Standard Operating Procedure
Cadmium Chloride
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:
11/26/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
Principal Investigator:
Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
Lab Phone:
1/13/2013
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, 849,
and 907
(Name and Phone Number)
(Building/Room Number)
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Cadmium chloride is an acute and chronic toxin. Contains cadmium, which is carcinogenic dependent on
duration and exposure level. Harmful if inhaled, swallowed or in contact with the skin. Can also be fatal if
inhaled or ingested. Exposure can cause damage to the respiratory tract, kidneys, and liver.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 10108-64-2
Class: Toxic, carcinogenic
Molecular Formula: CdCl2
Form (physical state): Powder
Color: White
Cadmium Chloride
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Date: 1/7/2013
Boiling point: 960° C
Flash Point: Non-flammable
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Cadmium and cadmium compounds are acute toxins. Cadmium chloride has an acute toxicity of 88mg/kg
(Oral LD50, rat). Harmful if inhaled, ingested, or in contact with the skin. Cadmium is most efficiently
absorbed through the respiratory tract, and may produce irritation, cough, headache, or metallic taste.
Severe exposures can produce shortness of breath, chest pain, and flu-like symptoms noting that
inhalation symptoms can be delayed for up to 24 hours. Severe inhalation and ingestion can result in
pulmonary edema, liver and kidney damage and death. Redness and pain can result from skin contact.
Cadmium is a known carcinogen and imposes a possible risk of impaired fertility and harm to unborn
child.
Cadmium and cadmium compounds are also chronic toxins. Minor but repeated exposure to cadmium
may result in cumulative poisoning effects such as bone softening, increased blood pressure, kidney
damage, anemia, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, and respiratory tract damage. Cadmium is a cancer
hazard, with increased prostate and lung cancer. Cadmium has a Cal-OSHA Permissible Exposure
Limit (PEL) of 5 ug/m3. NOTE: People with pre-existing skin or eye conditions or blood, prostate, liver,
kidney or respiratory problems may be more sensitive to cadmium. Cadmium chloride has a threshold
limit value - time weighted average (TWA) of 2 ug/m3.
Cadmium is very toxic to aquatic organisms and long-term effects in aquatic environments. Do not expose
to the environment, do not empty into drains.
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the Protocol/Procedure
section.
Work with regulated carcinogens 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. There must be a designated area for working with
carcinogens. This area must be appropriately labeled. The general procedures for working with regulated
carcinogens are given in the EH&S document Carcinogens (EHS):
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
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.
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.
Cadmium Chloride
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Date: 1/7/2013
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
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-andusage.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
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
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Date: 1/7/2013
Do not induce vomiting unless directed otherwise by 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.
To keep contamination to a minimum, all work with cadmium should be done in a designated area with
secondary containment and proper labeling. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Minimize the
generation and accumulation of dust. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep containers tightly
closed.
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 regulated carcinogens be stored separately from all chemicals with which they may
react. Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Materials to avoid
include oxidizing agents and bromine trifluoride. 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. This is particularly important for regulated carcinogens as
human exposure must be avoided.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
To keep contamination to a minimum, all work with cadmium should be done in a designated area with
secondary containment and proper labeling. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Minimize the
generation and accumulation of dust. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep containers tightly
closed. Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Materials to
avoid include oxidizing agents and bromine trifluoride.
Chemical Spill Dial 911
NOTE: When working with regulated carcinogens it is important to take immediate steps to prevent
human contact with the spilled materials. Immediate action is required.
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.
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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
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
NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Wearing proper PPE, please decontaminate equipment and bench tops using soap and water. Cleaning
materials should be disposed as hazardous waste.
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label Waste
Regulated carcinogens must 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-newhazardous-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
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Protocol/Procedure for Cadmium Chloride
CAS # 10108-64-2
Preparation
Since cadmium chloride is an acute toxin and carcinogen, use only in a well-ventilated fume hood with the proper PPE on at
all times.
When finished using the cadmium chloride, clean all flasks and spatulas and wash all waste into a separate and
appropriately labeled cadmium waste container, which should be submitted for pickup as soon as possible and no later than
the appropriate submission deadline.
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eyewash, and safety shower before beginning work.
Lab-specific
Information
Procedure/Use
Cadmium chloride
is used to prepare
organocadmium
compounds.
Scale
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
500 mg
PPE (eye, face, gloves, clothing)
Eye protection: safety glasses
with side shields or tightly fitting
safety goggles
Face protection:
Gloves: Nitrile gloves, For heavy
or extended use, recommend
double-gloving using nitrile
gloves.
Clothing: Flame-resistant
lab coat
Notes
Initials of
individuals using
this procedure
Cadmium Chloride
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
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Date: 1/7/2013
Procedure Steps and Special
Precautions for this Procedure
Cadmium Chloride
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Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with cadmium chloride, 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.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
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