A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of instructions for performing experiments or processes that involve hazards (chemical, physical, biological, radiation). SOPs are lab-specific and include documentation of the people who have received training for that procedure.
New students and employees working in your lab should be provided with hands-on training for hazardous materials and operations that are covered by the SOPs for your lab.
SOPs by Hazard Type
General Lab Safety
A library of SOP templates for common hazardous chemicals and operations is available in the SOP tab on Labs @ Berkeley (L@B).
Generate SOPs from Chemical Inventory
EH&S provides a service to generate chemical class or banded SOPs from a certified chemical inventory. Taking advantage of this service can save a lot of time compared to filling them out individually.
Contact ucbcho@berkeley.edu to request this service, or if you have any questions about lab safety SOPs.
Biological Hazards
SOPs for biological research are also available for download from the SOP tab in Labs @ Berkeley (L@B).
Radioactive Materials and Radiation Producing Machines
SOPs for radioactive materials and radiation producing machines are specific to each radiation use authorization (RUA). EH&S has a library of finalized SOPs for common experiments on campus that can be tailored to your planned work. Contact radsafety@berkeley.edu to collaborate on the development of SOPs for your research with radioactive materials or radiation producing machines.
Laser Safety
SOPs are required for all active Class 3B and 4 lasers. SOPs are to be reviewed and approved by principal investigators and then the campus laser safety officer (LSO). A copy of the SOP should be available for review at all times.
Download the SOP template or learn more laser safety page.