Standard Operating Procedure
Magnesium
Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
Hygiene Plan.
Department:
Chemistry
Date SOP was written:
11/20/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
Principal Investigator:
Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
Lab Phone:
1/13/2013
Rebecca Murphy
(510) 643-2485
Office Phone:
(510) 643-6312
Emergency Contact:
Richmond Sarpong (626) 644-2407
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
Latimer 834, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842, 844, 847, 849,
907
(Building/Room Number)
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Magnesium is a silver-white, grey alkaline earth metal with atomic number 12. It is highly reactive with
water producing flammable gases that can ignite spontaneously. It is a flammable solid that is selfheating. It may be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. It may cause respiratory
tract, skin, and eye irritation. Due to magnesium’s high reactivity, it is not found as a free element on
earth. It is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and eleventh most abundant element in
the human body. Its main commercial use is as an alloying agent to aluminum in the production of
beverage cans. Its other uses include pyrotechnics, flash photography, reducing agent for uranium
production, and additive in propellants.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7439-95-4
Class: Flammable, water reactive
Molecular Formula: Mg
Magnesium
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Date: 1/7/2013
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: Silver white, grey
Boiling Point: 1,090 - 1107.2 °C
Flash Point: 1,173 °F
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Flammable solid. Self-heating and may catch fire. Contact with water releases flammable gases which
may ignite spontaneously. Handle under inert gas and protect from moisture. Inhalation of fumes may
cause metal-fume fever characterized by flu-like symptoms. May be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or
absorbed through the skin. May cause respiratory tract, skin, and eye irritation. Particles imbedded in the
skin may cause persistent lesions, inflammation, and gas bubbles under the skin.
Additional hazards to specific pyrophoric chemicals must be identified by a review of the appropriate
Safety Data Sheets prior to commencing lab work.
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the Protocol/Procedure
section.
Magnesium should be used in a glove box or in a closed system in a certified chemical fume hood.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NOTE: Lab-specific information on PPE selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Respirator Protection
Use a full-face respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) respirator cartridges.
Respirators should be used only under any of 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.
 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.
Hand Protection
Handle with gloves. Nitrile gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Lab-specific and chemical-specific information on glove selection may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section. Refer to glove selection from the link below:
Magnesium
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Date: 1/7/2013
For glove
usage.html
selection,
go
to:
http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-and-
NOTE: Lab-specific and chemical-specific information on glove selection may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section. Nomex-and-leather flight gloves over chemically resistant gloves are
recommended in the UC Berkeley Office of Environmental Health and Safety document “Safe Use of
Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Reagents”. See also, EHS&S document entitled “Glove Selection and
Usage.”
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-and-usage.html
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
Eye Protection
At minimum, use chemical safety goggles or safety eyewear when working with pyrophorics in a glove
box or fume hood. Use face shield (8-inch minimum) with chemical safety goggles or protective eyewear
when not protected by a fume hood sash or glove box. Use equipment for eye protection tested and
approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU) or ANSI Z87.1.
Skin and Body Protection
Long pants, closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes, cotton or wool-based clothing/attire, and flame
resistant lab coat must be worn for protecting against chemical hazards. Synthetic clothing is strongly
discouraged.
Hygiene Measures
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at
the end of workday.
First Aid Procedures
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
If Inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water for 15 minutes. Take
victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower
eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with
water. Consult a physician.
Magnesium
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Date: 1/7/2013
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
NOTE: Lab-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the Protocol/Procedure
section.
Working Alone Certain extremely hazardous operations should not be performed if the PI or Lab Safety
Contact(s) are not present. Never work alone with extremely hazardous materials/operations. See the
Protocol/Procedure section below for specific prohibitions (if any) on working alone.
NOTE: The UC Berkeley Office of Environmental Health and Safety document “Safe Use of Pyrophoric
and Water Reactive Reagents” specifies not to work alone or during off hours, when there are few people
around to help. http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
Precautions For Safe Handling:
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Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Avoid dust formation.
Ensure adequate ventilation. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.
Protect from electrostatic charges.
Keep away from sources of ignition- No smoking.
Design a quenching scheme for residual materials prior to using pyrophoric materials.
Never use water to quench the material itself or a reaction where a pyrophoric reagent is used.
Begin quenching with a low reactivity quenching agent and slowly add more reactive quenching
agents. For example, first quench residual sodium metal with isopropanol and then add ethanol to the
mixture.
Design your experiment to use the least amount of material possible to achieve the desired result.
It is better to do multiple transfers of small volumes than attempt to handle larger quantities. Before
transferring, make sure that the material is at room temperature.
Avoid formation of dusts and aerosols
Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where airborne hazardous materials may be
generated.
Keep away from sources of ignition and combustible materials such as open flames, non-explosionproof hot plates, paper towels and KimiwipesTM.
Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Eliminate or substitute a less hazardous material when possible.
Verify your experimental set-up and procedure prior to use.
Inform colleagues that this material will be used and where. Label the work area with a sign saying
"Pyrophorics In-Use Area".
Ensure that the area is properly equipped with a properly functioning eye wash/safety shower within
ten seconds of travel.
Never use water to extinguish fires caused by water reactive materials. Be sure to use a an
appropriate fire extinguisher for the materials being used.
NOTE: See a more details on safe handling in the UC Berkeley Office of Environmental Health and
Safety documents “Safe Use of Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Reagents” and “Quenching of Pyrophoric
Substances”. http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
Magnesium
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Date: 1/7/2013
Conditions For Safe Storage
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Keep container tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Never allow contact with water.
Protect from sunlight.
Incompatible with oxidizing agents, acids, acid chlorides, and halogens.
Handle and store under inert gas.
Whenever possible, store inside a glove box. Otherwise, store inside a container with an inert
atmosphere.
Minimize dust generation and accumulation.
Hazard communication label on the container must read ‘Water Reactive’. W
Never allow product to get in contact with water or water based compounds during storage.
Do not leave the container on the bench top - even momentarily.
Do not leave the container near a lab sink, emergency eyewash or safety shower.
Do not store in humid air/moisture.
Store and handle under inert gas (Noble gases such as Nitrogen, Argon etc.)
Keep in a dry place (such as a desiccator or a dry box or glove box).
Use/purchase only amount that is needed in a reasonable amount of time. Use small quantities
whenever possible.
Store in a separate secondary container and label the material clearly.
Follow any substance-specific storage guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet documentation.
Store in a cool, dry location.
Monitor your inventory closely to assure that you have tight control over your material.
Wash hands and arms with soap and water after handling.
Minimize dust generation and accumulation.
At the end of each project, thoroughly inspect the area for residual reactive material.
NOTE: See a more details on safe handling in the UC Berkeley Office of Environmental Health and
Safety documents “Toxic Gas Program Document”
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
Spill and Accident Procedure
Fire-Fighting & Extinguishing Media
Prior to use, review the Safety Data Sheet for the proper fire extinguisher to use with the given material
Acceptable fire extinguishing media include Metal X, soda ash (lime) or dry sand to respond to small fires, and
an ABC extinguisher for large fires. The extinguishing media should be located near where the pyrophoric work
is occurring. DO NOT use water to attempt to extinguish a pyrophoric/reactive material fire as it can enhance
the combustion of some of these materials, e.g. metal compounds, and do not use water or CO2 extinguishers
on an organolithium fire. A small beaker of Metal X/LithX, dry sand or soda ash (lime) in the work area is useful
to extinguish any small fire that occurs at the syringe tip and to receive any last drops of reagent from the
syringe. . In general, an ABC dry powder extinguisher will put out the fire, but the pyrophoric reagent may
reignite.
Special Protective Equipment For Fire-Fighters
Wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for fire-fighting if necessary.
Magnesium
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Date: 1/7/2013
Personal Precautions
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Avoid dust formation.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Remove all sources of ignition and combustion.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental Precautions
Do not let product enter drains.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
 Pick-up and dispose of as hazardous waste without creating dust.
 Do not flush with water or bring in contact with moisture.
 Keep in suitable, tightly closed containers for disposal.
Chemical Spill Dial 911
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help 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 911 and EH&S 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 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water from the
emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention.
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends and Holidays – Dial 911 or go to the nearest
Occupational Health Facility or emergency room if it is after hours. Note: All serious injuries must be
reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF). At all other times go
to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours.
Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
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. At all other times dial
Magnesium
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Date: 1/7/2013
911 or report to the nearest Occupational Health Facility or emergency room if it is after hours. Note: All
needle stick/puncture exposures must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510642-9090 to report the incident.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Wearing proper PPE, sweep up or shovel. Do not flush with water. Collect with an electrically protected
vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal following the guidelines below.
NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for general
instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.
http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-new-hazardous-waste-program-hwp.html.
Label Waste
Label all containers with the label provided at http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-new-hazardous-wasteprogram-hwp.html. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for general
instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.
Store Waste
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Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a designated
location
Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags
Waste must be under the control of the person generating & disposing of it
Dispose of Waste
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Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
Call EH&S for questions
Empty Containers
o Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste (irrespective of
the container size)
o Consult waste pick-up schedule
Prepare for transport to pick-up location
 Check on-line waste tag
 Write date of pick-up on the waste tag
 Use secondary containment
 Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
 Call EH&S for questions
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
SDS can be accessed online at http://ucmsds.com
Magnesium
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Date: 1/7/2013
Protocol/Procedure for Magnesium
CAS #(s) 7439-95-4
Lab-Specific
Information
Reactivity/ Stability: Magnesium slowly oxidizes in moist air. Reacts very slowly
with water at ordinary temperatures. The more finely divided material reacts with
water to liberate hydrogen gas. In finely divided forms is easily ignited.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid moisture, oxygen, and acids. Avoid heat, flames,
sparks and other sources of ignition.
Incompatibilities/Materials to Avoid: Oxidizing agents, oxygen, peroxides,
chlorinated solvents, methanol, sulfur compounds, metal oxides, metal cyanides.
Keep away from sources of ignition.
When not in use, keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Store and transport THF containers in secondary containment (for example
polyethylene bottle carrier).
Preparation
Identify and keep a metal-X fire extinguisher within reach before measuring or using
magnesium.
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eyewash, and safety shower
before beginning work.
Never work alone. Make sure there is another worker present who is also trained in
the magnesium SOP.
Procedure/Use
Scale
1. Magnesium is
used in the lab
as a reagent in
reactions as a
powder or as
turnings.
Up to
500 g
of
magne
sium
per
reactio
n.
As a reagent,
magnesium is
commonly used
in reductions
and for forming
Grignard
reagents.
Magnesium
Engineering
Controls/Equipm
ent
All work using
magnesium must
be performed in a
ventilated fume
hood.
PPE (eye, face,
gloves, clothing)
Procedure Steps and
Precautions
Eye protection: Wear
tight-fitting safety
goggles or safety
glasses with side
shields.
Magnesium reacts with aryl
halides, acyl halides, alkyl halides,
acids, water, and strong oxidizing
reagents.
Eliminate ignition
sources such as
open flames, hot
surfaces, steam
baths, static
electricity,
and operation of
mechanical and
electrical
equipment that is
not intrinsically
safe.
Gloves: Recommend
handling with fireproof
gauntlet gloves.
Gloves must be
inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique
(without touching
glove's outer surface)
to avoid skin contact
with this product. For
heavy or extended us,
double glove using
8
Because of the surface area of
magnesium exposed, magnesium
dust is more reactive then
magnesium turnings.
Magnesium will react with air to
create a less reactive layer of
magnesium oxide.
Pressure can be built up if
magnesium is used in reactions.
Upon reaction with water or acids,
magnesium will form hydrogen, a
flammable gas. Do not use
Date: 1/7/2013
Dispose of
contaminated gloves
after use in
accordance with
applicable laws and
good laboratory
practices. Wash and
dry hands after use.
Notes
Initials of
individuals using
this procedure
magnesium in closed systems.
Measure magnesium reagent on a
top-load balance and use
immediately.
When using over 50 mg of
magnesium, add the magnesium
reagent in portions to the reaction
mixture.
Clothing: Wear
fire/flame resistant lab
coat (100% cotton
based); cotton based
clothing/attire; full
length pants or
equivalent; and closetoed, close-heeled
shoes.
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 magnesium, 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 SDS provided by the manufacturer.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
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Date: 1/7/2013