UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Acetaldehyde
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Acetaldehyde is a select carcinogen and a highly flammable chemical. If not handled properly, this can pose a
serious threat to the health and safety of laboratory personnel, emergency responders and chemical waste
handlers. This SOP helps to understand how to properly store, handle and dispose of Acetaldehyde.
Acetaldehyde is used in the production of perfumes, polyester resins, and basic dyes. Acetaldehyde is also
used as a fruit and fish preservative, as a flavoring agent, and as a denaturant for alcohol, in fuel compositions,
for hardening gelatin, and as a solvent in the rubber, tanning, and paper industries. The predominant use of
acetaldehyde is as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 75-07-0
Class: Select carcinogen, flammable
Molecular Formula: C2H4O
Form (physical state): Liquid
Acetaldehyde
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: 21 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
OSHA Hazards
Flammable liquid, Carcinogen, Target Organ Effect, Toxic by inhalation, Toxic by ingestion, Highly toxic by
skin absorption, Respiratory sensitizer, Corrosive
Target Organs
Liver, Central nervous system, cardiovascular system, Kidney
Other hazards
Lachrymator & Vesicant (blister agent).
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation Toxic if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and
upper respiratory tract.
Skin May be fatal if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns.
Eyes Causes eye burns.
Ingestion Toxic if swallowed.
The primary acute effect of inhalation exposure to acetaldehyde is irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory
tract in humans. At higher exposure levels, erythema, coughing, pulmonary edema, and necrosis may also
occur.
Engineering Controls

All operations involving Acetaldehyde and dilutions should be carried out in a certified chemical
fume hood (certified once every year by EH&S).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory 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/)
Acetaldehyde
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Hand Protection
Neoprene & Natural Rubber Blend gloves are recommended for Acetaldehyde. Nitrile gloves are acceptable.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Acetaldehyde
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 safety glasses.
Skin and Body Protection
Fire/Flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton bases) should be worn. Personnel should also wear full length
pants, or equivalent, and close-toed shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling
Acetaldehyde.
First Aid Procedures
General advice
Consult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Move out of dangerous area.
If inhaled
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician. If
inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
In case of skin contact
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for 15 minutes using Safety Shower. Cover the
irritated skin with an emollient. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes using Emergency Eyewash and consult a
physician.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling

Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)




Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
Use explosion-proof equipment.
Keep away from sources of ignition (such as Bunsen burner).
Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage
 Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
 Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
 Recommended storage temperature: 2 - 8 °C
 Store under inert gas (Noble gases: Argon, Nitrogen etc.).
 Air sensitive.
 Store within flammable storage cabinet and designate a bottom shelf or secondary container.
Designated Areas

Acetaldehyde bottles must be in secondary containers and labeled as “CANCER HAZARD”

Signage is required for the container, designated work area and storage location. Sign wording must
state the following:
“CARCINOGEN or CANCER HAZARD or SUSPECT CANCER AGENT”
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.
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
Acetaldehyde
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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
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.
Acetaldehyde
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)