UH Manoa EHSO – Chloroform SOP Template
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
CHLOROFORM
Principal Investigator:
Lab Location(s):
Emergency Contact
Information:
Annual Review Date:
Statement of Understanding and Compliance
I confirm that I have read and understand this SOP and will comply with the procedures and policies.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Before working with Chloroform, the lab worker must have the approval of the PI who shall
provide specific training according to this SOP and in understanding the MSDS provided by the
manufacturer. The lab worker must complete UH lab safety training and UH hazardous waste
generator training prior to working with any chemicals. The lab worker should sign this SOP as
documentation that he/she understands the hazards and has been trained in how to work with
Chloroform safely.
1. INFORMATION ABOUT CHLOROFORM AND PROCEDURES USING CHLOROFORM
CAS#67-66-3 (Synonyms: Trichloromethane, Methyl trichloride, Methane trichloride)
Chloroform is a colorless, sweet-smelling, dense liquid with the formula CHCl3. It is an organic compound
prepared from acetone and ethanol through the action of chlorine bleach powder (calcium hypochlorite).
It is a commonly used solvent in research laboratories because it is relatively unreactive, miscible with
most organic liquids, and conveniently volatile.
2. HAZARDOUS PROPERTIES, POTENTIAL ROUTES OF EXPOSURE, SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
Chloroform is considered a toxin and has a long history of being used as an anesthetic. It is a central
nervous system depressant and suspected carcinogen.
Routes of Exposure
Skin and/or eye contact, ingestion or inhalation.
Acute Effects:
Inhalation of chloroform causes signs and symptoms of central nervous system depression. In the initial
stage, there is a feeling of warmth of the face and body, then irritation of the mucous membranes, eyes,
and skin, followed by excitation, loss of reflexes, sensation and consciousness. The pupils dilate and
have a reduced reaction to light. Prolonged inhalation causes paralysis, cardiac and respiratory failure,
UH Manoa EHSO – Chloroform SOP Template
and death. Other symptoms include digestive upset, mental dullness, and dizziness. Vapors of
chloroform may irritate the eyes and skin. Chloroform liquid causes burning of the eyes and transient
corneal injury. Skin exposure results in burning and redness.
Chronic Effects:
Chronic exposure to chloroform causes neurological and gastrointestinal signs and symptoms that
resemble those of chronic alcoholism. These may also include depression, liver enlargement, and
gastrointestinal disorders. Chronic skin exposure to chloroform may leave the skin dry, red and cracking.
Cancer Hazard:
Chloroform is a suspected human carcinogen.
Reproductive Hazard:
Exposure to pregnant women may result in fetal death of malformation based on animal studies.
Exposure Limits:
The current OSHA PEL for chloroform is 50 ppm (240 mg/m3) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)
concentration. The NIOSH recommended exposure limits (RELs) for chloroform is 2 ppm (9.78 mg/m3)
as a 60-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH) assigned chloroform a threshold limit value (TLV) of 10 ppm (49 mg/m3) as a TWA for
a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. NIOSH and ACGIH consider chloroform a potential or
suspected human carcinogen.
3. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
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Use of Viton or Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) gloves is recommended when handling chloroform in largescale extractions. Double nitrile gloves or heavier nitrile gloves (15 mil or heavier) are sufficient but
nitrile gloves have a 4-minute breakthrough time and will offer little protection when exposed to
chloroform.
Safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles shall be worn.
A chemical resistant laboratory coat should be worn when working with this chemical.
Closed toe shoes are required when working in the laboratory.
A chemically resistant apron should be worn when transferring or using large quantities and splash is
likely.
Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators when vapors or mist concentrations exceed PEL or if
chemical fume hood is not available or accessible.
4. ENGINEERING/VENTILATION CONTROLS
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Work with chloroform in a properly operating and certified chemical fume hood.
Work at least 6” inside the hood, never place your head in the hood, set the sash at the lowest
position possible (if using the horizontal sliding sashes do not open past the labeled positions).
Safety shower and eye wash stations should be easily accessible where chloroform is used.
5. SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
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Keep container tightly closed to prevent agent from subliming and entering the atmosphere.
Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
Do not store in aluminum containers.
Contact between chloroform and acetone, alkalis, chemically active metals (e.g. aluminum
magnesium, in powder form), sodium, potassium should be avoided. Also incompatible with
dinitrogen tetraoxide, fluorine, triisopropylphosphine, and solid potassium tert-butoxide.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling chloroform (even if gloves were used).
Do not use rubber of plastic hose/pipe to transfer chloroform.
UH Manoa EHSO – Chloroform SOP Template
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Remove contaminated clothing/PPE and wash before reuse.
Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, sources of ignition (including empty containers that will retain
product residue).
Transport chemicals in closed containers, in the smallest amounts possible, and use aids such as
carts, chemical transport carriers, etc.
It is highly recommended that all chemicals be stored below eye level so cracking or leaking
containers are immediately visible and there is less potential for chemicals falling onto lab workers
when pulling from shelves.
6. PROCEDURES ****Modify this section to reflect your lab specific procedures!
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Bench covers should be disposed via EHSO upon contamination from spilling or after usage.
Handling Chloroform:
o Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, lab coats).
o Work in a chemical fume hood or well ventilated area.
o Change gloves after handling chloroform.
7. SPILL AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES
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Do not attempt cleanup if you feel unsure of your ability to do so or if you perceive the risk to be
greater than normal laboratory operators.
In the event of skin contact, immediately flush skin with copious amounts of water for at least 15
minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Seek medical attention. Wash clothing
and shoes before reuse.
In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15
minutes (lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally) and obtain medical attention.
If inhaled, move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. If victim is not breathing,
perform CPR.
In the event of ingestion, obtain medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Give large
quantities of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Report all incidents or near misses to EHSO and complete the appropriate Incident Forms.
Small spills:
Don appropriate PPE (respiratory protection, skin/eye protection). Extinguish possible sources of
ignition. Evacuate all unprotected personnel and ventilate area. Absorb with an inert material
and dispose of spilled material into appropriate closed waste container. Wash surfaces
thoroughly with soap and water.
Large spills:
Notify others in room of spill. Evacuate room/immediate area. Call Security and EHSO. Keep
away from heat or sources or ignition. Stop leak if without risk. Absorb with DRY earth, sand or
other noncombustible material. Post warning signs at entrances/exits notifying others of spill.
Prevent unnecessary entry into area. Provide assistance and information to spill responders.
Report all spills (minor and major) and any near misses to EHSO.
8. WASTE DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
Chloroform is classified as a Class 6.1 Poison. Chloroform and all waste material containing chloroform
must be placed in an approved container, labeled accordingly, and properly disposed of through EHSO.
9. MSDS LOCATION ****Where is this located, as an attachment to the SOP, in the MSDS folder,
etc? Must have an MSDS, preferably manufacturer specific, specific for each type of chloroform
used (per CAS#).
UH Manoa EHSO – Chloroform SOP Template
References: Information contained in this SOP was gathered from the following sources: JT Baker MSDS,
Northern Arizona University SOP, University of Rhode Island Safety & Risk Management Department,
OSHA (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/chloroform/recognition.html).