The Safety Net

Welcome to the Safety Net. 

Synthetic chemistry in the academic laboratory involves the use of many different instruments and procedures. There are hundreds of labs all doing similar things, but there isn’t a great way to share ideas and procedures for safe practices across the community. The Safety Net aims to increase communication about safe practices. Our focus is on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and we are collecting and sharing procedures from several labs. If you are new to a technique, the Safety Net is a good place to start. (Mentored hands-on training in safe technique is the place to go next.)

In addition to SOPs, you can also find some useful Laboratory Resources such as signs and Safe Operating Cards (SOCs), safe and preferred Synthetic Procedures, and some collections of Physical Properties that we think synthetic chemists will find helpful.

Please note that this site is under construction. Hopefully it will never be complete or static, and input from the community is essential in keeping the site fresh and useful.

Disclaimer: Information presented on this website is for general information purposes only and is collected, maintained, and provided for the convenience of the reader. The content of this website and that of linked websites do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (“University”). The University shall not be liable for and will be held harmless against damages of any kind arising from or related to use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this website or websites linked to herein.

All information is presented “as is” and without any warranties, either express or implied.  While reasonable efforts are made to keep the information on this website current and accurate, laboratory safety practices change frequently and the information may not be up-to-date. None of the website content should be taken as a prescription or as formal safety advice and there is no substitute for appropriate laboratory safety training and in-person training. This website contains standard operating procedures (“SOP”). Each SOP was originally written with a specific lab setting in mind, with the intent to be carried out only by professionally trained research scientists. All laboratory use and research carries inherent risk and you should perform a careful risk assessment and independent analysis of each SOP before using it.