STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Cyanide
According to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) special precautions must be taken when working with
the chemical described above. The following information includes the chemical characteristics of
followed by recommendations for handling and any paperwork needed in order to use the
chemical in the laboratory. This Standard Operating Procedure will be followed along with the
requirements of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
GHS Classifications: Signal Word: Danger
Pictograms: Acute Toxicity Hazard and Environmental Hazard
Laboratory List of Cyanides: list items...
Brief description of proposed chemical work: Cyanide is any chemical compound
containing the combining group CN. Cyanides can be in solid, liquid or gaseous state
depending on the type used. ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists) TWA (Time Weighted Average) ceiling exposure limit for HCN is 4.7 PPM and
for CN salts is 5mg/m3.
**** Laboratories should have an in date cyanide antidote kit stored in the laboratory
location*****Location....
**Attach additional pages as needed**
Section 1: Brief Safety Overview:
● The Principal Investigator is responsible for training employees using the
material on site. The training should include a discussion of the known and
potential hazards; an explanation of the relevant policies, techniques and
procedures including the proper use of personal protective equipment,
emergency/spill procedures and containment equipment (engineering controls).
● Limit access to authorized users.
● Minimize the possibility of inadvertent ingestion, inhalation and direct skin or
eye contact with the substance.
● Chemical has been entered in the Chemical Inventory (EHS Assistant)
● Require annual training.
Created: June 2013
Revised: April 2014 Page 1
Section 2: Research Laboratory Procedures
 Handling Instructions
Example: (Preparation of the stock solutions): Users of cyanides must be trained
on the use and emergency procedures prior to use. Users should have a preplacement and periodic medical examination. Those with a history of central
nervous system, thyroid, skin, heart or lung diseases may be more susceptible
to effects of cyanides. Specific handling and storage procedures must be listed
for specific cyanides housed in the laboratory.

Storage:
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry ventilated area. Do not
store near combustibles or flammables, or under a sprinkler system.
Containers may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues
(dust, solids). Containers should be segregated from acid, nitrates, nitrites,
chlorates, fluorine, magnesium and strong oxidizers. Reacts with acids to
liberate toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide gas. Container must be closed
and labeled. Containers should not be stored above eye level.
Location – Engineering controls
Ventilation (example: Fume Hood, Canopy Hoods, etc.): Fume Hood
Designated area (specify): specify
Bio-Safety Cabinet
PPE required:
Skin/Body Protection (example: Lab Coat) Laboratory coat with apron or
coveralls
Eye protection
Face shield
Respirator (example: N95): If ACGIH exposure is exceeded user requires fullface piece respirator
Hand protection (example: Nitrile gloves): specific to cyanide used

Cleanup/Decontamination procedures for work area after use:
Specific to the cyanide used…..
Created: June 2013
Revised: April 2014 Page 2
 Disposal Procedures
Unused Cyanide or Cyanide contaminated debris should be collected and
disposed of through Environmental Health and Safety. Waste must be collected
in an appropriate specifically labeled, leak-proof container. Waste should be
stored in the fume hood until pickup. All glassware which has come in contact
with Cyanides should be rinsed with an alkaline bleach solution (pH of 10 or
higher) in a fume hood.
Section 3: Occupational Exposures
 Routes of Exposure
Skin – Very hazardous in case of skin contact or eye contact.
Inhalation – Very hazardous in case of inhalation.
Ingestion- Very hazardous in case of ingestion.
Injection- N/A
 Toxicological Effects
Acute Effects/ Precautionary Safety Measures: Rapid breathing, restlessness,
dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heart rate.
Chronic Effects/ Precautionary Safety Measures: Convulsions, low blood
pressure, slow heart rate, loss of consciousness, lung injury and respiratory
failure leading to death. Prolonged or repeated skin exposure may cause a
cyanide rash and nasal sores.
 Occupational Exposure Response and First Aid Measures
Skin: Wash skin for at least 15 minutes. Remove any soiled clothing. Seek
immediate medical treatment.
Eyes: Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open. Remove
contacts if they do not flush out. Seek immediate medical treatment.
Inhalation: Remove victim from the exposure area and take to fresh air
immediately. See immediate medical treatment. Do not perform mouth-tomouth resuscitation.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical treatment. Do not
perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
 Emergency Procedure for Chemical Spills and Accidental Releases
Small and Large Spills:
Evacuate all personnel from the space, shut the door and if possible turn off
the power to the room. Post the door with the chemical spill sign from the spill
kit, and call the Environmental Health and Safety Emergency Response Team,
and report the spill. If the spill occurs inside the fume hood, shut the sash,
evacuate all personnel from the space and shut the door.
Created: June 2013
Revised: April 2014 Page 3
This Standard Operating Procedure must be placed in the Chemical Hygiene Plan and the SDS
must be accessible. Also, all laboratory personnel must be familiar with safe handling practices
(i.e., training with documentation of training) when working with these chemicals. This must be
incorporated into the comprehensive chemical hygiene plan of the laboratory. If you have any
questions regarding a comprehensive mandatory laboratory chemical hygiene plan please
contact your Representative at Environmental Health and Safety (292-1284).For any other
questions or concerns, please contact:
PI contact information
Name:
Primary Contact Number:
Emergency Contact Number:
P.I. Signature ___________________________________________________________
Created: June 2013
Revised: April 2014 Page 4