Standard Operating Procedure
Styrene
Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
Department:
Chemistry
Date SOP was written:
11/20/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
Principal Investigator:
Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
Lab Phone:
1/13/2013
Rebecca Murphy
510-643-2485
Office Phone:
510-643-6312
Emergency Contact:
Rebecca Murphy (510-643-2485)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
Latimer 834, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842, 844, 847, 849,
907
(Name and Phone Number)
(Building/Room Number)
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Styrene is a flammable liquid that is also an irritant, and should be treated with care by researchers.
Styrene is a hazard due to peroxide initiation of polymerization. It is generally used as a monomer for
radical polymerizations. This compound should be inspected prior to use for peroxide crystals that may
have collected around the cap, on the inside, or on the outside of the bottle by a starch iodide test paper.
Styrene should be in a secondary container labeled with “peroxide forming chemical,” and should be
stored in a cabinet with the same label.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 100-42-5
Class: Flammable liquid, Carcinogen, Irritant, Peroxide Former
Molecular Formula: C8H8
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Colorless
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Boiling point: 145 - 146 °C
Flash Point: 31oC (88oF) Closed Cup
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Acute toxicity
Oral LD50
LD50 Oral - rat - 2,650 mg/kg
Remarks: Behavioral:Somnolence (general depressed activity). Liver:Other changes.
Inhalation LC50
LC50 Inhalation - rat - 4 h - 12,000 mg/m3
Skin corrosion/irritation
Skin - rabbit - Skin irritation
Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Eyes - rabbit - Eye irritation - 24 h
Germ cell mutagenicity
Laboratory experiments have shown mutagenic effects.
Cal-OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 50 ppm (210 mg/m 3)
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Work with styrene should be conducted in a fume hood. Sash height should be kept low to avoid
escaping fumes. Use explosion proof equipment like a blast shield to protect from explosions in the case
of peroxide detonation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NOTE: Lab-specific information on PPE selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure
section.
Respiratory Protection
NOTE: Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement.
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
 As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been
exhausted).
 When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that
PEL will be exceeded.
 Regulations require the use of a respirator.
 An employer requires the use of a respirator.
 There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the
absence of PEL)
 As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
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Hand Protection
Gloves must be worn with when handling peroxide-forming chemicals. Gloves must be
inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer
surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Lab-specific and chemical-specific information on glove selection may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section. Refer to glove selection from the link below:
For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-andusage.html
Eye Protection
Safety glasses with side shields or tightly fitting safety goggles. Use goggles and face shield (8inch minimum) when appropriate. Only use equipment for eye protection tested and approved
under appropriate government standards such as ANSI Z 87.1, NIOSH (US), or EN 166(EU).
Skin and Body Protection
Long pants, closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes, cotton-based clothing/attire (no exposed skin
below waist), and flame resistant lab coat must be worn for protecting against chemical hazards.
No exposed skin is allowed from waist down.
Hygiene Measures
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before
breaks and at the end of workday.
First Aid Procedures
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report
the incident.
Refer to specific chemical SOPs and SDSs for specific first aid procedures.
General First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Immediately
seek medical attention.
In case of skin contact
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Seek medical
attention.
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In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water using an emergency eyewash station for at least 15
minutes and seek medical attention.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed otherwise by the SDS. Never give anything by mouth
to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Seek medical attention.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
NOTE: Laboratory-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Refer to specific chemical SOPs and SDSs for specific handling and storage
requirements.
Working alone Certain extremely hazardous operations should not be performed if the PI or
Lab Safety Contact(s) are not present. Never work alone with extremely hazardous
materials/operations. See the Protocol/Procedure section for specific prohibitions (if any) on
working alone.
Precautions for Safe Handling
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Keep away from sources of ignition No smoking. Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge. Conditions for safe storage
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers that are opened must be
carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature: 2 - 8 °C
Light sensitive. If peroxide crystals are found on the outside of the container, DO NOT MOVE. Contact
EH&S for hazardous waste pickup.
Safe handling practices and procedures involve making effective
purchasing decisions, implementing a storage control program, periodic
testing for peroxides, and proper disposal of hazardous containers. These
elements are described below and are also presented in summary format
in Table 2.
General Precautions
Minimize the quantity of peroxides or peroxide forming chemicals in the lab.
Label each container with the Date Received, Date Opened and Date Last Tested.
Segregate these compounds from incompatible materials. Store away from ignition
sources. Protect from flames, static electricity, and sources of heat.
Test chemicals for peroxide before any distillation or purification of peroxide forming
chemicals.
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Date: 1/10/2013
NEVER distill potential peroxide-forming chemicals to dryness. Always leave a
minimum of 20% still bottoms. When possible, add a non-volatile organic compound
(such as mineral oil) to dilute any peroxides remaining after distillation.
Use extreme caution before concentrating or purifying peroxide forming chemicals as
most explosions occur during these processes.
Wear proper personal protective equipment, including safety eyewear and face shields,
when working with peroxide forming chemicals.
Minimize peroxide formation in ethers by storing in tightly sealed containers in a cool
place in the absence of light.
If solids or crystals are observed in either the liquid or around the cap of peroxide
forming chemicals, do not open or move the container but contact EH&S for disposal.
Visual Inspection: Visually inspect all peroxide-forming chemicals before any
operation. Containers that exhibit any unusual visual characteristics, such as the
examples listed below, should be assumed to contain dangerous levels of peroxides
and should not be disturbed. Notify EH&S, who will assist in the further evaluation. If
there is any doubt about the safety of handling a chemical container, notify EH&S
immediately.
For liquid chemicals, look for crystallization (around the cap or in the liquid), visible
discoloration, or liquid stratification. Diethyl ether is commonly sold in steel containers
which prevents visual inspection of the liquid. Therefore, diethyl ether containers whose
age and use history are unknown should be assumed to contain dangerous levels of
peroxides and should not be disturbed.
Materials not passing visual inspection are considered to be high risk and will have to
be disposed of by special means (limit handling and movement; notify EH&S). Only
chemicals that pass visual inspection should be tested.
Testing for Peroxides
Note: Never try to force open a rusted or stuck cap on a container of a
peroxide-forming chemical.
There is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the concentration at which
peroxides pose a hazard to researchers. Various sources suggest that
the minimum hazardous concentration of peroxides in organic solution is
in the range 0.005 - 1.0% (50-10000 PPM). In most safety literature, a
conservative concentration of 100 PPM peroxides is used as a control
point.
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Date: 1/10/2013
By the end of the expiration date (as indicated in Table 2) for a
particular peroxide forming chemical, the person using the chemical
should either dispose of it or test it for peroxide content. Any container
found to have a peroxide concentration greater than or equal to 100
PPM should be disposed of (call EHS&S for assistance). Materials
which are older than the suggested shelf life but have been tested and
have no detectable peroxides or peroxide concentrations less than 100
PPM may be retained but should be tested at frequent intervals (see
Table 2). All chemicals which are to be distilled must be tested prior to
distillation regardless of age. Important note: Researchers should
never test containers of unknown age or origin. Older containers
are far more likely to have concentrated peroxides or peroxide
crystallization in the cap threads and therefore can present a
serious hazard when opened for testing. Please read section
below on managing older containers.
INSERT #17
There are several methods that are commonly used to detect for
peroxides in the laboratory. Perhaps the most convenient method is the
use of peroxide test strips which are manufactured by Aldrich and several
other suppliers. These strips are simple to use and can be obtained from
EHS&S. For volatile organic chemicals, the test strip is immersed in the
chemical for 1 second; then the tester breathes slowly on the strip for 1530 seconds or until the color stabilizes. The color is then compared with a
colorimetric scale provided on the bottle. Strips that offer a 1-100 PPM
peroxide range are useful for determining if the material is below the
control point of 100 PPM. Other testing methods are available. Contact
EHS&S for more information.
Purchasing
INSERT #17
Ideally, purchases of peroxide-forming chemicals should be restricted to
ensure that these chemicals are used up completely before they can
become peroxidized. This requires careful experiment planning on behalf
of researchers. Researchers should purchase no more material than is
needed to complete an experiment within the chemical’s safe shelf life.
Storage and Shelf Life
Peroxides tend to form in materials as a function of age. Therefore, it is
imperative that researchers are keenly aware of the age of their
peroxide forming chemicals. Researchers must date each container of
peroxide-forming chemical upon arrival in the laboratory. Containers
must be dated again when opened for the first time. Additional dates of
testing should be added in certain cases (see below). Special labels as
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Date: 1/10/2013
depicted below make dating of the containers convenient. These labels
are available free of charge from EHS&S.
Table 2 lists the safe shelf life of the different classes of peroxideforming compounds. Suggested time limits are given for retention or
testing of these compounds. However, it must be noted that these
shelf life durations are minimum criteria; many other references
recommend more frequent testing for peroxides.
Peroxide forming chemicals should be stored in their original
manufacturer’s container whenever possible. This is very important in
the case of diethyl ether because the iron in the steel containers that
this material is shipped in acts as a peroxide inhibitor. In general,
peroxide-forming chemicals should be stored in sealed, airimpermeable containers and should be kept away from light (light can
initiate peroxide formation). Dark amber glass with a tight fitting cap is
appropriate
Table 2--Safe storage period for peroxide-forming chemicals
Peroxidizable Chemical Classification
Dispose or Test After1
•Unopened chemicals from the manufacturer : 18 months
•Opened containers
List A, Table 1 materials: 3 months
List B, Table 1 materials: 12 months
Uninhibited List C, Table 1 materials: 24 hours
Inhibited List C, Table 1 materials: 12 months2
(Footnotes)
1
Never open or test containers of unknown origin or age or that have visible evidence of peroxides!
2
Do not store under inert atmosphere
INSERT #17
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Date: 1/10/2013
Label for Peroxide-Forming Chemicals
Warning: May Form Explosive Peroxides
Store in tightly closed original container. Avoid exposure to light, air and heat. If crystals, discoloration or layering is
visible, do not move or open and contact EHS&S immediately. Check for peroxides before distilling or concentrating.
This Chemical has a limited shelf life!
Date Received
Date Opened
Test or dispose
months after receipt or
months after opening.
Do not use chemical if >100 PPM peroxides are detected.
Test date
Peroxides
PPM
Spill Response and Exposure Response
Before beginning work with chemicals, review the relevant SOPs, Safety Data Sheets, and
other chemical safety resources. Develop specific procedures for emergency response and
chemical exposure or injury to staff, including any special first aid measures required for the
relevant chemicals.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Note: These responses may not apply to all peroxide-forming toxic chemicals. Please review
specific chemical SOPs and SDSs for specific response to spills and accidents. Always dial 911
and 510-642-9090 for assistance.
Chemical Spill Dial 911
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help 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.). Dial 911 and 510-642-9090 for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in
emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S
immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water
from the emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek
medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-6429090 to report the incident.
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Medical Emergency Dial 911
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 or go to the
nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours.
Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health
Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be
reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
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. Go to the
Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency
room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours.
Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label Waste
 Label all containers with the label provided at http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-newhazardous-waste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste
Management” for general instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous
waste.
Dispose of Waste
 Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months.
 Call EH&S for questions.
Management and disposal of old containers
Older containers of peroxidizable chemicals, or containers of unknown
age or history, must be handled very carefully and should never be
opened by researchers. Any peroxidizable chemical with visible
discoloration, crystallization or liquid stratification should be treated as
potentially explosive. Older steel containers that have visible rust may
also be extremely dangerous. If any of these conditions are observed
on a peroxidizable chemical or if the origin and age of the container are
unknown, do not attempt to move or open the container. Please call
EHS&S for assistance. We will arrange to have the container(s)
inspected and if necessary will arrange for disposal.
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Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
SDS can be accessed online at http://ucmsds.com
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Protocol/Procedure for Styrene
CAS#: 100-42-5
Preparation
List any other particular preparation requirements needs for this procedure (e.g., location of spill kit or keep water or
ignition sources away from procedure area).
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eyewash, and safety shower before beginning work.
Lab-specific
Information
Add lab-specific information not included above if needed (e.g., all work for this procedure is to take place in the
designated fume hood.)
Procedure/Use
1. As a reagent/ligand.
Scale
Up to 1 L
of
styrene.
Engineering
Controls/Equipm
ent
Preparation of
reaction mixtures
containing styrene
should be done in
a fume hood.
PPE (eye, face,
gloves, clothing)
Eye protection: Wear
tight-fitting safety
goggles or safety
glasses with side
shields.
Face protection:
Wear a face shield.
Gloves: Wear
reusable rubber, nitrile,
or neoprene gloves.
Clothing: Wear lab
coat; full length pants
or equivalent; and
close-toed and closeheeled shoes.
Notes
Initials of
individuals using
this procedure
Styrene.
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
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Date: 1/10/2013
Procedure Steps and
Precautions
In a fume hood, add styrene via
syringe, or by a slow pour if
using larger amounts, to
reaction vessel containing a
magnetic stir bar or overhead
stirring mechanism.
Once reaction is complete,
dispose of all waste properly
(see disposal of waste above).
Documentation of Training (signature and initials of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with Styrene, designated personnel must provide training to his/her
laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with the specific chemical(s) used,
work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.

The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a
copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
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Styrene.
Identification
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Date: 1/10/2013