UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Ethylene Oxide
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Ethylene oxide is an extremely flammable gas. It is available as a compressed gas. Contents are under
pressure. It may explode when heated. It is toxic if inhaled and may be harmful if ingested or absorbed
through the skin. Exposure causes irritation to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. It is classified by IARC as
Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. It is a suspected reproductive toxicant. Ethylene oxide is an important
chemical intermediate used for the synthesis of various industrial chemicals, most notably ethylene glycol. It
is used in the manufacture of textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, antifreeze, solvents, adhesives,
cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It has minor use as a fumigant and disinfecting agent.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 75-21-8
Class: Flammable, compressed gas, toxic by inhalation, irritant, carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive
toxin
Molecular Formula: C2H4O
Form (physical state): Liquefied gas
Color: Colorless
Ethylene Oxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Boiling point: 10.7 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Ethylene oxide is an extremely flammable gas. Contents are under pressure. It may explode when heated. May
cause a flash fire. It is toxic if inhaled and may be harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin. It causes
irritation to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. It is classified by IARC as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. It
may cause genetic defects. Symptoms of exposure include burning sensation, coughing wheezing, laryngitis,
shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, and convulsions. May cause damage to the lungs, kidneys,
liver, blood, reproductive system, and central nervous system. Ethylene oxide has a permissible exposure
limit (PEL) of 1 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. Butyl-rubber gloves are recommended for splash contact. No information was provided
for nitrile gloves according to the Ansell Chemical Resistance Guide.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with ethylene oxide
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 safety glasses/goggles. Face shields are recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame-resistant/cotton lab coat preferably made of antistatic material, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Ethylene Oxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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
Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician.
If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Ingestion is not considered a potential route of
exposure. If suspected that a large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Avoid inhalation. Use spark-proof
tools and explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition- No
smoking. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charge. Protect cylinders from physical damage.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Contents
under pressure. Cylinders should be stored upright with valve protection cap and secured firmly to prevent
falling. Recommended storage temperature is 2-8 °C. Protect from sunlight. Avoid alcohols, alkali metals,
ammonia, oxidizing agents, chemically active metals, and its salts.
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
Ethylene Oxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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
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
Ethylene Oxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Ethylene Oxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)