for work with Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite CAS 7681-52-9 name/class: solution (Bleach) #: PI: All Duke PIs

Date : Buildin All Duke Buildings Room g: #: 1. Circumstances of Use: Generally used as a disinfectant and/or decontaminant. 2. Potential Hazards: Corrosive. May cause severe irritation or damage to eyes or skin. Vapor may irritate eyes and respiratory tract. Incompatible with many chemicals/agents. Hazardous gases (including chlorine and chloramines) may be released if bleach is mixed with an incompatible material. Exposure to these gases can cause coughing, shortness of breath, irritation to or burning of the eyes, nose, and throat, chest pain, wheezing, fluid in the lungs, and nausea. Chlorine can also be absorbed through the skin and cause pain, inflammation, swelling, and blistering. Strong oxidizer. May initiate or promote combustion in other materials. 3. Engineering Controls: An eyewash/drench hose combination unit must be available in the immediate work area for any work with corrosive materials, including bleach. If large quantities of corrosives will be used, a safety shower will also be necessary. Contact OESO at 684-8822 for a determination of the need for a safety shower if there is not one available. 4. Work Practice Controls: ALWAYS check the MSDS of a chemical/agent before mixing it with bleach to ensure compatibility. A general list of incompatible materials can be found on our Chemical Compatibility Information Sheet for Bleach. NEVER mix bleach with an unknown liquid or unknown residue. Do not mix bleach with any compound that is incompatible with oxidizers. Purchase bleach in the smallest containers that are practical for lab use. Work with the smallest practicable amount and lowest practicable concentration. 5. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Personal protective equipment is especially important. Wear a buttoned lab coat, safety glasses (or goggles if splashing may occur), and gloves for any work with bleach. Depending on the quantities and concentrations used, a face shield, impenetrable apron and sleeves (or coverall), and special gloves may be recommended. 6. Transportation and Storage: Transport concentrated solution in secondary containment, preferably a polyethylene or other non-reactive acid/solvent bottle carrier. Store in well-ventilated areas with secondary containment, such as a non-reactive plastic bin. Store below eye level. Store away from metal (unless the metal has a corrosion-proof coating), and do not store under the sink.

Standard Operating Procedure

 Store away from incompatibles and flammable materials. Always check the MSDS of other chemicals in the storage area for compatibility with bleach. Avoid storing on the floor. If storing on the floor is necessary, use secondary containment. 7. Waste Disposal: If bleach is at or below common household concentration (maximum 10% concentration sodium hypochlorite) it can be discharged in the sink. All chemical waste must be disposed of following your laboratory-specific chemical hygiene plan and the requirements of Duke Universitys Chemical Waste Policy and the Laboratory Chemical Waste Management Practices. 8. Exposures/Unintended contact: Contact Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (EOHW) at 684-3136 for medical advice on occupational chemical exposures. For an actual chemical exposure/injury, Flush exposed eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes, then seek medical attention if needed at nearest Duke Employee Occupational Health and Wellness clinic, Duke Urgent care center, or Emergency Department, as appropriate. (See http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/medical/workcomp/medical.php for medical treatment options.) Call 911 from a campus phone or 684-2444 from any phone to request assistance if needed. Contact Employee Occupational Health and Wellness at 684-8115 for exposurerelated advice. The work-related injury or illness report found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/medical/workcomp/report.php should be completed within 24 hours. Follow-up medical attention should be sought through Duke Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (684-3136). 9. Spills and Emergency Procedures: If you have mixed bleach with another compound and notice an odor or any gases /bubbles forming, move the container to a fume hood (if this can be done safely) and leave the area. If the reaction is occurring rapidly/violently, call OESOs Spill Response team by dialing 911 from a campus phone or 684-2444 from any phone. On the Durham campus, large spills of volatile hazardous materials must also be referred to the OESO Spill Response team. 10.Training of personnel: All personnel are required to complete the online General Lab Safety session thru the OESO website. This session includes an introduction to general chemical safety. Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when handling corrosive materials. I have read and understand this SOP. I agree to fully adhere to its requirements. Last First Duke ID Signature