SOP STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Procedure: Using a Separation funnel School/Department: Science & Technology/Chemistry SOP prepared by: Andrew Wallace Version: 1
Section 1 - Personal Protective Equipment
1. Lab coat 2. Eye protection 3. Proper enclosed footwear 4. Keep hair tied back 5. Fume hood 6. Gloves Section 2 – Potential Hazards + Safety precautions
1. Chemical exposure & burns - Consult SDS for potential hazards of the specific chemicals & solvents used in separations. 1. Noxious fumes or flammable vapour- Separations are conducted in a fume hood 2. Pressure build-up- Low boiling point solvents and acid/base reactions will produce pressure in the flask. 3. Leaks & jammed taps- Check the functionality of the separation funnel before adding chemicals. Use water to test for leaks around taps & caps. 4. Cuts from glass breakage- Ensure you have suitable retort ring or clamp to mount your flask. Retort rings only should be used >500 mL flasks. Smaller flasks can be clamped on neck. 5. Waste - Refer to waste disposal guide. Label all collection flasks.
Section 3 – Procedure It is essential that you know the risks of the chemicals you are working with *before* you begin hands- on work. 1. Consult SDS for potential hazards of the chemicals used in the separation 2. Know the location and use of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, spill kits and fire exits. 3. Know the emergency evacuation signals and procedure. 4. If you are inexperienced with this procedure consult notes in lab manual and obtain instruction from experienced laboratory personal before starting. Take particular note on how to mix and de- pressurise safely. Do not attempt this procedure without training. 5. Prepare the work space, clear an area in the fume hood and remove any unnecessary items. Set up clamp or retort ring with adequate clearance for receiving flasks. 6. If using a flammable solvent eliminate any ignition sources from the fume hood. 7. Check the functionality of the separation funnel. Rinse with water and check for leaks around tap and cap. Do not use damaged or dysfunctional glassware. 8. Prepare collection flasks. Ensure you have enough conical flasks of appropriate size and means to label these flasks. 9. Ensure reaction mixture is at room temperature before adding solvents. This will minimise pressure build-up. 10. When using carbonate or bicarbonate washes expect a rapid pressure build-up and be ready to release pressure quickly.
Creation date: 12/02/2016 Next review due: 12/02 2017 Page 1 of 3 Last review date: 11. When mixing the solution, ensure the flask is held within the fume hood, there is nothing hard in the flask that could crack it (stir bar) and cap is held on firmly. 12. Initial mixing should be done gently and venting must be done regularly. During venting ensure tap is held slightly elevated and pointing into the fume hood and not directly at anyone. 13. Make sure cap is removed before attempting to drain the flask. 14. All collection flasks should be labelled immediately and is standard practice to keep all solutions until the procedure has been completed successfully. 15. If any chemicals are to left unattended ensure they are labelled.
Section 4 – Spill Procedure and Waste Disposal 1. Consult SDS of specific chemical for spill procedure. 2. Ensure all waste generated are placed in the correct hazardous waste container. 3. Keep an appropriate spill kit and appropriate PPE in lab and be informed how to use them (ensure you are properly trained). In some cases it may be appropriate to vacate the laboratory and call for assistance. 4. Avoid handling broken glass
Section 5 – First Aid 1. First aid – Consult SDS of specific chemical for treatment advice 2. Eye contact – use emergency eye wash/shower and flush affected area on body (remove any jewellery) with copious amounts of water for at least 15 mins. Seek medical advice. 3. Skin contact – wash affected area with soap and water immediately. 4. Inhalation – Move exposed person to well ventilated area if safe to do so. Seek immediate medical advice. 5. Ingestion – Seek immediate medical advice. Section 6 – Incidents 1. Any injuries, incidents, or near misses should be reported to the OHS Unit within 24hrs 2. Staff and students should not attempt to extinguish large fires. In this case, alert all those nearby to evacuate (including yourself). Call 000 and alert the fire department. Alert security 67732099, state FIRE and location. Alert the building fire warden. Close doors on the fire if possible as you leave. Alternatively, you can break the glass on a ‘break glass’ fire alarm, which will activate the emergency evacuation routine.
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