Last Revised: July 10, 2019
EHRS recently introduced four new Fact Sheets and one new SOP to Penn's Chemical Hygiene Plan. All provide useful tips for better managing common, and often under-appreciated, issues in chemical-handling laboratories. Use the links below to see the Fact Sheets and SOPs or look for them in the Fact Sheets section and the SOP section of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Fact Sheet: Piranha Solution Preparation
This Fact Sheet gives hazard information and precautions for the preparation of Piranha solution and is a supplement to SOP: Corrosives and SOP: Strong Oxidizers, which must first be read and understood by anyone planning to work with this chemical.
SOP: Glassware Under Vacuum
There are many laboratory applications for vacuum systems. This SOP is generic and applies to typical uses of vacuum in the lab such as glassware under house vacuum or high-vacuum (oil diffusion or belt-driven pumps).
Fact Sheet: Controlling Chemical Vapors in the Laboratory
Vapors from toxic and flammable chemicals can be difficult to identify and control. This Fact Sheet discusses the properties of chemical vapors, offers tips for controlling vapor exposure, and compares the hazards of common laboratory solvents.
Fact Sheet: Solvent Alternatives
This Fact Sheet offers suggestions for selection of solvents for use in chemical reactions, extractions, and purifications in chemical research labs.
Fact Sheet: Disposable Nitrile Gloves in Chemical Labs
Thin, disposable, nitrile gloves are the most common gloves used when handling chemicals in laboratories; however, it is important to remember that thin nitrile rubber provides only limited chemical protection. These gloves are intended to be used only as a physical barrier against brief contact with chemicals, and they need to be removed and discarded immediately after they become contaminated. This fact sheet summarizes best practices for optimal protection when using nitrile gloves. It also contains helpful suggestions for chemicals are (and are not) compatible with thin-mil nitrile. It also suggests example glove products for both high and low hazard chemical work.