Standard Operating Procedure
Acrylonitrile
This is an SOP template and is not complete until: 1) lab specific information is entered into the
box below 2) lab specific protocol/procedure is added to the protocol/procedure section and
3) SOP has been signed and dated by the PI and relevant lab personnel.
Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
Department:
Chemistry
Date SOP was written:
11/11/2012
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
(Name and Phone Number)
(Building/Room Number)
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Acrylonitrile (also called vinyl cyanide) is a highly flammable chemical. It is toxic if inhaled, ingested or
absorbed through skin. It can undergo explosive polymerization when exposed to heat, light, strong acid,
or strong bases. It is used in the synthesis of various plastics such as high impact acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (ABS) plastics found in business machines, luggage, and construction material. It can also be
used to make styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) plastics used in automotive and household goods. Dimerization
of monomeric acrylonitrile forms adiponitrile, a chemical used to make nylon, dyes, drugs, and pesticides.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 107-13-1
Class: Highly flammable, toxic, potentially explosive, carcinogen
Acrylonitrile
1
SOP Template developed by the UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 8/30/2012
Molecular Formula: C3H3N
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: 77 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Acrylonitrile is a highly flammable liquid and vapor that should be kept away from heat, sparks, open
flames, and hot surfaces. It can form explosive mixtures with air. It easily forms violently explosive
polymerides when exposed to heat, light, strong bases, strong acids, and strong oxidizers. Components
of the hazardous decomposition of acrylonitrile exposed to fire include carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides,
and hydrogen cyanide.
Chemical is toxic if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and
upper respiratory tract. It may cause allergy or asthma symptoms, breathing difficulties, or respiratory
irritation if inhaled. It may be fatal if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns. Causes eye burns. Toxic if
swallowed. Acrylonitrile is a regulated carcinogen, a lachrymator, and a vesicant.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
Use a full-face respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) respirator cartridges as a backup to
engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air
respirator.
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 and the material has adequate warning properties (e.g., odor or taste).
 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 (butyl gloves are recommended). Wash hands after use.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with acrylonitrile.
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
Acrylonitrile
2
SOP Template developed by the UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 8/30/2012
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
ANSI approved, tight-fitting safety glasses/goggles. Face shields are also recommended .
Skin and Body Protection
Flame resistant lab coat preferably made of antistatic material, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
Engineering Controls
Chemical fume hood. Good ventilation. Electrically grounded lines and equipment.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration and dial 911. Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. Wash skin with soap and plenty of water. Take
victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Check for and remove any contact lenses. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
and consult a physician. Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting. 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. Use
explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Take measures to prevent
the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
Isolate from incompatible materials and conditions. Containers which are opened must be carefully
resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Light sensitive. Store in original container. Store away from
heat sources and in a flame proof area.
Spill and Accident Procedure
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.).
Acrylonitrile
3
SOP Template developed by the UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 8/30/2012
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
emergency room.) Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF). After hours go to the
nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S 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 \ and then enter your
extension. After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures
must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Wearing proper PPE, decontaminate equipment and bench tops using soap and water. Dispose of the
used chemical and contaminated disposables as hazardous waste following the guidelines below.
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label Waste
 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
 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



Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 90 days
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
Acrylonitrile
4
SOP Template developed by the UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 8/30/2012


Write date of pick-up on the waste tag
Use secondary containment
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
SDS can be found online.
Acrylonitrile
5
SOP Template developed by the UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 8/30/2012
Protocol/Procedure (Add lab specific Protocol/Procedure here)
Chemical Storage
Do not store near combustible materials.
Keep container closed when not in use.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Store protected from moisture.
Preparation
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eyewash, and safety shower before beginning work.
Eliminate any incompatible materials from the potential spill area.
Never work alone. Make sure there is another worker present who is also trained in the acrylonitrile SOP.
Chemical
Disposal
Do not mix with other incompatible waste.
Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a designated location
Call EHS with questions
Procedure/Use
Scale
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
PPE (eye, face, gloves, clothing)
Procedure Steps and Precautions
1. Acrylonitrile is
used in the lab as
a reactant or as a
monomer to
prepare polymers.
10 mL.
All work using
acrylonitrile must be
performed in a ventilated
fume hood.
Eye protection: Wear tightfitting safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields.
Eliminate any incompatible materials
from potential spill area.
Acrylonitrile
Eliminate ignition
sources such as open
flames, hot surfaces,
6
SOP Template developed by the UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Face protection: Wear a face
shield if not protected by a
fume hood sash.
Date: 8/30/2012
Gloves: Wear gloves – butyl
gloves recommended.
Change glove as soon as
contaminated.
steam baths, static
electricity, and operation
of mechanical and
electrical equipment that
is not intrinsically safe.
Clothing: Wear flame
resistant lab coat; full length
pants or equivalent; and closetoed, close-heeled shoes.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with acrylonitrile, 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.

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.

The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended appropriate laboratory safety training or refresher
training within the last one year.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Name
Signature
Identification
Date
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Acrylonitrile
7
SOP Template developed by the UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 8/30/2012
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to
enter a date.
Acrylonitrile
8
SOP Template developed by the UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 8/30/2012