Handbook for Process Safety in Laboratories and Pilot Plants

20 Operating Procedures and Conduct of Operations in the LAPP

20.1 RBPS Element 8: LAPP Operating Procedures

Laboratory operating procedures help improve human performance, reducing the likelihood that people working in LAPPs will get hurt. Clearly written procedures—the instructions—are used for training, as well, ensuring that consistent practices are in place to handle the hazardous materials safely and to safely operate the equipment. Failure to have or to follow these instructions can result in mistakes with severe consequences. In LAPPs with high worker turnover, time should be allocated for training each new person. Academic research laboratories, for example, will have high researcher and research assistant turnover, requiring safety training for each new person.

20.1.1 Topics in LAPP Operating Procedures

Well‐written standard instructions address different topics, such the experimental phases (including starting up, shutting down, and when performing the experiments or tests), the safe operational limits (e.g., safe temperature or pressure ranges), the consequences when these limits are exceeded (e.g., equipment failure), and the safeguards used to control the hazards and reduce the experimental risks.

Instructions should be written for the specific chemical hazards, containing safe handling, storage, transfer, and use procedures. These instructions can be used by different groups at different locations. Examples are include in the procedure library at the UC Center ...