Administrative controls are measures such as standard operating procedures, rules, supervision, schedules, and training put in place in a workplace with the goal of reducing the duration, frequency, and severity of exposure to hazardous chemical or situations.

Laboratory Specific Standard Operating Procedure

The PI / Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for providing written laboratory specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relevant to health and safety for laboratory activities he/she directs involving hazardous chemicals. Laboratory personnel working autonomously or performing independent research are responsible for developing SOPs appropriate for their own work.

Laboratory specific SOP should be developed for any operation involving restricted chemicals, certain higher hazard chemicals such as Particularly Hazardous Substances and Highly Reactive Chemicals, and specified higher risk research procedures. Refer to Appendix E Standard Operating Procedures for a template and guidance for creating laboratory-specific SOPs.

Note that SOPs are NOT a replacement for training. SOPs are to supplement training and can be used as a reference later on, prior to performing the process or procedure. All lab personnel MUST be trained on the process or procedure by the PI or designated senior lab personnel.

SOPs are only useful if they are used. Reference and review an SOP any time you perform that procedure or process or use an uncommon chemical.