UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Nitrogen Tetroxide
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Nitrogen tetroxide is an extremely toxic and severely corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory system,
causes severe burns. Can cause severe lung damage. Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or
frostbite. Is an oxidizer and may cause or intensify fire.
Used as an intermediate in the production of nitric acid and a nitrating agent for organic compounds and
explosives. Also used as a bleaching agent for flour and for the manufacture of liquid explosives.
Also known as Nitrogen tetroxide, Nitrogen peroxide or Dinitrogen tetroxide.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 10544-72-6
Class: Highly toxic, Corrosive, Oxidizer
Molecular Formula: NO2
Form (physical state): gas
Nitrogen Tetroxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Color: colorless
Boiling point: 21 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Nitrogen tetroxide is an extremely toxic and severely corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory system,
causes severe burns. Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite. Is an oxidizer and
may cause or intensify fire.
Vapors are a strong irritant to the pulmonary tract. Contact with liquid causes a severe corrosive action on
the skin or eyes. Initial symptoms of inhalation may be moderate and include irritation of the eyes and throat,
tightness of the chest, headache, nausea and gradual loss of strength.
The vapor is highly toxic and hazardous because of its ability to cause delayed chemical pneumonitis and
pulmonary edema.
The following permissible exposure limit data is available: 9 mg/m³ or 3 ppm TWA
No acute toxicity data is available:
Engineering Controls
Handle using a chemical fume hood with good ventilation and electrically grounded lines and equipment
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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/respiratory-protection-program)
Hand Protection
Gloves must be worn. Use proper glove removal technique to avoid any skin contact. Rubber protective
gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Nitrogen tetroxide.
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, tight-fitting safety glasses/goggles. Face shield recommended.
Nitrogen Tetroxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Skin and Body Protection
Flame resistant 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.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Remove immediately to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, provide
oxygen. Seek medical aid immediately.
In case of skin contact
Remove contaminated clothing as rapidly as possible. Flush affected skin with plenty of water and mild soap.
Seek immediate medical attention.
In case of eye contact
Persons with potential exposure should not wear contact lenses. Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least
30 minutes lifting lower and upper eyelids. Seek medical aid. Continue rinsing during transport to hospital.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical aid immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
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.
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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.
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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/safety-data-sheet-sds-1
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
Nitrogen Tetroxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
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NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Nitrogen Tetroxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)