic Substances

1. Definition:
   • Carcinogenic Substances: Chemicals or agents capable of causing cancer in humans (e.g., benzene, asbestos).
   • Teratogenic Substances: Chemicals that can cause developmental defects in unborn children (e.g., thalidomide, mercury compounds).

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2. Material Identification:
   1. Identify these substances through:
      • Labels with GHS hazard symbols (e.g., health hazard pictogram)
      • Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Sections 2 and 11
   2. Ensure all containers are clearly labeled with:
      • Material name
      • Hazard classification (carcinogen/teratogen)
      • Handling precautions

4.2 Safety Measures for Handling

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   1. Wear appropriate PPE, including:
      • Full-body protective suits
      • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl)
      • Respiratory protection (N95 mask or air-purifying respirators)
      • Safety goggles or full-face shields
   2. Inspect PPE for damage before and after use.

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2. Work Practices:
   1. Handle carcinogenic and teratogenic substances in designated areas such as:
      • Fume hoods or ventilated enclosures
      • Biological safety cabinets for powders
   2. Avoid manual handling; use mechanical devices such as pumps or dispensers for liquids.
   3. Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in areas where these substances are handled.
3. Transfer Procedures:
   1. Use sealed systems for transferring liquids or gases to minimize exposure.
   2. Prevent spills or splashes by using funnels, spill trays, or transfer pumps.
4. Minimizing Exposure:
   1. Keep exposure times as short as possible.
   2. Monitor air quality regularly to ensure compliance with exposure limits.

4.3 Storage Guidelines

1. Storage Requirements:
   1. Store carcinogenic and teratogenic substances in designated, labeled, and locked storage cabinets.
   2. Segregate these substances from incompatible chemicals, such as oxidizers or flammable materials.
   3. Ensure storage areas are well-ventilated with no ignition sources nearby.

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2. Labeling and Signage:
   1. Post hazard warning signs such as “Danger – Carcinogenic Substances” or “Teratogenic Hazard – Authorized Personnel Only.”
   2. Maintain clear inventory records for stored quantities (Annexure 1).

4.4 Spill and Emergency Management

1. Minor Spills:
   1. Alert nearby personnel and restrict access to the area.
   2. Wear full PPE and use spill kits with absorbents designed for carcinogenic and teratogenic chemicals.
   3. Decontaminate the area with appropriate cleaning agents as per SDS recommendations.

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2. Major Spills:
   1. Evacuate the area immediately and contact the Safety Officer.
   2. Activate emergency alarms and ventilation systems to reduce vapor exposure.
   3. Call the designated emergency response team for spill cleanup.
3. Exposure Response:
   1. Skin Contact: Wash affected areas with running water for at least 15 minutes.
   2. Eye Contact: Flush eyes using an emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes.
   3. Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention immediately.

4.5 Waste Disposal

1. Label waste containers as “Hazardous – Carcinogenic/Teratogenic Waste.”
2. Dispose of materials in accordance with regulatory requirements (e.g., EPA or local hazardous waste guidelines).
3. Maintain records of disposal dates, quantities, and methods (Annexure 2: Hazardous Waste Disposal Log).

4.6 Training and Compliance

1. Conduct mandatory training for all employees handling carcinogenic and teratogenic substances, covering:
   • Hazard identification and risk minimization
   • Proper handling, storage, and disposal techniques
   • Emergency response procedures
2. Provide refresher training annually or after any incident.
3. Maintain training records and ensure compliance during internal audits.

5) Abbreviations, if any

• SDS: Safety Data Sheet
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

6) Documents, if any

• Hazardous Material Inventory Log
• Incident Reports
• Hazardous Waste Disposal Log

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Carcinogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450)
• EPA Hazardous Waste Management Guidelines
• NIOSH Carcinogen Policy Guidelines

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Hazardous Material Inventory Log

 
 
 
Material Name
 
Type (Carcinogen/Teratogen)
 
Quantity
 
Storage Location
 
Date Received
 
Handled By
 
 
 
Material Name
 
Carcinogen
 
XX Liters/Kg
 
Storage Area 1
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Employee Name
 
 
 

Template 2: Hazardous Waste Disposal Log

 
 
 
Date
 
Material Name
 
Quantity
 
Disposal Method
 
Disposed By
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Material Name
 
XX Liters/Kg
 
Incineration/Landfill
 
Employee Name