Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Strong Oxidizing Agent - Perchloric acid
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:_Chemistry______________
Date when SOP was written:_11/11/12
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: __1/13/2013_________________
Principal Investigator:__Richmond Sarpong_______________________________________
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:__Rebecca Murphy________________
Laboratory Phone:____510-643-2485___ Office Phone:__510-643-6312_________
Emergency Contact:___Richmond Sarpong 626-644-2407_____________________
(Name and Phone Number)
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
Perchloric acid is the inorganic compound with the formula HClO4. Usually encountered as an
aqueous solution, this colorless compound is a strong acid comparable in strength to sulfuric acid
and nitric acid. It is a powerful oxidizer, but its aqueous solutions up to 70% are remarkably inert,
only showing strong acid properties and no other oxidizing properties. Above concentrations of
approx. 70% the speed of oxidizing reactions rapidly increases with increasing acid
concentration. The oxidizing power also greatly increases as the temperature is increased It is
useful for preparing perchlorate salts, especially ammonium perchlorate, an important rocket fuel.
Perchloric acid is also dangerously corrosive and readily forms explosive mixtures.
Perchloric acid is mainly produced as a precursor to ammonium perchlorate, which is used as
rocket fuel. The growth in rocketry has led to increased production of perchloric acid. Several
million kilograms are produced annually. It is one of the strongest Brønsted-Lowry acids. Despite
hazards associated with the explosiveness of its salts, the acid is often preferred in certain
syntheses.
SOP – Perchloric Acid
1/10/2013
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Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#:
7601-90-3
Class:
Produces explosive salts, crystals and perchlorate residues
Molecular formula:
HClO4
Boiling Point:
203 oC/ 397.4 oF @ 760 mm Hg
Melting Point:
-18 oC/ -.04 oF
Decomposition Temperature:
Not available
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Appearance: clear, colorless liquid. Causes digestive and
respiratory tract burns. Causes eye and skin burns. Strong oxidizer. Contact with other material
may cause a fire. Heating may cause an explosion. Contact with other material may cause
explosion. Corrosive to metal.
Highly important danger information!
In addition to being a corrosive liquid, while not combustible, under some circumstances
perchloric acid may act as an oxidizer and/or present an explosion hazard. Perchloric crystals, or
perchloric acid in crystalline form, is an extremely dangerous inorganic compound. The crystals
are sometimes formed due to condensation inside of ventilation hoods in chemical labs or in
bottles stored for extended periods in the lab. Among the principle hazards are that the
perchlorite crystals are subject to exploding on impact. Perchlorate salts are shock sensitive.
Organic materials are especially susceptible to spontaneous combustion if mixed or contacted
with perchloric acid. Under some circumstances, perchloric acid vapors form perchlorates in duct
work, which are shock sensitive.
Target Organs: Eyes, thyroid, skin, mucous membranes.
Potential Health Effects:
Eye: Causes eye burns.
Skin: Causes skin burns.
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns.
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Inhalation: Causes severe respiratory tract irritation with possible burns.
Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eyes: Wear chemical goggles and face shield. Use chemical splash and impact-rated goggles.
Use face shield (8-inch minimum) when appropriate (not protected by fume hood sash for
example). Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government
standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU) or ANSI Z87.1.
Hand Protection: Handle with 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. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good
laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-andusage.html
Skin and Body Protection: Long pants, closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes, cottonbased clothing/attire, and lab coat must be worn for protecting against chemical hazards.
Respiratory protection: NOTE: Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask
must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement.
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
Hygiene Measures:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before
breaks and at the end of workday.
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety
shower. Any procedure involving heating of perchloric acid must be conducted in a perchloric acid
fume hood, with the sash down. No organic materials should be stored in the perchloric acid
hood.
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First Aid Procedures
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the
incident.
Eyes: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get
medical aid immediately.
Skin: Destroy contaminated shoes. In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid
immediately. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion: If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Call the poison control center at 1-800-2221222. Get medical aid immediately. If victim is fully conscious, give a cupful of water. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing
is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
NOTE: Lab-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before
reuse. Use spark-proof tools and explosion proof equipment. Avoid contact with clothing and
other combustible materials. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale. Use only with
adequate ventilation. Do not allow perchloric acid to come into contact with strong dehydrating
agents (concentrated sulfuric acid, anhydrous phosphorous pentoxide, etc.). Keep the quantities
of perchloric acid handled at the bare minimum for safety. Perchloric acid should be handled in a
masonry building with concrete or tile floors. Handling acid on wooden floors is dangerous,
especially after the acid has dried. The wooden floor will then become sensitive to ignition by
friction. Perchloric acid mist and vapor can condense in ventilation systems to form metallic
perchlorates, which can be explosive. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.
Storage: Do not store near combustible materials. Store in a tightly closed container. Keep
container closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from
incompatible substances (e.g. strong dehydrating agents). Avoid storage on wood floors.
Perchloric acid should be stored segregated from all other chemicals & inside secondary
containment (such as pyrex baking dish). It must not be stored near organic acids, near bases, or
near other organic or flammable material. Shelves and floor material should be non-combustible
and acid-resistant. Protect from freezing. Do not store for long periods of time or allow solids to
form (water to evaporate).
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.
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Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 911
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Clean up perchloric acid spills immediately, observing
precautions in the Protective Equipment section. Remove all sources of ignition. Absorb spill
using an absorbent, non-combustible material such as earth, sand, or vermiculite. Do not use
combustible materials such as sawdust. Flush spill area with water. Wet area to prevent drying
out. Provide ventilation. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.,) away from spilled material.
Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel away. Use only non-sparking tools and equipment.
Spill may be carefully neutralized with soda ash (sodium carbonate).
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 510-642-9090 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. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
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 immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Medical Emergency Dial 911
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911
or go the nearest Occupational Health Center 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 nearest Occupational Health Center 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.
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 and then enter your extension or go the nearest Occupational Health Center 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 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
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Waste disposal procedures
General hazardous waste disposing guidelines:
Labeling Requirements for Hazardous Waste Containers:
 Perchloric acid waste should be placed in a chemically compatible container with a
sealed lid and clearly labeled. Label all containers with the label provided at
http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-new-hazardous-waste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S
Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for general instructions on procedures for
disposing of hazardous waste.
Hazardous Waste Storage:
 Waste containers must be in secondary containment at all times to adequately contain
the contents of the container/spilled materials.
 Do not mix with other waste or incompatibles
 Hazardous waste must always be appropriately labeled with a waste tag at all times.
 Containers must be closed when not in use.
 Storage of hazardous waste in fume hoods or under sinks is not recommended.
 Report damaged containers to EH&S. EH&S can provide assistance to transfer the
contents to an appropriate container.
 Containers should be inspected weekly for signs of leaks, corrosion, or deterioration.
Hazardous Waste Disposal:
 Don't dispose of chemicals down the drain.
 Don't dispose of chemicals via trashcans.
 Transport the hazardous waste to your designated pick-up location using a sturdy cart
and secondary containment.
 Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
 Call EH&S for questions
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location
An SDS can be accessed online at http://ucmsds.com
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Protocol/Procedure
CAS#: 7601-90-3
Eliminate incompatible materials from potential spill area.
Preparation
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 perchlorid acid SOP.
Lab-specific Information
Use spark-proof and explosion proof equipment
Do not heat perchloric acid, as any procedure involving
heating of perchloric acid must be conducted in a special
perchloric acid fume hood.
Procedure/
Use
Scale
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
PPE (eye, face,
gloves, clothing)
Procedure Steps and Precautions
Preparation of
dilute
solutions
(typically
<60%)
Up to 10 mL
concentrated
perchloric acid
per dilution
All work using
Perchloric acid must be
performed in a
ventilated fume hood
with a chemical
resistant surface.
Eye protection: Wear
tight-fitting safety goggles
or safety glasses with side
shields.
Always add acid slowly to the bulk water
component. Do not add the water to the
acid.
Never heat perchloric acid
in a standard hood. If
heating is necessary, it
must be in a hood
designed for perchloric
acid use.
Face protection: Wear a
face shield when not
protected by a lab hood
sash.
Gloves: Natural Rubber,
Natural Rubber, PVC,
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Avoid contact with strong dehydrating
agents (sulfuric acid, phosphorous
pentoxide etc)
Avoid contact with organic materials
(wood, cotton, paper) could result in fire
or explosion.
Nitrile or Viton gloves
must be worn while
handling perchloric acid.
Remove gloves as soon
as contaminated.
Wash down hood and work area after use
Do not touch bottles that have turned
brown or contain solids (pose explosion
hazard)
Clothing: Wear lab coat, Determine volume of solution you need
full length pants or
before dispensing acid.
equivalent; and close-toed
closed heeled shoes.
Wear acid resistant apron
when pouring
concentrated perchloric
acid.
Note: Any deviation from this SOP requires written approval from PI.
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Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with perchloric acid, designated personnel must provide training
to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with the
substance(s), work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.

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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