Standard Operating Procedure
Settlement Class: Acutely Toxic Chemicals - Copper Cyanide
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:
11/29/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
Principal Investigator:
Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
Lab Phone:
11/29/2012
Rebecca Murphy
510-643-2485
Office Phone:
510-643-6312
Emergency Contact:
Richmond Sarpong (626)-644-2407
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
Latimer 834,836,837,838,839,842,844,847,907
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Copper cyanide (Cuprous cyanide) is an acute toxin. Very harmful or fatal if swallowed, inhalation, or
absorbed through skin. Causes eye and skin irritation and may be absorbed through skin contact. May
cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation. May cause central nervous system effects and blood
abnormalities. May be metabolized to cyanide which then inhibits cytochrome oxidase to impair cellular
respiration.
Copper cyanide is a useful reagent in organic synthesis and is used for electroporation of copper.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 544-92-3
Class: Acute toxin
Molecular Formula: CuCN
SOP – Copper Cyanide
Date: 1/11/2013
Form (physical state): powder
Color: off white/pale yellow-green
Boiling point: NA
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Copper cyanide is an acute toxin, and extremely hazardous or fatal in case of ingestion, inhalation or
absorbed through skin. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts and is an irritant to skin
and eye. If absorbed, causes symptoms similar to those of inhalation and ingestion. May be metabolized
to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration. Contact with
acids liberates very toxic gas.
Acute: Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. May cause
tissue anoxia with symptoms of weakness, confusion, weak and irregular heart beat, collapse,
unconsciousness, convulsions and death. May cause cyanosis, bloody stools, low blood pressure,
jaundice and coma and produce systemic toxic effects to the kidney and liver and central nervous
excitation. Inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation and nausea, headache, dizziness,
unconsciousness and coma.
Chronic: Repeated exposure to copper cyanide may cause central nervous system damage. May be
metabolized to cyanide, impairing cellular respiration. Chronic exposure may lead to the development of a
"cyanide" rash, characterized by itching, vesicular eruptions, and may be accompanied by secondary
infections. May also produce loss of appetite, headache, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and upper
respiratory tract irritation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NOTE: Lab- specific information on PPE selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Respirator 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.
Refer to 8 CCR 5144 for selection of respirators. A respiratory protection program that meets 8 CCR 5144
must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant use of a 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.
 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. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1004655)
SOP – Copper Cyanide
Date: 1/11/2013
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 any skin contact. Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Copper Cyanide.
For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-andusage.html
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
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
Safety glasses with side shields or tightly fitting safety goggles. Face shield (8-inch minimum) over
goggles is also recommended. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate
government standards such as ANSI Z78.1, NIOSH (US), or EN 166 (EU).
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.
Additional PPE may be required if procedures or processes present additional risk. It is the
responsibility of the PI to ensure that any additional PPE requirements are identified and communicated
to research staff.
Hygiene Measures
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices. Wash thoroughly and
immediately after handling. Remove any contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the Protocol/Procedure
section.
Handle Copper Cyanide using a chemical fume hood with good ventilation and electrically grounded lines
and equipment. The sash height should be kept low to avoid escaping fumes and provide an explosion
barrier. Be sure to ground metal containers when transferring flammable liquids. Eliminate ignition
sources such as open flames, hot surfaces, steam baths, static electricity, and operation of mechanical
and electrical equipment that is not intrinsically safe.
First Aid Procedures
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
SOP – Copper Cyanide
Date: 1/11/2013
If inhaled
Move into the fresh air immediately and give oxygen. Seek medical attention immediately.
In case of skin contact
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water and non-abrasive soap thoroughly for at least 15 minutes while
removing contaminated clothing and shoes as quickly as possible. Place the victim under a deluge
shower. Wash any contaminated clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Seek
medical attention immediately.
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. Seek immediate medical attention and continue eye rinse during transport to
hospital. Do not use eye ointment.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Seek medical attention immediately.
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.
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes and inhalation. Keep away from sources
of ignition, heat, sparks, or flame. Take caution against static discharges and avoid mechanical shock and
friction. Never add water to this product.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated flammable
storage cabinet. Keep away from incompatible materials and conditions. Store in original container. Store
away from heat sources and in a flame proof area. Keep cool and protect from sunlight. Empty
containers pose a fire risk, evaporate the residue under a fume hood.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
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.
SOP – Copper Cyanide
Date: 1/11/2013
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. Follow up with
a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
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. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Medical Emergency Dial 911 or x52111
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 or go the nearest
Occupational Health Center or emergency room if it is after hours. 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
NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Use proper personal protective equipment for Copper Cyanide and properly dispose chemical and
contaminated disposables as hazardous waste 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-new-hazardouswaste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for
general instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.
Store Waste
 Collect all Copper cyanide liquid waste in labeled 1 gal. plastic containers
 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 6 months.
Call EH&S for questions
Empty Containers
o Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste (irrespective of
the container size)
SOP – Copper Cyanide
Date: 1/11/2013
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://ucmsds.com
SOP – Copper Cyanide
Date: 1/11/2013
Protocol/Procedure for– Copper cyanide
CAS #: 544-92-3
Preparation
Know the location of the nearest spill kit fire extinguisher, eyewash, and safety shower before beginning work. Keep water
or ignition sources from procedure area.
Never work alone. Make sure there is another worker present who is also trained in the Copper cyanide SOP.
Lab-specific
Information
All work for this procedure is to take place in the designated fume hood.
Maintain the smallest amount necessary for ongoing work. Use in the smallest practical quantities for the experiment being
performed.
Care must be taking when working with copper cyanide to minimize the exposure to strong acid. Contact with acid can
generate Hydrogen Cyanide which is volatile and more toxic than cyanide.
All waste containing cyanide should be collected and kept at a basic pH to prevent the generation of hydrogen cyanide. Any
gloves, lab coats, paper towels, etc. that come into contact with copper cyanide should be collected and disposed of as
solid hazardous waste and not simply thrown in the trash. After working with cyanide, all researchers should wash their
hands thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross contamination.
Procedure/Use
Scale
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
PPE (eye, face, gloves,
clothing)
Procedure Steps and Precautions
1. Copper cyanide
is used in the lab
as a reagent in
chemical
reactions.
<10mg up
to 10 g of
Copper
cyanide can
be used per
reaction
All work using Copper
cyanide must be
performed in a ventilated
fume hood.
Eye protection: Wear tightfitting safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields.
Copper cyanide is a SEVERE
hazard and extremely toxic by
inhalation, skin contact or
ingestion.
Eliminate ignition
sources such as open
flames, hot surfaces,
steam baths, static
electricity, and operation
of mechanical and
SOP – Copper Cyanide
Face protection: Wear a face
shield when handling
containers of Copper cyanide
that are not behind a lab hood
sash or blast shield.
Gloves: Use Latex or Nitrile
Gloves.
Date: 1/11/2013
Draw out necessary amount with a
spatula in a preweighed vial in a
fume hood. Care should be taken
when weighing out cyanide so as to
prevent contact by inhalation or
direct contact with skin or eyes.
electrical equipment that
is not intrinsically safe.
Ensure proper grounding
and avoid creating static
electricity. Be sure to
ground metal containers
when transferring
flammable liquids.
Clothing: Wear fire/flame
resistant lab coat (100% cotton
based); cotton based
clothing/attire; full length pants
or equivalent; and close-toed,
close-heeled shoes.
Containers should be kept closed at
all times when not in use, and if
large amounts of cyanide (>1g) are
to be weighed, then the cyanide can
be placed into a tared vial inside a
fume hood, sealed, and removed
from the hood for reweighing.
Use in a fume hood and cap
container when not in use. Store
and transport Copper cyanide
containers in secondary
containment (for example
polyethylene bottle carrier).
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Notes
1. Dry/powdered materials are weighed on scale located on lab bench. Minimize distance between scale and mixing location to
decrease potential of spills or generation of dust.
2. After use, the reaction flask or vial is removed and immediately sealed, taken to the fume hood and residual chemical in the
jar is then poured into a waste container inside the hood.
3. If chemicals are mixed in larger quantities and/or unused, all reaction flasks or vials stored on lab bench will be done so in
secondary containers.
SOP – Copper Cyanide
Date: 1/11/2013
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with Copper Cyanide, 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:
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Copper Cyanide
UCLA- EH&S
9
Date: 9/9/2012
CW/Reviewed By:
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Copper Cyanide
UCLA- EH&S
10
Date: 9/9/2012
CW/Reviewed By: