UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Methyl Cyclopentane
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Methyl Cyclopentane is a Peroxide Forming Chemical (PFC). Methyl Cyclopentane is not very stable upon long
term storage with exposure to light and air because it forms peroxides. If not handled properly, this can pose
a serious threat to the health and safety of laboratory personnel, emergency responders and chemical waste
handlers. This SOP helps to understand how to properly store, handle and dispose of Methyl Cyclopentane. *
Methyl Cyclopentane is one of the important benzene precursors that can react in refinery processes to form
benzene.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 96-37-7
Class: Flammable & Peroxide Forming Chemical (PFC)
Molecular Formula: C6H12
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: 72 °C (162 °F) - lit.
Methyl Cyclopentane
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Synonym: methylpentamethylene; cyclopentane, methylPotential Hazards/Toxicity
OSHA Hazards
Flammable liquid, Toxic by ingestion, Irritant
Pictogram
Signal word – Danger!
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation May be harmful if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation.
Skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin irritation.
Eyes Causes eye irritation.
Ingestion Toxic if swallowed. Aspiration hazard if swallowed - can enter lungs and cause damage.
Engineering Controls
All operations involving Methyl Cyclopentane and dilutions should be carried out in a certified chemical fume
hood.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand Protection
Butyl Rubber gloves are recommended with Methyl Cyclopentane. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use
proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with Methyl
Cyclopentane. Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Methyl Cyclopentane..
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
Methyl Cyclopentane
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
ANSI approved safety glasses or googles.
Skin and Body Protection
Fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based). Cotton based clothing/attire. Full length pants or
equivalent. Closed-toe shoes
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling Methyl Cyclopentane.
First Aid Procedures
General advice - Consult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Move out of
dangerous area.
If inhaled
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes under Emergency Eyewash station and consult
a physician.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling
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Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
Use explosion-proof equipment.
Keep away from sources of ignition.
Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage
NOTE: Mark the receiving and opening date on the container without missing.
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Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Methyl Cyclopentane
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Chemical stability
Stable under above listed recommended storage conditions.
Possibility of hazardous reactions - Vapors may form explosive mixture with air.
Conditions to avoid - Heat, flames and sparks. Extremes of temperature and direct sunlight.
Materials to avoid - Strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous decomposition products - Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions Carbon oxides
SALIENT POINTS TO REMEMBER
Conditions of flammability
Flammable in the presence of a source of ignition when the temperature is above the flash point. Keep away
from heat/sparks/open flame/hot surface.
Suitable extinguishing media
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Hazardous combustion products
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Carbon oxides
Further information
Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Methyl Cyclopentane
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the
affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane
exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
Methyl Cyclopentane
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Methyl Cyclopentane
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)