UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Fluorine
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Fluorine is a corrosive gas and oxidizer. May accelerate combustion and will react vigorously or explosively
with many materials. Keep away from combustible materials.
Use extreme caution. Severely corrosive to the eyes and skin and causes severe burns. Is a compressed gas.
Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite. It is very toxic by inhalation and severely
corrosive to the respiratory system. It is severely corrosive to the skin. May be fatal if inhaled.
Flourine gas is relatively rare and is mined typically as fluorite. Used in the production of metallic and other
fluorides, and fluorocarbons. Active constituents are in toothpaste and fluoridating compounds are in
drinking water. Other uses include conversion of uranium tetrafluoride to uranium hexafluoride.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7782-41-4
Class: Corrosive Gas, Oxidizer
Molecular Formula: F2
Form (physical state): gas
Fluorine
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Color: N/A
Boiling point: −188.12 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Fluorine is a corrosive gas and oxidizer. May accelerate combustion and will react vigorously or explosively
with many materials. Keep away from combustible materials.
Use extreme caution. Severely corrosive to the eyes and skin and causes severe burns. Is a compressed gas.
Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite. It is very toxic by inhalation and severely
corrosive to the respiratory system. It is severely corrosive to the skin. May be fatal if inhaled.
Inhalation of corrosive fumes/gases may cause coughing, choking, headache, dizziness, and weakness for
several hours. Pulmonary edema may occur with tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, bluish skin,
decreased blood pressure, and increased heart rate. Delayed pulmonary edema may occur.
Extended exposure to inorganic fluorides causes fluorosis, which includes signs of joint pain and stiffness,
tooth discoloration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia,
weakness and general un-wellness.
Has the following permissible exposure limit data available: TWA 1.6 mg/m³ for 8 hours or 1 ppm for 8 hours.
The following acute toxicity data is available:
LD50 Inhalation 1250 mg/m3 [rat]
Engineering Controls
Handle using a chemical fume hood with good ventilation and electrically grounded lines and equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand Protection
Gloves must be worn. Use proper glove removal technique to avoid any skin contact. Nitrile gloves are
recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Fluorine.
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/
Fluorine
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Eye Protection
ANSI approved properly fitting safety glasses or chemical splash goggles. Face shield is also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame resistant lab coats must be worn and be appropriately sized for the individual and buttoned to their
full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of sufficient length to prevent skin exposure while wearing
gloves. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that are occupying
the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed.
Hygiene Measures
Wash thoroughly and immediately after handling. Remove any contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move into the fresh air immediately and give oxygen. If not breathing give artificial respiration. Seek medical
attention immediately.
In case of skin contact
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing
and shoes. 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.
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
Precautions for safe handling: Oxidizer, keep away from combustible materials. Avoid contact with skin and
eyes and inhalation. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Avoid formation of dust.
Conditions for safe storage: Oxidizer, keep away from combustible materials. Keep in a dry place. Keep
container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well ventilated. Gas cylinders should be stored upright with valve
protection cap in place, and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Cylinder temperatures
should not exceed 52 °C (125 °F). Keep away from incompatible materials and conditions. Keep cool and
protect from sunlight.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist 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.).
Fluorine
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
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. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Fluorine
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Fluorine
5
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)