Standard Operating Procedure
Ethylene Oxide
This is an SOP template and is not complete until: 1) lab specific information is entered into the box
below 2) lab specific protocol/procedure is added to the protocol/procedure section and
3) SOP has been signed and dated by the PI and relevant lab personnel.
Print a copy and insert into your Lab-Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Section 1 – Lab-Specific Information
Department:
Click here to enter text.
Date SOP was written:
Click here to enter a date.
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
Click here to enter a date.
Principal Investigator:
Click here to enter text.
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
Click here to enter text.
Lab Phone:
Click here to enter text.
Office Phone:
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Emergency Contact:
(Name and Phone Number)
Click here to enter text.
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
(Building/Room Number)
Section 2 – Type of SOP:
☐ Process
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Section 3 – Physical / Chemical Properties and Uses
Physical / Chemical Properties:
CAS#: 75-21-8
GHS Classification: Flammable Gas, Compressed Gas, Carcinogen, Toxic by Inhalation, Irritant, Mutagen
Molecular Formula: C2H4O
Form (physical state): Gas
Color: Colorless
Ethylene Oxide
1
Date: 3/19/2014
Boiling point: 10.7 oC
Flash point: -20 oC
Lower Explosive Limit in Air: 2.6%
Upper Explosive Limit in Air: 100%
Uses:
Chemical intermediate for production of anti-freeze, polyester resins, non-ionic surfactants and specialty solvents;
sterilizing agent for controlling microorganisms in health care applications; fumigant for controlling insect
infestation in whole and ground spices and cosmetics.
Section 4 – Potential Hazards
Ethylene oxide is an extremely flammable liquid and gas under pressure. May form explosive mixtures with air and
also may explode when heated. Highly reactive. May cause flash fire. It is toxic if inhaled and may be harmful if
ingested or absorbed through the skin. It causes irritation to respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. It is classified by IARC
as a Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. It may cause genetic defects. Symptoms of exposure include burning
sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, and convulsions. May
cause damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver, blood, reproductive system, and central nervous system. See OSHA
exposure limits below:
Exposure Limits:
OSHA ACTION LEVEL (8 HR. TWA):
OSHA PEL (8 HR. TWA):
OSHA 15 MINUTE EXCURSION LIMIT:
ACGIH TLV/TWA:
IDLH:
0.5 ppm
1 ppm
5 ppm; 9 mg/m3
1 ppm; 1.8 mg/m3
800 ppm
Ethylene oxide is very reactive. Runaway exothermic polymerization reactions can result from contamination with
amines, ammonia, water, acids, bases, metal chlorides, metal oxides, alkali metals, mercaptans, alcohols, oxidizers,
and may other organic and inorganic materials. To prevent potential uncontrolled polymerization, do not heat to
temperatures above 38oC.
Potential Health Effects:
Inhalation – Toxic if inhaled. Inhaling concentrated vapor may cause serious health effects, possibly death.
Inhalation may progressively cause mucous membrane and respiratory irritation, headache, vomiting, cyanosis,
drowsiness, weakness, incoordination, CNS depression, lachrymation, nasal discharge and salivation, gasping, and
labored breathing. Delayed effects may include nausea, diarrhea, edema of the lungs, paralysis, convulsions and
possibly death. NOTE: Ethylene oxide has a high odor threshold (> 250 ppm) and the sense of smell does not
provide adequate protection against its toxic effects.
Skin – Prolonged contact with liquid ethylene oxide can cause a local erythema, edema, and formation of blisters.
Response is more severe on damp skin. There may be a latency period of several hours prior to the onset of
symptoms. Ethylene oxide may be absorbed by the skin, and sustained contact may produce adverse effects such
as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Ethylene oxide is a skin sensitizer and some individuals may suffer an
Ethylene Oxide
2
Date: 3/19/2014
allergic skin reaction. Skin contact may also cause allergic contact dermatitis in some exposed individuals. Liquid
ethylene oxide evaporates rapidly and may chill the skin causing frostbite.
Eyes – Liquid ethylene oxide is severely irritating and corrosive to the eyes and contact can cause swelling of the
conjunctiva and irreversible corneal injury. Contact with liquid ethylene oxide can cause frostbite. Vapors may
cause eye irritation, tearing, redness and swelling of the conjunctiva.
Ingestion – This relatively unlikely route of exposure is expected to cause severe irritation and burns of the mouth
and throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, collapse and coma. Aspiration may occur during swallowing or
vomiting, resulting in lung damage.
Section 5 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection:
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

Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested. This is a regulatory
requirement. Contact EH&S 8-8411 regarding respirator clearance.
Handle with impervious chemical gloves. Butyl-rubber gloves are recommended for splash contact. Gloves must be
inspected prior to each use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching outer surface of the gloves) to
avoid skin contact with ethylene oxide on the contaminated gloves. Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and
soap.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible
with ethylene oxide. Also, consult the following link for detailed PPE breakthrough time data for ethylene oxide:
http://www.americanchemistry.com/ProductsTechnology/Ethylene-Oxide/EO-Product-Stewardship-Manual-3rdedition/EO-Product-Stewardship-Manual-Personnel-Exposure.PDF
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
Ethylene Oxide
3
Date: 3/19/2014
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection:
ANSI approved properly fitting safety goggles. Face shield is recommended if there is a risk of chemical splash.
Skin and Body Protection:
Lab coat & natural rubber apron, full-length pants, and closed-toe rubber or leather shoes are required.
Hygiene Measures:
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product.
Only handle ethylene oxide if an eye wash and safety shower are nearby.
Section 6 – Engineering Controls
Ethylene oxide can only be used in a properly functioning chemical fume hood or glove box. The chemical fume
hood must be approved and certified by EH&S and have a face velocity between 85 – 125 feet per minute.
Electrically grounded lines and equipment must be used. All sources of ignition and extraneous chemicals and
equipment must be removed from the chemical fume hood or glove box before work with ethylene oxide begins.
Section 7 – First Aid Procedures
If inhaled:
Dial 8-1911. Move to fresh air. If the person is not breathing, give oxygen.
In case of skin contact:
Dial 8-1911. Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Consult
a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Dial 8-1911. Flush eyes at eye wash for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician.
If swallowed:
Dial 8-1911. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Ingestion is not considered a potential route
of exposure. If suspected that a large amount is swallowed, Dial 8-1911.
Section 8 – Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling:

Always wear appropriate PPE when handling. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Avoid inhalation.

Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.

Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition.

No smoking.
Ethylene Oxide
4
Date: 3/19/2014

Prevent build-up of electrostatic charge.

Protect compressed gas cylinders from physical damage.
Conditions for safe storage:

Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

Contents under pressure.

Cylinders should be stored upright with valve protection cap and secured firmly to prevent falling.

Recommended storage temperature is 2 – 8 oC. Never store above 52 oC.

Protect from sunlight.
Section 9 – Spill and Accident Procedures
Chemical Spill Dial 8-1911
Immediately evacuate area and ensure others are aware of the spill. If there is an imminent threat of a fire, pull
the nearest fire alarm station to evacuate the building and dial 8-1911. If the spill is minor and does not pose a
threat to personnel, contact EH&S at 8-8411 during normal business hours (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM) for spill cleanup
assistance (dial 8-1911 if spill occurs after hours and assistance is needed).
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes:
Remove clothing and begin first aid procedures (Section 7) immediately. Seek medical attention; dial 8-1911.
Chemical Splash into Eyes:
Immediately rinse eyes and begin first aid procedures (Section 7) immediately. Seek medical attention; dial 81911.
Section 10 – Medical Emergency
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays:
Dial 8-1911.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency:
Dial 8-1911. All ethylene oxide exposures should be considered an emergency.
Section 11 – Waste Disposal Procedures
Label Waste:
Make sure the waste container(s) is properly labeled; label should indicate all of the contents of the container.
EH&S provides hazardous waste labels free of charge, contact dennis.daye@marquette.edu to obtain labels.
Store Waste:
Store hazardous waste in closed containers, and in a designated area (flammable cabinet is recommended).
Ethylene oxide waste should be segregated from all incompatible chemicals such as oxidizing agents.
Ethylene Oxide
5
Date: 3/19/2014
Dispose of Waste:
Complete a Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form to arrange for disposal by EH&S. Contact
dennis.daye@marquette.edu or visit the EH&S webpage for questions.
http://www.marquette.edu/riskunit/environmental/documents/waste_disposal_form.pdf
Section 12 – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A current copy of the ethylene oxide SDS must be made available to all personnel working in the laboratory at all
times. To obtain a copy of the SDS, refer to Marquette’s MSDS library
http://www.marquette.edu/riskunit/environmental/documents/msds_library.pdf or contact the chemical
manufacturer. Many manufacturers’ SDSs can be found online on websites such as Sigma-Aldrich
(http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/united-states.html) or Siri MSDS Index (http://hazard.com/msds/).
Section 13 – Protocol/Procedure (Add lab specific Protocol/Procedure here)
Click here to enter text.
NOTE: Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Section 14 – Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with ethylene oxide, designated personnel must provide training to his/her
laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance, 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.

The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended appropriate
laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last one year.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Ethylene Oxide
6
Date: 3/19/2014
Name
Signature
Date
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Ethylene Oxide
7
Date: 3/19/2014
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter a
date.
Ethylene Oxide
8
Date: 3/19/2014