UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is a highly flammable liquid or vapor with a sharp, pungent odor. It reacts violently
with water. It is fatal if inhaled and harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin. It causes irritation to the
gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. It is a suspected teratogen. In 1984, the accidental
release of methyl isocyanate in Bhopal, India resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000 people, mainly from
pulmonary edema. Other adverse health effects resulted in greater than 170,000 survivors. Methyl isocyanate
is an organic intermediate used in the production of carbamate insecticides and herbicides, rubbers, and
adhesives.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 624-83-9
Class: Flammable, water reactive, highly toxic, skin sensitizer, irritant, teratogen
Molecular Formula: C2H3NO
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: 37-39 °C
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
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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/)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Methyl isocyanate is a highly flammable liquid or vapor. It reacts violently with water. It is fatal if inhaled and
toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. It causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory
tract, skin, and eyes. It may cause an allergic skin reaction, excessive tearing, damage to the eyes, lung
irritation, chest pain, and pulmonary edema. It may increase miscarriages in pregnant women and may
increase incidence of chromosomal abnormalities. Prolonged exposure may cause asthma. Methyl isocyanate
has a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.02 ppm.
Engineering Controls
Chemical fume hood. Adequate exhaust and capture filtration. 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
Handle with gloves. Nitrile gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with methyl isocyanate.
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, tight-fitting glasses/goggles. Face shields are recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame-resistant/cotton lab coat preferably made of antistatic material, long pants, closed-toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and after handling.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Consult
a physician. Take victim immediately to the hospital.
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids and removing contact
lenses. 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, eyes, and clothing. Avoid inhalation and ingestion.
Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. Provide adequate ventilation. Keep away from heat
and other sources of ignition- No smoking. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Opened
containers must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Store in flammables area. Avoid
water, strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines, steel, iron, iron salts, zinc, tin/tin
oxides, copper, and copper alloys.
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
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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:
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Procedure:
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NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)