UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Sulfur Dioxide
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Sulfur dioxide is an acutely toxic gas. It occurs naturally from volcanic eruptions, but anthropological sources
include combustion of coal or oil and copper smelting. It is used in wines as an antibiotic and antioxidant.
However sulfur dioxide is most prevalently used for the production of sulfuric acid. In chemical research it
can be used as a reagent to make organosulfur compounds, but more commonly used as an inert, noncoordinating solvent.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7446-09-5
Class: Acute Toxin
Molecular Formula: SO2
Form (physical state): gas
Color: colorless
Boiling point: -10 oC
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Sulfur Dioxide
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Sulfur dioxide is an acutely toxic gas.
OSHA PEL
TWA: 5ppm 8 hour(s) and 13mg/m3 8 hour(s)
IDLH: 100ppm
Potential acute health effects:
Eyes: Severely corrosive to eyes. Causes burns, and contact with rapidly expanding gas can cause frostbite.
Skin: Severely corrosive to skin. Causes burns, and contact with rapidly expanding gas can cause frostbite.
Inhalation: Severely corrosive to the respiratory tract.
Ingestion: Not common route of exposure for gas.
Engineering Controls
Handle using under a certified chemical fume hood (certified once every year by EH&S) with good ventilation
or glove box
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator 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
Nitrile Gloves must be worn. Use proper glove removal technique to avoid any skin contact. Insulated
PVC/Butyl gloves preferred to prevent potential of frostbite from the liquefied gas.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Sulfur dioxide
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
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
ANSI approved safety glasses or goggles. Face shield is also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coats must be worn and be appropriately sized for the individual and buttoned to their full length.
Laboratory coat sleeves must be of sufficient length to prevent skin exposure while wearing gloves. Full
length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that are occupying the
laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed.
Sulfur Dioxide
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Hygiene Measures
Wash thoroughly and immediately after handling. Remove any contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move into the fresh air immediately and give oxygen. If not breathing give artificial respiration. Seek medical
attention immediately.
In case of skin contact
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Wash any contaminated clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If possible, check for and remove any contact
lenses and consult a physician.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Seek medical attention immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes and inhalation. Do not breathe gas. Avoid of
vapors, mist, or gas. Use only with adequate ventilation or respiratory protection.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Store in
original container. Place in secondary containment and label container, secondary containment, and storage
location as Acute Toxin.
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.
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.
Sulfur Dioxide
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
Sulfur Dioxide
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Sulfur Dioxide
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)