Standard Operating Procedure
Aluminum powder, uncoated
Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
Department:
Date SOP was written:
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab
supervisor:
Principal Investigator:
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab
Manager:
Lab Phone:
Office Phone:
Chemistry
11/6/2012
1/13/2013
Richmond Sarpong
Rebecca Murphy
510-643-2485
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, 903
(Name and Phone Number)
(Building/Room Number)
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
Hazardous Class
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐
Purpose
Aluminum is a silvery grey metallic element with atomic number 13. Aluminum powder can
ignite spontaneously in air and can produce flammable gases upon contact with water. It
may be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. It may cause respiratory
tract, skin, and eye irritation. Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s
crust and has several applications as a good thermal and electrical conductor.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7429-90-5
Class: Water Reactive Chemical, Carcinogen, Highly flammable
Molecular Formula: Al
Form (physical state): Solid
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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Color: Grey
Boiling point: 2,460 °C (4,460 oF)
Ignition temperature 760 °C (1,400 °F)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air. May burn in presence of air, or emit a
flammable gas in the presence of water or water vapor. Keep away from heat/sparks/open
flame/hot surface/air/water. Contact with water releases flammable gases. Handle under
inert gas. Protect from moisture and air. May be harmful if inhaled, absorbed through skin,
or ingested. If ingested, may cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea. May cause respiratory tract, skin and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure of
aluminum may be implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Inhalation of aluminum-containing
dust may cause pulmonary disease. Can cause lower respiratory tract irritation,
pneumoconiosis and neurotoxicity.
US OSHA OEL, TWA, Z Table 1 = 5 mg/m 3
ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLV) = 1 mg/m 3
NIOSH REL = 5 mg/m3
IARC: Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans (Aluminium)
Engineering Controls
1. Work under an inert atmosphere (e.g., argon, nitrogen) in a glove box.
2. Work away from any water sources or where there is the potential of water
splash.
3. Use fresh, dry solvents.
4. Keep the material under inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen, argon) when not in
use.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
NOTE: Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fittested by EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement.
Respirators can be used only under 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.
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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

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. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1004655)
Hand Protection
Handle with gloves. Nitrile gloves are recommended. 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.
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:
For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-gloveselection-and-usage.html
NOTE: 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”.
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
Eye Protection
Tightly fitting safety 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
Skin and Body Protection
Long pants, closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes, cotton-based clothing/attire, and flame
resistant lab coat must be worn for protecting against chemical hazards.
NOTE: A Nomex lab coat is recommended in the UC Berkeley Office of Environmental
Health and Safety document “Safe Use of Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Reagents”.
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
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
Immediately move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Immediately consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. Wash skin with copius quantities
of soap and plenty of water. Immediately consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes continuously with water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids
and removing contact lenses. Get medical aid immediately.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse
mouth with water. Immediately consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
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/126standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
Precautions For Safe Handling
 Unless it is known otherwise, assume the material is pyrophoric.
 To be handled always in a glove box or under inert atmosphere.
 Design a quenching scheme for residual materials prior to using water reactive
materials.
 Never use water to quench the material itself or a reaction where a water-reactive
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 dust is formed.
 Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
 Keep away from sources of ignition – Open flames (e.g., Bunsen Burner)
 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 "Water Reactives Use Area".
 Only use if the area is properly equipped with a certified eye wash/safety shower
within ten seconds of travel.
 Never use water to extinguish fires caused by water reactive materials.
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-standardoperating-procedures-sop.html
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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Conditions for Safe Storage
 Never allow contact with water.
 Always handle inside a glove box.
 Over time, pressure may increase causing containers to burst. Keep container tightly
closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place and protected from sunlight.
 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) free of
moisture/humidity.
 Store away from heat sources and in a flame proof area
 Do not leave the container near a lab sink, emergency eyewash or safety shower.
 Store in a location, separated from acids, oxidizing and other incompatible materials.
 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.
 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.
 Follow any substance-specific storage guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet
documentation.
 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.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Fire-fighting & Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing media
Carbon dioxide (CO2), Dry powder, and Class D fire extinguisher
DO NOT use water
Special Protective Equipment for Fire-Fighters
Wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for fire-fighting if necessary.
Personal precautions




Avoid dust formation.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Remove all sources of ignition.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions
Do not let product enter drains.
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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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 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. Immediately seek medical attention. Notify
supervisor and EH&S at x59797 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with
water from the emergency eyewash station continuously for 15 minutes by forcibly holding
the eye open. Immediately seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S at x59797
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. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health
Center). After hours 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. Go
to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After hours go to the nearest
emergency room. 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
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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Wearing proper PPE, decontaminate equipment and bench tops using procedures made
in cooperation with site EHS&S. Dispose of the water reactive and disposables
contaminated with water reactives as hazardous waste.
Sweep up or shovel. Note: to avoid formation of aerosols Do NOT dry sweep. Do not
flush with water. Collect with an electrically protected, HEPA filtered, vacuum cleaner or by
wet-brushing and place in container for disposal following the guidelines below.
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label Waste
Label all containers with the label provided at http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-newhazardous-waste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste
Management” for general instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous
waste.
Store Waste




Call EH&S for proper procedure to dispose of waste
Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a
designated location
Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774
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 at x61887 for questions
Empty Containers
o Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste
(irrespective of the container size)
http://ehs.ucla.edu/Pub/ExtremelyHazardousWaste.pdf
o Consult waste pick-up schedule
http://ehs.ucla.edu/pub/HazWaste%20Pickup%20Schedule.pdf
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
Online SDS can be accessed at http://msds.ehs.ucla.edu.
Protocol/Procedure (Add lab specific Protocol/Procedure here)
Protocol/Procedure
Syntheses performed with Aluminum powder must be conducted in the glovebox or on a
Schlenk line located in the fume hood. Regardless of where the reaction is conducted,
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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loading of glassware must be performed in the glovebox and cannot exceed quantities of
1g. When working with this material, PPE described above must be used, including lab
coat, safety glasses and nitrile gloves. Choice of solvent is important, as protic or
chlorinated solvents can react with Al, especially if the reaction mixture is heated. THF,
hexane, toluene, DME, and diethylether are acceptable solvents for working with Al.
NOTE: extreme caution is needed with these solvents, as they are very flammable and
may be subject to peroxide formation.
Outside the glovebox: Use a face shield. Unreacted Al powder must be properly
disposed of upon completion of the reaction. This will involve slowly quenching the
reaction mixture with dilute acid (0.1 M HCl), in a Schlenk flask, under an active purge of
inert gas, and with vigorous stirring. Depending on the amount of Al present, it may be
advisable to cool the Schlenk flask with an ice bath before addition of acid (the reaction is
exothermic). It may be also advisable to add an inert solvent, such as toluene, to the
reaction flask before addition of dilute acid. The toluene will act as a heat sink.
Inside the glovebox: Weigh out desired amount into vial or weight boat and transfer to
reaction vessel carefully. Be careful not to spill any, and make an inspection of area after
work is done. Unreacted Al powder must be properly disposed of upon completion of the
reaction. This also includes vials, weighting boats, and Kimwipes that may have come
into contact with the Al. This material must be carefully brought out of the glovebox, under
an inert atmosphere, and quenched in the manner described above.
Chemical Storage
Preparation
Reactivity/ Stability: Aluminum is stable at ambient temperatures in dry conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid heat, flames, sparks and other sources of ignition. Containers
may rupture or explode if exposed to heat. Avoid moisture.
Incompatibilities/Materials to Avoid:
Oxidizing agents, Strong Acids, Bases (esp. Sodium Hydroxide), Moisture-Sensitive,
Chromic Anhydride, Iodine, Carbon Disulfide, Halogenated Hydrocarbons, Acid Chlorides,
Ammonium Nitrate, Antimony, Arsenic Oxides, Barium Chlorate/Bromate/Iodate, Metal Salt
 Keep container tightly closed and properly labeled.
 Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. If possible, store in a dessicator.
 Store away from incompatible materials.
 Observe Manufacturer’s storing and handling recommendations.
 Protect original container from physical damage and check regularly for leaks.
 Do not enter confined spaces unless adequately ventilated.
 Avoid heat, flames, sparks and other sources of ignition.
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
aluminum SOP.
Chemical
Disposal
Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a designated
location
Double-bag dry waste contaminated with aluminum using transparent bags
Call EHS with questions
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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Procedure/Use
Scale
1. Use of
Aluminum as a
reagent in a
reaction.
5 g.
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
All reactions using
aluminum must be
performed in a
ventilated fume
hood.
PPE
Eye protection:
Wear ANSI
approved, tightfitting safety goggles
or safety glasses
with side shields.
Eliminate ignition
sources such as
open flames, hot
surfaces, steam
baths, static
electricity, and
operation of
mechanical and
electrical
equipment that is
not safe.
Face: If required by
EH&S, wear a full-
Procedure Steps and
Precautions
Add aluminum slowly to
reaction mixture.
In case of accidental spill of
powder, wet powdered
aluminum with water befor
cleaning.
face respirator with
multi-purpose
combination (US)
respirator cartridges
when using
powdered aluminum
to avoid accidental
inhalation.
Gloves: Handle
with nitrile gloves.
Clothing: Wear
fire/flame resistant
lab coat (100%
cotton based);
cotton based
clothing/attire; full
length pants or
equivalent; and
close-toed and
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 aluminum powder, uncoated, 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.
Aluminum powder, uncoated
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I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
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Aluminum powder, uncoated
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