Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Carbon Disulfide
Please fill out the form completely. Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Department:________________________
Date when SOP was written:_______
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: ___________________
Principal Investigator:___________________________________________________
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:___________________________________
Laboratory Phone:____________________ Office Phone:_____________________
Emergency Contact:____________________________________________________
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:__________________________________________
(Building/Room Number)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
Purpose
Carbon disulfide (CS2) is a select carcinogen and a highly flammable chemical. Hence, it is
important to follow safety protocols to handle this chemical.
Uses: The compound is used frequently as a building block in organic chemistry as well as an
industrial and chemical non-polar solvent. It has an "ether-like" odor, but commercial samples are
typically contaminated with foul-smelling impurities, such as carbonyl sulfide. Carbon disulfide is a
solvent for phosphorus, sulfur, selenium, bromine, , iodine, fats, resins and rubber. It has been
used in the purification of single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
Class: Select carcinogen, flammable chemical.
CAS-No - 75-15-0
Appearance
Form: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Odor: Stench.
Safety data
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Molecular Weight: 76.14 g/mol
pH: No data available
Melting point: 112 °C (234 °F) - lit.
Boiling point: 46 °C (115 °F) - lit.
Flash point: -30 °C (-22 °F) - closed cup
Ignition temperature: 100 °C (212 °F)
Lower explosion limit: 1.3 %(V)
Upper explosion limit: 50 %(V)
Vapor pressure: 394.956 hPa (296.241 mmHg) at 20 °C (68 °F)
1,342.711 hPa (1,007.116 mmHg) at 55 °C (131 °F)
Density: 1.266 g/mL at 25 °C (77 °F)
Water solubility: No data available
Partition coefficient n-octanol/water: log Pow: 2.16
Relative vapor density: 2.63 - (Air = 1.0)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Reproductive toxicity
Suspected human reproductive toxin. May cause reproductive disorders.
Potential health effects
Inhalation May be harmful if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation.
Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed.
Skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin irritation.
Eyes Causes eye irritation.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
May cause convulsions.
California Prop. 65 Components
WARNING! This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Emergency Overview
OSHA Hazards
Flammable liquid, Target Organ Effect, Irritant, Reproductive hazard
Target Organs
Eyes, Nerves, Liver, Kidney, Heart, Cardiovascular system, Male reproductive system & Female
reproductive system.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statement(s)
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H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor
H302 Harmful if swallowed.
H315 Causes skin irritation.
H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled.
H402 Harmful to aquatic life.
Precautionary statement(s)
P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P281 Use personal protective equipment as required
P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove
contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P314 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
HMIS Classification
Health hazard: 2
Chronic Health Hazard: *
Flammability: 3
Physical hazards: 0
NFPA Rating
Health hazard: 2
Fire: 3
Reactivity Hazard: 0
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 May be harmful if swallowed.
Basic Training Requirements

Lab personnel working with Carbon disulfide must have attended the ‘Lab Safety
Fundamental Concepts’ (LSFC) classroom training offered by EH&S. Please refer to the
link below for training schedule and enrollment information:
http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1003938#Laboratory_Safety

Lab personnel working with Carbon disulfide must read and sign this SOP on the last
page.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory protection
General guidelines: Respirators should be used only under any 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.
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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 by EH&S.
This is a regulatory requirement. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1004655)
Hand protection
Handle with Nitrile or Supported PolyVinyl Alcohol (PVA).
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact
with Carbon disulfide.
Wash and dry hands.
Eye protection
Safety goggles.
Skin and body protection
 Fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based)
 Cotton based clothing/attire.
 Full length pants or equivalent
 Close toed shoes
Hygiene measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling Carbon disulfide.
Engineering Controls

All operations involving Carbon disulfide must be carried out in a certified chemical fume
hood (certified once every year by EH&S).

Chemical fume hoods used as containment areas for Particularly Hazardous Substances
(Select Carcinogens, Regulated Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins and Acute Toxins)
must have a face velocity of 100 ft/min averaged over the face of the fume hood.
 Laboratory rooms must be at negative pressure with respect to the corridors and external
environment. To achieve this, the laboratory/room door must be kept closed at all times.
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 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.
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Special Handling and Storage Requirements

All Carbon disulfide containers must be stored using secondary container (tray/tub)
with proper signage/caution label.

Hazard communication: Warning/Caution label is required on each Carbon disulfide
container, secondary containment, designated storage cabinets. Warning/Caution
label must state the following:
“CARCINOGEN or CANCER HAZARD or SUSPECT CANCER AGENT or Reproductive Toxin”
Precautions for safe handling
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Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
Keep away from sources of ignition.
Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage
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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.
Store in cool place.
Refrigerate before opening (follow MSDS from the same manufacturer). NOTE: Carbon disulfide
must be stored in a refrigerator approved for storage of flammable chemicals. If the chemical
manufacturer recommends storage of certain flammables inside refrigerator, and your lab does
not have a refrigerator approved for flammable storage, store such flammables in a cooler under
dry ice.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Vapours may form explosive mixture with air.
Conditions to avoid
Heat, flames and sparks.
Materials to avoid
Alkali metals, Zinc, Amines, Azides, Oxidizing agents
Hazardous decomposition products
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Carbon oxides, Sulphur oxides
Spill and Accident Procedure
Fire-fighting and Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing media
 For small (incipient) fires, use media such as "alcohol" foam, dry chemical, or carbon
dioxide.
 For large fires, apply water from as far as possible.
 Use very large quantities (flooding) of water applied as a mist or spray; solid streams of
water may be ineffective.
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Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water.
Specific hazards arising from the chemical
 Flash back is possible over considerable distance.
 Container explosion may occur under fire conditions.
 Vapors may form explosive mixture with air.
 May explode when heated.
Special protective equipment for fire-fighters
Wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for fire-fighting if necessary.
Further information
Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
Personal precautions
 Use personal protective equipment.
 Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas.
 Ensure adequate ventilation.
 Remove all sources of ignition.
 Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations.
 Vapors can accumulate in low areas.
Environmental precautions
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Contain spillage, and then collect with non-combustible absorbent material, (e.g. sand, earth,
diatomaceous earth, vermiculite)
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
Spill – Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors.
Eliminate sources of ignition if the chemical is flammable. 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 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 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
at x59797 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with
water for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor
and EH&S at x59797 immediately.
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Medical Emergency Dial 911 or x52111
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911
(or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) or contact the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) directly at x52111 (located at 757 Westwood Plaza, enter from Gayley
Avenue). Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF),
x56771, CHS room 67-120 (This is on the 6th floor, 7th corridor, room 120. Enter through the
School of Dentistry on Tiverton Drive and proceed to the “O” elevator to the 6th floor.)Hours: M F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) at x52111. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797
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 231 from a campus phone, enter 93333 when prompted and then enter your
extension. Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA
Medical Center (emergency room) at x52111. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be
reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Carbon disulfide is listed as Extremely Hazardous (EH) Substance by the State. Even the
containers (irrespective of the size) which once held Carbon disulfide must be disposed of as
hazardous waste with an on-line hazardous waste tag affixed on the container.
(http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774)
All dry hazardous waste must be double bagged (use only transparent bags) and affixed with an
on-line waste tag. Note: Black, Red, Orange or Yellow bags are prohibited by EH&S Hazardous
Materials Division, for hazardous waste disposal.
On the on-line waste tag for the dry waste generated from Carbon disulfide;
In the contents section, mention as Dry Waste
99%
Carbon disulfide
1%
Type: Solid
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
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Label Waste
o Affix an on-line hazardous waste tag on all waste containers using the Online
Tag Program http://otp.ucop.edu/ as soon as the first drop of waste is added to
the container
Store Waste
o Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a
designated location
o Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags
http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774
o Waste must be under the control of the person generating & disposing of it
Dispose of Waste
o Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 90 days
o Call EH&S at x61887 for questions
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o
o
o
Empty Containers
 Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste
(irrespective of the container size)
http://ehs.ucla.edu/Pub/ExtremelyHazardousWaste.pdf
Consult waste pick-up schedule
http://ehs.ucla.edu/pub/HazWaste%20Pickup%20Schedule.pdf
Prepare for transport to pick-up location
 Check on-line waste tag
 Write date of pick-up on the waste tag
 Use secondary containment
 Wear eye protection & closed toe shoes; bring gloves
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location
(State the location of MSDS)
Hardcopy or electronic copy must be available.
Online MSDS can be accessed at http://msds.ehs.ucla.edu.
Protocol/Procedure
(Add specific description of procedure)
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)
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Prior to conducting any work with Carbon disulfide, 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.
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The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP
and a copy of the Carbon disulfide MSDS provided by the manufacturer.
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The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended
appropriate laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last two years.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Name
Signature
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Date