Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Vanadium Pentoxide
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
Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) is a highly acute toxin, suspect carcinogen, teratogen and a suspect
reproductive toxin. It is a poisonous brown/yellow solid which, because of its high oxidation state,
is both an amphoteric oxide and an oxidizing agent. Additional safety protocols must be in place
to work Vanadium Pentoxide. This SOP helps to safely store, handle and dispose of Vanadium
Pentoxide in the lab.
Use: V2O5 catalyzes several useful aerobic oxidation reactions, the largest scale of which
underpins the production of sulfuric acid from sulfur dioxide.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
Vanadium Pentoxide - CAS-No. 1314-62-1
Formula: V2O5
Molecular Weight: 181.88 g/mol
Appearance
Form: Solid
Color: Brown/Yellow
Unlike most metal oxides, it dissolves slightly in water to give a pale yellow, acidic solution.
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Safety data
Melting point/freezing point - Melting point/range: 690 °C (1,274 °F) - lit.
Density 3.35 g/mL at 25 °C (77 °F)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Emergency Overview
OSHA Hazards
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Target Organ Effect
Highly toxic by inhalation
Highly toxic by ingestion,
Highly toxic by skin absorption
Irritant
Carcinogen
Teratogen
Target Organs: Lungs
GHS Classification
Acute toxicity, Inhalation (Category 2)
Acute toxicity, Dermal (Category 1)
Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 2)
Eye irritation (Category 2A)
Germ cell mutagenicity (Category 2)
Reproductive toxicity (Category 2)
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 3)
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 2)
Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1)
Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 2)
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statement(s)
H300 + H310 Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin.
H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
H330 Fatal if inhaled.
H335 May cause respiratory irritation.
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects.
H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
H371 May cause damage to organs.
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
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H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statement(s)
P260 Do not breathe dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapors/spray
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P273 Avoid release to the environment
P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing
P284 Wear respiratory protection
P302 + P350 IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with plenty of soap and water.
P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove
contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician.
HMIS Classification
Health hazard: 3
Chronic Health Hazard: *
Flammability: 0
Physical hazards: 0
NFPA Rating
Health hazard: 3
Fire: 0
Reactivity Hazard: 0
Potential Health Effects
Acute toxicity
Oral LD50: LD50 Oral - rat - 10 mg/kg
Remarks: Behavioral:Coma
OSHA PEL: C 0.5 mg V2O5/m3 (resp)
IARC: 2B - Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans
Teratogenicity
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Possible risk of congenital malformation in the fetus
Suspected human reproductive toxicant)
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation eyes, skin, throat; green tongue, metallic taste, eczema;
cough; wheezing, bronchitis, dyspnea (breathing difficulty)
Inhalation May be fatal if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation
Skin May be fatal if absorbed through skin. Causes skin irritation.
Eyes Causes eye irritation.
Ingestion May be fatal if swallowed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory protection
General guidelines: Respirators should be used only under any the following circumstances:
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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 training and fit-tested by EH&S.
This is a regulatory requirement. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1004655)
Hand protection
*Handle with extended cuff, double layer, Neoprene/Nitrile disposable gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact
with Vanadium Pentoxide.
Wash and dry hands.
Eye protection
Safety goggles.
Skin and body protection
 Lab coat (full sleeves)
 Full length pants
 Close toed shoes
Hygiene measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling Vanadium Pentoxide.
Engineering Controls
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All operations involving Vanadium Pentoxide must be carried out in a certified chemical
fume hood (certified once every year by EH&S).
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Chemical fume hoods used as containment areas for Vanadium Pentoxide – in general
Particularly Hazardous Substances (Select Carcinogens, Regulated Carcinogens,
Reproductive Toxins and Acute Toxins) must have a face velocity of 100 linear
feet/minute 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. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
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If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a
physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
NOTE: Prior to handling this chemical, all users must have taken the in class ‘Lab Safety
Fundamental Concepts’ (LSFC) training.
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All Vanadium Pentoxide containers must be stored using secondary container
(tray/tub) with proper signage/caution label.
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Do not store alongside other less toxic chemicals in the same cabinet.
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All Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) must be stored segregated from the
rest of the chemicals.
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Hazard communication: Warning/Caution label is required on each Vanadium
Pentoxide container, secondary containment and designated storage cabinets.
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Warning/Caution label must state the following:
“HIGHLY ACUTE TOXIN or CARCINOGEN or CANCER HAZARD or SUSPECT CANCER
AGENT or Teratogen or Suspect Reproductive Toxin”
Precautions for safe handling
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Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Avoid formation of dust and aerosols.
Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.
Normal measures for preventive fire protection.
Conditions for safe storage
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions
Materials to avoid
 Strong acids - inorganic acids (mineral acids) and organic acids
 Noncombustible Solid, but may increase intensity of fire when in contact with combustible
materials.
 Lithium, chlorine trifluoride
Hazardous decomposition products
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Vanadium/vanadium oxides
Special Precautions for Storage
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Keep in a designated storage cabinet with a lock and key arrangement so that only
authorized personnel can access.
As a part of hazard communication, clearly label Vanadium Pentoxide storage area as
‘Vanadium Pentoxide – HIGHLY ACUTE TOXIN’. Even the secondary containment must
be clearly labeled.
Always store in a secondary container
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Keep Vanadium Pentoxide container dry
Do not breathe dust
DO not store with inorganic acids (mineral acids) and organic acids.
If ingested, seek medical advice immediately. Show the container label or the MSDS to
the physician.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes
Keep container tightly closed at all times.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Fire-fighting & Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special protective equipment for fire-fighters
Wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for fire-fighting if necessary.
Hazardous combustion products
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Vanadium/vanadium oxides
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
General Guidelines – 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.).
Dial 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 immediately 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.
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.
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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
NOTE: Vanadium Pentoxide is listed as Extremely Hazardous (EH) Substance by the State. Even
the containers (irrespective of the size) which once held Vanadium Pentoxide 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 (such as Vanadium Pentoxide contaminated gloves and lab coats,
pipettes, vials etc.), must be double bagged (use transparent bags only) and affixed with an online 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 Vanadium Pentoxide;
In the contents section, mention as Dry Waste
99%
Vanadium Pentoxide 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 If the quantity of Vanadium Pentoxide waste reaches 1 Quart, dispose of the
waste in < 3 days.
o Call EH&S at x61887 for questions
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
o Consult waste pick-up schedule
http://ehs.ucla.edu/pub/HazWaste%20Pickup%20Schedule.pdf
o 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
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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location
(State the location of MSDS)
Hardcopy and electronic copy must be available for Vanadium Pentoxide.
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 Vanadium Pentoxide, 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 Vanadium Pentoxide 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