UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Phosphorus
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Depending on its form, phosphorus can be highly flammable or explosive when exposed to air, pyrophoric.
Explosive when mixed with oxidizing substances. Can be highly toxic. Phosphorus exists in different forms
with very different properties. The two major forms are red and white. White phosphorus is the least stable,
the most reactive and the most volatile while black phosphorus is the least reactive.
White phosphorus: Explosive when mixed with oxidizing substances and spontaneously flammable in air.
Can cause severe burns and risk of serious damage to eyes. Is very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.
Black phosphorus: Stable form of phosphorus at room temperature and pressure. May be harmful by
inhalation, ingestion, or in contact with skin and eyes. Not explosive or flammable in air.
It is used as an additive in semiconductors and electroluminescent coatings. A large proportion of phosphorus
is used in fertilizers.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7723-14-0
Class: Possible acute toxin, potentially highly flammable or pyrophoric
Molecular Formula: P
Phosphorus
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Form (physical state): solid
Color: N/A
Boiling point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Depending on its form, phosphorus can be highly flammable. Explosive when mixed with oxidizing
substances. Can be highly toxic. Phosphorus exists in different forms with very different properties. The two
major forms are red and white. White phosphorus is the least stable, the most reactive and the most volatile
while black phosphorus is the least reactive.
May cause skin or eye irritation. May cause irritation of the digestive tract. May cause central nervous system
depression. Ingestion of very large amounts may cause generalized depression, headache, and drowsiness.
May cause respiratory tract irritation.
May cause respiratory injury to persons with preexisting respiratory conditions or disease.
No permissible exposure limit data is available.
No acute toxicity data is available.
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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/respiratory-protection-program)
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 Phosphorus.
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
ANSI approved properly fitting safety glasses or chemical splash goggles. Face shield is also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Phosphorus
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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: White phosphorus is highly flammable and explosive in air, pyrophoric.
Keep away from heat, sources of ignition, shock or friction. Avoid contact with skin and eyes and inhalation.
Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Avoid formation of dust.
Conditions for safe storage: White phosphorus is highly flammable and explosive in air, pyrophoric. Keep
away from heat, sources of ignition, shock or friction. Keep in a dry place. Keep container tightly closed in a
cool, dry, and well ventilated. 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.).
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.
Phosphorus
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/safety-data-sheet-sds-1
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
Phosphorus
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
__ °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.
Phosphorus
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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/)