METAL CARBONYLS
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE TEMPLATE
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazard Class
To customize this SOP, add lab-specific information to the sections below marked in
RED, as applicable. Completion of the last section (“Lab-Specific Information”) is
required. Also, any of the content below may be amended with lab-specific information
to enhance worker safety as desired.
HAZARD OVERVIEW
Very toxic!
Inhalation May be fatal if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation.
Skin May be fatal if absorbed through skin. May cause skin irritation.
Eyes May cause severe eye damage.
Ingestion May be fatal if swallowed.
The extreme toxicity of metal carbonyls is due to the release of carbon monoxide (both
in storage and once inside the body), to the toxicity inherent to the metal center, and to
the reactivity of each individual metal carbonyl complex. Nickel carbonyl is one of the
strongest known inhalation poisons. Due to the generally high volatility of lower
molecular weight metal carbonyls exposure due to inhalation is a notable risk. Other
forms of exposure are skin permeation, as well as accidental ingestion. Some metal
carbonyls are air reactive chemicals which can be flammable, pyrophoric, and/or form
explosive mixtures in air. Additionally, they are heat and light sensitive.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
See the PPE information under Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan regarding:
 the UC PPE Policy and policy summary (what PPE is needed and when/where to
use)
 obtaining your PPE via use of the Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool
 glove selection criteria
 respirator use, etc.
At minimum, complete protection of the eyes and skin is essential.
ENGINEERING/VENTILATION CONTROLS
For further information see the following pages in Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical
Hygiene Plan:
 Fume Hood Usage Guide
 Criteria for Implementing Engineering Controls
Template rev. 11/14
SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES 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/sparks. Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage: Store in cool place. Keep container tightly closed in a dry
and well-ventilated place. Toxic carbon monoxide can be released during storage and
could be fatal without adequate ventilation. Containers which are opened must be
carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage
temperature: 2 - 8 °C (always store inside a refrigerator that is approved for flammable
chemical storage). Heat, air & light sensitive. Handle and store under inert gas. Always
follow the specific storage information provided by the supplier.
SPILL AND INCIDENT PROCEDURES
See directions under the “Chemical Incident” tab of the UCSB Emergency Information
Flipchart – should already be posted in all labs.
DECONTAMINATION
Using proper personal protective equipment as outlined above, decontaminate
equipment and bench tops using soap and water and properly dispose of all chemical
and contaminated disposables as hazardous waste following the guidelines below.
WASTE DISPOSAL
See “Chemical Waste Disposal” in Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan.
PRIOR APPROVAL/REVIEW REQUIRED
As they deem necessary, the PI/supervisor should insert here any prior approval or
review needed before an individual can do the operation.
DESIGNATED AREA
As they deem necessary, the PI/supervisor should insert here any information about
whether a special use-area is designated for this material/process.
SAFETY DATA SHEETS
Found online at: http://ehs.ucsb.edu/labsafety/msds
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LAB-SPECIFIC INFORMATION (required) (Examples of appropriate content)
Add appropriate lab-specific information here describing how this material(s) is
generally used. E.g., name of protocol, typical frequency done, quantities used,
temperature and any additional safety measures, etc.
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