UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Carbon Tetrachloride
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Carbon tetrachloride is a select carcinogen. It is used as a solvent in synthetic chemistry and also in NMR
spectroscopy.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 56-23-5
Class: Select carcinogen, toxic
Molecular Formula: CCl4
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: N/A
Boiling point: 76 - 77 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Emergency Overview
Carbon Tetrachloride
1
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
OSHA Hazards
Carcinogen, Target Organ Effect, Toxic by inhalation, Toxic by ingestion, Toxic by skin absorption
Target Organs
Liver, Kidney, Eyes, Nerves & Heart.
Pictogram
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation Toxic if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation.
Skin Toxic if absorbed through skin. May cause skin irritation.
Eyes May cause eye irritation.
Ingestion Toxic if swallowed.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
 Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea, Dizziness, Headache, Damage to the eyes, Liver injury
may occur, Kidney injury may occur.
 Exposure to and/or consumption of alcohol may increase toxic effects.
 Contact with skin can cause Pain, Erythema, hyperemia
NOTE: Exposure to high concentrations of carbon tetrachloride (including vapor) can affect the Central
Nervous System – CNS, degenerate the liver and kidneys and may result (after prolonged exposure) in coma
and even death. Chronic exposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause liver and kidney damage and could result
in cancer.
Engineering Controls
All operations involving Carbon tetrachloride 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.
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/)
Carbon Tetrachloride
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Hand Protection
Handle with Nitrile or Supported PolyVinyl Alcohol (PVA).
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with
Carbon tetrachloride.
Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with carbon tetrachloride.
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
Safety glasses or Safety goggles (ANSI approved).
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coat
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 tetrachloride.
First Aid Procedures
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.
If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
Conditions for safe storage
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.
Carbon Tetrachloride
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)

All Carbon tetrachloride containers must be stored using secondary container (tray/tub) with
proper signage/caution label.
 Hazard communication: Warning/Caution label is required on each Carbon tetrachloride
container, secondary containment and designated storage cabinets. Warning/Caution label must
state the following:
“CARCINOGEN or CANCER HAZARD or SUSPECT CANCER AGENT”
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.
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).
Carbon Tetrachloride
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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:
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Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Carbon Tetrachloride
5
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)