Investigation Involving the Use of
Hazardous Chemicals and Animals
Principal Investigator(s):
Protocol Title & Number: Dimethyl sulfoxide
Date:
Contact Info:
1. List each hazardous chemical and specify the highest concentration to be handled (i.e., stock solution
or powder) as well as the location of storage and preparation or use (building and room number).
Also, indicate if a Material Safety Data Sheet is posted or present in the location(s) and personnel
have been informed of that location. (Check Yes or No) Submit a copy of each MSDS with this form.
1.
Chemical Name and CAS Number
(include Synonyms)
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) CAS: 67-68-5
Highest
Conc.
100%
Location
Preparation/
Storage
Use
Flammable
Fume hood
cabinet
2.
3.
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5.
MSDS
Posted/
Present
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Identify if the hazardous chemical is a Particularly Hazardous Substance (PHS) by checking the box of
the chemical, which corresponds to the hazardous chemical line item(s) listed above. A chemical is a
PHS if it is a select carcinogen, reproductive toxin, or has a high acute toxicity. This information is
available from the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or manufacturer.
Particularly Hazardous
Substance Criteria
Select Carcinogen
Reproductive Toxin
High Acute Toxicity
Hazardous Chemical
(Check all that apply)
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2. Identify the chemicals that possess Physical Hazards. (Check all that apply. Numbers correspond to
line items in #1.) This information is available from the MSDS or from the manufacturer.
Physical Hazards
Hazardous Chemical
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Flammable
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Corrosive
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Reactive
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Oxidizer
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Temperature Sensitive
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Moisture Sensitive
Others (Specify): Combustible
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Stability (e.g., decomposes, forms peroxides,
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polymerizes, shelf-life concerns) Check if
Hazard(s):
unstable and list hazard(s).
Known Incompatibilities: DMSO- Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases, acid
chlorides.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: DMSO- Carbon monoxide, oxides of sulfur, carbon
dioxide, formaldehyde, dimethyl sulfide.
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3.
Identify potential methods of human exposure to the chemicals during sample preparation and
experimental manipulations. Also, identify health hazards or route(s) of entry into the body and
explain how they affect the body. (Check all that apply. Numbers correspond to line items in #1.)
Method of Exposure
Aerosol generation by transfer
Mixing, shaking, or centrifuging
Chemical reaction
Splash
Use of sharps (Injection)
Excretion contaminated media
Others (Specify)
STAGE OF EXPERIMENT AND HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL
Preparation
Experimental Manipulation
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Health Hazard/ Route of Entry
Hazardous Chemical
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Skin Absorption/ Contact
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Inhalation
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Eye exposure
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Ingestion
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Injection (sharp objects)
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Acute Effects
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Chronic Effects
Explain Health Hazard Effects: Warning! DMSO readily penetrates skin and may carry other dissolved
chemicals into the body. May cause eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Hygroscopic (absorbs
moisture from the air).
Target Organs: Central nervous system, eyes, skin.
Eye: May cause mild eye irritation. Two drops of >50% DMSO in the rabbit eye caused a temporary
burning sensation and vasodilatation, but concentrations of <50% exhibited no effect. DMSO
produced slight erythema of the conjunctiva over the first 3 days of the study, and a low level of key
scoring was also recorded for chemosis, iritis and corneal opacity. The degree of eye injury described
by these key scores would not result in DMSO being labelled as an eye irritant according to EEC
classification. (ECB - Elf Aquitaine)
Skin: DMSO readily penetrates skin and may significantly enhance the absorption of numerous
chemicals. Increased absorption of these other chemicals could lead to their increased toxicity. Skin
sensitization was not observed with DMSO in human volunteers or in guinea pigs. Non-immunological
whealing and flaring have been observed in animals and humans following short-term contact. Skin
absorption of DMSO may result in a garlic-like breath and body odor, and CNS effects such as
headache, nausea and dizziness. Undiluted DMSO applied topically to mice twice a week for 30
weeks failed to produce dermal injury. (EBC - Elf Aquitaine) Skin sensitization has not been reported
in hundreds of human volunteers participating in a DMSO clinical trial. DMSO's ability to increase the
absorption of other chemicals is its most significant occupational hazard.
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause central
nervous system effects. May cause garlic smell on the breath and body.
Inhalation: Material has a very low vapor pressure at room temperature, so inhalation exposures are not
expected unless material is heated or misted.
Chronic: Long-term skin application of 80-90% DMSO has produced CNS effects (such as fatigue,
nausea, vomiting, sedation, dizziness and headache), and dermatitis (such as redness, dryness and
scaling) in volunteers. A garlic-like breath odor has been noted.
4.
Indicate the safety controls that will be employed to minimize risk and prevent release of the agent.
(Check all that apply. Numbers correspond to line items in #1.)
EXPOSURE CONTROLS
Engineering Controls
METHOD OF CONTROL
Fume Hood
Biological Safety Cabinet
Glove Box
Other (Specify)
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HAZARDOUS
CHEMICAL
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Administrative Controls
Spill Prevention
Chemical Storage
Personal Protective
Equipment Use
Chemical handling and disposal
Sharps handling and disposal
Trays used for material transfers, solution
preparation, and other chemical operations.
Over-pack (chemical carriers) used when
transporting solutions
Other Admin. Controls (Specify)
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Compatible, closed, & labeled container
Secondary containment
Segregated from incompatibles
Refrigerator/ Freezer
Other (Specify)
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During Experimental
Manipulation or Animal
Handling
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Gloves
Type (Specify): Neoprene
Type (Specify):
*Check integrity of gloves
Neoprene
before each use.
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Safety goggles
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Lab Coat
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Apron
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Dust Mask
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Other: (i.e. double glove,
Specify Double glove
Specify Double glove
barrier cream)
Describe how you will employ controls: As stated above. Nitrile gloves degrade easily on contact
with DMSO.
During Preparation
5. Describe the spill cleanup protocol for the maximum volume of each hazardous chemical that would
be in use at any one time. Refer to MSDSs or guidance from US&A for procedures.
http://www4.uwm.edu/usa/safety/emergency_preparedness/chemical_spill.cfm. Check all that apply
and explain below.
Spill kit or cleanup materials present in each lab. Specify special materials required for
each chemical cleanup. Inert material for absorbing.
Personnel trained on spill cleanup procedure of each chemical and emergency contacts.
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) available for spill cleanup. See #4 for PPE.
Emergency eyewash and/or safety shower located nearby (within 10 seconds) and unobstructed.
Personnel trained on eyewash/ shower location and operation
Eyewash/ shower inspected annually and activated weekly to verify operability.
Explain spill procedure: Absorb spill with inert material (e.g. vermiculite, sand or earth), then
place in suitable container for disposal as noted below. Remove all sources of ignition. Provide
ventilation.
6. List personnel and indicate the type of training the person has received related to the use of the
chemical. Also, specify the date the person was trained and by whom, as well as the experience that
person has with the chemical or procedure. Documentation that each worker has been trained in the
safe use of each hazardous chemical is highly recommended.
Type of Training
Personnel**
Lab/ Chem. Safety
Std. Oper. Proc.
MSDS
Haz Waste Handling
Other (Specify)Lab/ Chem. Safety
Std. Oper. Proc.
MSDS
Haz Waste Handling
Other (Specify)-
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Date Trained/
Conducted By
Experience
(Yrs., Type work)
Lab/ Chem. Safety
Std. Oper. Proc.
MSDS
Haz Waste Handling
Other (Specify)Lab/ Chem. Safety
Std. Oper. Proc.
MSDS
Haz Waste Handling
Other (Specify)Lab/ Chem. Safety
Std. Oper. Proc.
MSDS
Haz Waste Handling
Other (Specify)Animal Information. Specify information by filling in text boxes or checking boxes.
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7.
Animal Species:
Approximate number of animals exposed to chemical per year:
Primary Housing:
Cage
Tank
Other (Specify)
Secondary Housing:
Laboratory Room (Specify)
Animal Room (Specify)
Other (Specify)
Special Housing Requirements: (i.e. Biological Safety Level, barrier facility)
Room where chemical will be administered:
How chemical will be administered:
Approximate dose per animal:
Frequency and duration of dosing:
How long animal will be housed after dosing:
Are waste products (excretion) and bedding/water considered hazardous?
Yes
No
 If “Yes”, specify time period after last dose is given that excretion products from the animals
would be considered non-hazardous.
Will specialized cage changing facilities (dumping stations) be required to protect the worker?
Yes
No Specify, if yes:
Will any special cleaning or decontamination be required for cleaning the cages/ tanks?
Yes
No Specify, if yes:
Who will be responsible for cleaning, if special handling is required?
Describe any special disposal requirements. Refer to the Waste Disposal Guidelines or contact
EH&S (288-8411) for guidance. (Check all that apply. Numbers correspond to line items in #1.)
Chemical Disposal
Routine scheduled hazardous waste pickup
-No special disposal requirements
Neutralization
Sanitary Sewer
Other disposal: (Specify)
Hazardous Chemical
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Carcass
Animal facility freezer and disposal service
Scheduled hazardous waste pickup
Other disposal: (Specify)
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Excretion-contaminated Materials
(See #7 for Hazardous vs. Non-hazardous)
Disinfection (Specify)
Autoclave
Sanitary Sewer
Other decontamination method (Specify)
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Explain disposal methods: Dispose of in sealed container through Hazardous Waste program.
Reviewed and Approved (Initialed) by:
Animal Care Program
Environmental Health & Safety DD
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