Standard Operating Procedure
Settlement Class: Acutely Toxic Gases
NH3, AsF5, AsH3, BCl3, BF3, CO, C2N2, NCCl, Cl2, H2CN2, B2H6, F2, GeH4,
C12H30O13P4, HBr, HCl, HF, H2S, H2Se, CH3SH, NO, NO2, N2O4, OF2, OCl2,
PH3, PF5, SeF6, SiF4, SbH3, SF4,
Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Department:
Chemistry
Date SOP was written:
1/8/2013
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
1/13/2013
Principal Investigator:
Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
Rebecca Murphy
Lab Phone:
510-643-2485
Office Phone:
510-643-6312
Emergency Contact:
Richmond Sarpong, 626-644-2407
(Name and Phone Number)
Latimer Hall: 834, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842, 847, 849,
907
(Building/Room Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
1/2/2013
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
Purpose
This is a chemical class SOP. Some uses of the chemicals in this class require specific SOPs. Chemical-specific SDSs
and all relevant SOPs must be reviewed prior to use of any chemical in this class.
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
1/2/2013
The following toxic gases are listed in the Settlement Agreement:
Chemical Name/Formula
Ammonia NH3
CAS#
7664-41-7
Arsine AsH3
Boron trifluoride BF3
Cyanogen C2N2
Chlorine Cl2
Diborane B2H6
Germane GeH4
7784-42-1
7637-07-2
460-19-5
7782-50-5
19287-45-7
7782-65-2
Hydrogen bromide HBr
Hydrogen fluoride HF
Hydrogen selenide H2Se
10035-10-6
7664-39-3
7783-07-5
Nitric oxide NO
Nitrogen tetroxide N2O4
Phosgene OCl2
Phosphorous pentafluoride PCl5
10102-43-9
10544-72-6
75-44-5
7641-19-0
Stibine SbH3
Trimethylsilyldiazomethane
(CH3)3SiCHN2
7803-52-3
18107-18-1
Chemical Name/Formula
Arsenic pentafluoride
AsF5
Boron trichloride BCl3
Carbon monoxide CO
Cyanogen chloride NCCl
Diazomethane H2CN2
Fluorine F2
Hexaethyltetraphosphate
C12H30O13P4
Hydrogen Chloride HCl
Hydrogen sulfide H2S
Methyl mercaptan
CH3SH
Nitrogen dioxide NO2
Oxygen difluoride OF2
Phosphine PH3
Selenium hexafluoride
SeF6
Sulfur tetrafluoride SF4
CAS#
7784-36-3
10294-34-5
630-08-0
506-77-4
334-88-3
7782-41-4
757-58-4
7647-01-0
7783-06-4
74-93-1
10102-44-0
7783-41-7
75-45-5
7783-79-1
7783-60-0
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Before working with any Acutely Toxic Gases, review the UC-Berkeley EH&S publication Toxic Gas Program (2011).
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/images/ehs/healthsafety/toxicgasprogram.pdf
There is a broad spectrum of toxic compressed gases. Increased recognition of the hazards associated with the
transportation, operation, and storage of these gases is essential. Toxic gases are gases that may cause significant acute
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
1/2/2013
health effects at low concentrations. Health effects may include severe skin or eye irritation, pulmonary edema,
neurotoxicity, or other potentially fatal conditions.
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Work with acutely toxic gases should be conducted in a fume hood unless other controls are designated in the lab-specific
Protocol/Procedure section. Sash height should be kept low to avoid escaping fumes and provide a physical barrier.
The publication Toxic Gas Program (2011) describes the many requirements applicable to the safe handling and use of
acutely toxic gases. Topics included in the publication are definitions, roles/responsibilities, purchase approval process,
receiving, storage, fundamental handling requirements and disposal.
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/images/ehs/healthsafety/toxicgasprogram.pdf
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NOTE: Lab-specific information on PPE selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
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
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
1/2/2013
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.
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-glove-selection-and-usage.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 lab coat must be worn for protecting
against chemical hazards.
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
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Immediately consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
1/2/2013
Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water for 15 minutes. Take victim
immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water using an eyewash station for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and
lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting unless specified otherwise in the SDS. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
NOTE: Lab-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
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.
Storage
It is essential that all acutely toxic gases be stored separately from all chemicals with which they may react. Ensure
segregation of incompatible chemicals per guidance within EH&S guidelines. Also, follow any substance-specific storage
guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Release Dial 911
Accidental Release – Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the release area. Avoid breathing vapors.
Eliminate sources of ignition. Keep others from entering this area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.). Notify supervisor
and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
1/2/2013
Contact with 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
Contact with Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for 15 minutes using an eyewash
station by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with
a call to 510-642-9090
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 510642-9090 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
NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
All lines or ducts carrying purged or exhausted emissions of gases must be connected to a mechanical exhaust system
that discharges to a safe location (i.e., presents no potential for re-entrainment into any building supply air intake or
occupied area). Construction of the exhaust ducts shall be chemically resistant to degradation by the gas in use.
Significant emissions of corrosive or toxic gases require an emission control device (e.g., scrubber, flare device,
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
1/2/2013
adsorbent) before the purged gas can be vented into the exhaust duct system (refer to UCB publication Toxic Gas
Program (2011)).
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label Waste
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.
Dispose of Waste
 Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
 Call EH&S for questions
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
SDS can be accessed online at http://ucmsds.com
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
1/2/2013
Documentation of Training (signature and initials of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with Acutely Toxic Gases, designated personnel must provide training to
his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with the specific chemical(s)
used, 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:
Name
Signature
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
Acutely Toxic Gases
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Initials
Identification
Date
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
Click here to
enter a date.
1/2/2013