UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Heavy Metal Azides
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Purpose
Heavy metal azides are used predominantly as percussion sensitive explosives in such items as bullet primers
and explode-on-contact ordnance. Some laboratory uses, such as the use of barium azide for the small scale
generation of nitrogen gas, also exist.
These compounds combine the explosive and toxicity hazards of azides with the toxicity hazards of heavy
metals, and therefore must be handled with great care.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: Barium Azide [18810-58-7], Lead Azide [13424-46-9], Mercury Azide [38232-63-2]
Class: Potentially Explosive Chemical
Molecular Formula: Barium Azide [160OC] Lead Azide [N/A] Mercury Azide [N/A]
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: Varies
Boiling point: Barium Azide Ba(N3)2 Lead Azide (Pb(N3)2 Mercury Azide Hg2(N3)2
Heavy Metal Azides
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Heavy metal azides are common components of explosive compositions. The risk of explosion by shock, fire,
friction or other ignition sources is extremely high. They must be handled gently and away from heat, naked
lights, and any other possible ignition sources.
Azide ion has a similar toxicity as that of cyanide ion (LD50 = 27 mg/kg in rats). When protonated to become
hydrazoic acid, it is volatile and therefore risk of exposure is greatly increased.
For heavy metal azides, the toxicity of the metal itself must be taken into account. Mercury and lead azides
are acutely and chronically hazardous reagents for this reason.
Engineering Controls
Handle in a chemical fume hood. A blast shield should be in place around the experimental set up. Ground all
lines and equipment to prevent static discharge.
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
Chemical resistant gloves. For mercury azide, skin contact is extremely dangerous. Elbow length gloves
made of PVC or other resistant materials are essential.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with heavy metal azides.
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 Z87 safety glasses with side shields. ADDITIONALLY, a full face shield may be appropriate depending on
scale of use, for protection from both chemical splashes and flying debris if an explosion occurs
Skin and Body Protection
Please wear full-length pants or its equivalence, closed-toe shoes, and a flame-resistant lab coat. Nonsparking footwear is essential. Avoid wearing clothing made of synthetic material to reduce the risk of
human static discharge.
Hygiene Measures
Handle gently. Keep away from ignition sources and static discharge. Be very cautious about acidifying any
mixtures containing azide ion, as hydrazoic acid will form and volatilize quickly. Avoid all skin contact.
Heavy Metal Azides
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Remove to fresh air. Lay person down and keep warm. Seek medical attention immediately.
In case of skin contact
Remove all contaminated clothing. Flush contaminated area with running water, and soap if available.
FOR MERCURY AZIDE: Immediately flush body and clothing with running water, preferably in a safety
shower. THEN, begin to remove contaminated clothing. Continue flushing with water until advised to stop by
emergency response personnel or a poison control center. Transport to a doctor’s office or hospital without
delay.
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention without delay.
If swallowed
Seek medical attention without delay. Urgent hospital treatment is likely needed.
NOTE: Azide ion protonates in the stomach. Hydrazoic acid can therefore be released from vomitus. Keep
patient in a well-ventilated area and isolate and dispose of any vomitus.
FOR MERCURY AZIDE: Give a slurry of 3 tablespoons charcoal in 8 oz water to drink immediately, then seek
medical attention immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Handle gently. Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation. Avoid heat, friction and ignition sources.
Store in a cool, well-ventilated area appropriate for the storage of explosives. Rotate stock to prevent aging.
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 1-800Heavy Metal Azides
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
222-1222 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:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
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Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
Heavy Metal Azides
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Heavy Metal Azides
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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/)