Laboratory Specific
-
Please fill out the form completely. Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan .
Refer to instructions for assistance.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Department: Chemistry Date when SOP was written:____11/28/2012___
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: _____11/29/2012_____
Principal Investigator: Richmond Sarpong_______________________________________
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager: Rebecca Murphy_____
Laboratory Phone:__510-643-2485_________ Office Phone: 510-643-6312______
Emergency Contact: Richmond Sarpong 626-644-2407___________________
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP: Latimer 834, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842, 844, 847, 849, 907 _
(Building/Room Number)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Process Hazardous Chemical Hazardous Class
Potassium cyanide is an inorganic compound with the formula KCN. This colorless crystalline compound, similar in appearance to sugar, is highly soluble in water. Most KCN is used in gold mining, organic synthesis, and electroplating. Smaller applications include jewelry for chemical gilding and buffing. In the state of California, Potassium cyanide is used to execute death row inmates who prefer execution via inhalation of lethal gas (hydrogen cyanide) over lethal injection.
When Potassium cyanide is mixed with an acid, lethal hydrogen cyanide gas.
CAS#: 151-50-8
Class: Acutely toxic chemical
Molecular formula: KCN
Boiling Point: 1625 deg C Decomposition temperature is not available
Melting Point: 634 deg C
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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Date - 1/11/2013

Appearance: Crystalline powder. White in color. Faint odor of bitter almond.
Central nervous system, lungs, eyes, thyroid, skin.
Contact with eyes may cause severe irritation, and possible eye burns. Cyanide can be absorbed through the eyes causing the symptoms described for inhalation.
May be fatal if absorbed through the skin. Contact with skin causes irritation and possible burns, especially if the skin is wet or moist. Causes symptoms similar to those of inhalation. Skin absorption may cause unconsciousness. Concentrated HCN vapor may also be absorbed through the skin.
May be fatal if swallowed. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. May cause effects similar to those for inhalation exposure. May cause tissue anoxia, characterized by weakness, headache, dizziness, confusion, cyanosis (bluish skin due to deficient oxygenation of the \ blood), weak and irregular heart beat, collapse, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and death.
Contains cyanide. Human fatalities have been reported from acute poisoning. Large doses of cyanide may result in sudden loss of consciousness and prompt death; small doses will prolong the above symptoms 1 to 2 hours.
May be fatal if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation. Inhalation may result in symptoms similar to cyanide poisoning which include tachypnea, hyperpnea (abnormally rapid or deep breathing), and dyspnea (labored breathing) followed rapidly by respiratory depression.
Pulmonary edema may occur. Early symptoms include weakness, headache, giddiness, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, nausea and vomiting.
May interfere with iodine uptake of the thyroid gland and enlarge it. May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration. Chronic exposure to cyanide solutions may lead to the development of a "cyanide" rash, characterized by itching, and by macular, papular, and vesicular eruptions, and may be accompanied by secondary infections. Exposure to small amounts of cyanide compounds over long periods of time is reported to cause loss of appetite, headache, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and symptoms of irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes.
SOP – Potassium Cyanide Date - 1/11/2013
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NOTE: Lab- specific information on PPE selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Respirator Protection: NOTE: Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement.
Refer to 8 CCR 5144 for selection of respirators. A respiratory protection program that meets 8
CCR 5144 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant use of a respirator.
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:

As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted).

When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that
PEL will be exceeded.

Regulations require the use of a respirator.

An employer requires the use of a respirator.

There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of PEL)

As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S.
This is a regulatory requirement. ( http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1004655 )
Safety glasses with side shields or tightly fitting safety goggles. Face shield (8-inch minimum) over goggles is also recommended. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as ANSI Z78.1, NIOSH (US), or EN 166
(EU).
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove’s outer surface) to avoid any skin contact. Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible with Potassium Cyanide.
For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-andusage.html
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/
Impervious clothing (i.e. long pants, shirt), closed toed shoes, and lab coat must be worn for protecting against chemical hazards.
Additional PPE may be required if procedures or processes present additional risk. It is the responsibility of the PI to ensure that any additional PPE requirements are identified and communicated to research staff.
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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Hygiene Measures: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Wash thoroughly and immediately after handling. Remove any contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use adequate ventilation to keep airborne concentrations low. Potassium cyanide must strictly be only used in a fume hood. It is never to be used outside of the fume hood.
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the
incident.
Treat patient as for inhalation. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical aid immediately.
POISON material. In case of contact, get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used. Wash clothing before reuse. Get medical aid immediately.
Get medical aid immediately. SPEED IS ESSENTIAL. A DOCTOR MUST BE
NOTIFIED AT ONCE. POISON material. If swallowed, get medical aid immediately. Only induce vomiting if directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
SPEED IS ESSENTIAL, OBTAIN MEDICAL AID IMMEDIATELY. POISON material.
If inhaled, get medical aid immediately. Remove victim to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Prompt action is essential in all cases of contact. Exposure should be treated as a cyanide poisoning.
For cyanide poisoning, administer cyanide antidote kit (contains amyl nitrite, sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate).
NOTE: Lab-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Certain extremely hazardous operations should not be performed if the PI or
Lab Safety Contact(s) are not present. Never work alone with extremely hazardous
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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materials/operations. See the Protocol/Procedure section below for specific prohibitions (if any) on working alone.
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not ingest or inhale. Acids should not be used around sodium cyanide or potassium cyanide unless absolutely necessary and then only after careful planning. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) formation is the greatest potential hazard in using sodium cyanide or potassium cyanide solutions because some HCN gas will be released. Use only with adequate ventilation or respiratory protection.
Use unbreakable secondary containment for the storage of acutely toxic chemicals
(e.g. potassium cyanide). Additionally, containers should be in a cool, dry and well-ventilated storage area. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials and incompatibles. All containers should be clearly labeled with chemical composition, known hazards, and warnings for handling.
Poison room locked. Store protected from moisture. Chemicals that can combine to make toxic materials (e.g. potassium cyanide, which can generate hydrogen cyanide) should not be stored in the same secondary containment.
911
– Assess the extent of danger. Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors. Eliminate sources of ignition if the chemical is flammable. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent material. Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the
Protective Equipment section. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Decontaminate trace cyanide in the spill area with a strong sodium or calcium hypochlorite solution and flush waste to a holding area for potassium removal. Provide ventilation. Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas. Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.)
– 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.
– Dial 911 and 510-642-9090 for assistance.
– Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately.
Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
– Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor
and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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911
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.) Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility ( Tang Health
Center ). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
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. Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be reported to EH&S within
8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Waste disposal procedures

Potassium cyanide and all Potassium cyanide waste shall be disposed of into waste containers specifically designated for Potassium cyanide. Examples of Potassium cyanide waste material include gloves, pipette tips, paper towels that have been contaminated with Potassium cyanide.

Once the waste container is full, dispose of according the EH&S hazardous waste guidelines.
Label Waste

Label all containers with the label provided at http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-new-hazardouswaste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for general instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.
Store Waste
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Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a designated location

All waste containing cyanide should be collected and kept at a basic pH (

pH10) to prevent the generation of hydrogen cyanide.

Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags

Waste must be under the control of the person generating & disposing of it
Dispose of Waste

Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months

Call EH&S for questions

Empty Containers o Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste
(irrespective of the container size) o Consult waste pick-up schedule

Prepare for transport to pick-up location
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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Decontamination of Equipment
Alkaline dilute bleach solutions can be used to decontaminate equipment that has been used to work with KCN.
Ex/ KCN can be detoxified most efficiently with hydrogen peroxide
KCN + H2O2 → KOCN + H2O
SDS can be found online at http://ucmsds.com
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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Preparation
Lab-specific
Information
List any other particular preparation requirements needs for this procedure (e.g., location of spill kit or keep water or ignition sources away from procedure area).
All work with potassium cyanide should be handled in a well-ventilated fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation.
Proper gloves (natural rubber, neoprene, butyl, PVC or Viton) must be worn to prevent skin contact.
Remove all acidic solutions from the work area. Keep a dilute bleach solution and a high pH buffer solution on hand for decontamination.
At least one other person must be present in the same laboratory when any work involving potassium cyanide is carried out. Other co-workers in the laboratory should be informed of the potential danger.
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eyewash, safety shower, and cyanide antidote kit before beginning work.
Add lab-specific information not included above if needed (e.g., all work for this procedure is to take place in the designated fume hood.)
All work using potassium cyanide must be performed in a ventilated fume hood.
Any gloves, lab coats, paper towels, weigh boats etc. that come into contact with potassium cyanide should be collected and carefully disposed of as solid hazardous waste (do not dispose of any contaminated materials in the trash or blue chemically contaminated waste bins). All waste containing cyanide should be collected and kept at a basic pH (

pH10) to prevent the generation of hydrogen cyanide.
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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1. Potassium cyanide is used in the lab as a reagent in wide variety of chemical reactions.
<10mg up to
10 g of potassium cyanide can be used per reaction
All work using potassium cyanide must be performed in a ventilated fume hood.
Eye protection : Wear tight-fitting safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields.
Face protection : Wear a face shield when handling containers of Copper cyanide that are not behind a lab hood sash or blast shield.
Gloves : Wear Natural Rubber,
Neoprene, Butyl, PVC or Viton gloves.
Clothing : Wear fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based); cotton based clothing/attire; full length pants or equivalent; and close-toed, closeheeled shoes.
Potassium cyanide is a SEVERE hazard and extremely toxic by inhalation, skin contact or ingestion.
When weighing out potassium cyanide, the potassium cyanide should be placed in a tared vial or flask inside a fume hood, sealed, and then removed from the hood for reweighing. All potassium cyanide containers should be kept closed when not in use.
Before adding potassium cyanide to any solution, the user must ascertain that the solution is basic.
Slowly add the solid to the reaction flask.
Draw out necessary amount and dispose of Potassium cyanidecontaminated gloves and glassware in the appropriate labeled and sealed containers.
After the completion of a reaction where potassium cyanide is used all aqueous washes should be basic (

pH10) and waste containing cyanide should be collected and kept at a basic pH (
 pH10) to prevent the generation of hydrogen cyanide.
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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Notes Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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(signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with Potassium Cyanide, designated personnel must provide training to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with the specific chemical(s) used, work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.

The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
SOP – Potassium Cyanide
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