Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
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Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Department:________________________
Date when SOP was written:_______
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: ___________________
Principal Investigator:___________________________________________________
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:___________________________________
Laboratory Phone:____________________ Office Phone:_____________________
Emergency Contact:____________________________________________________
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:__________________________________________
(Building/Room Number)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
Purpose
Trinitrotoluene (TNT), or more specifically, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, is a chemical compound with the
formula C6H2(NO2)3CH3. This yellow-colored solid is sometimes used as a reagent in chemical
synthesis, but it is best known as a useful explosive material with convenient handling properties.
The explosive yield of TNT is considered to be the standard measure of strength of bombs and
other explosives. In chemistry, TNT is used to generate charge transfer salts.
TNT is one of the most commonly used explosives for military and industrial applications. It is
valued partly because of its insensitivity to shock and friction, which reduces the risk of accidental
detonation, compared to other more sensitive high explosives such as nitroglycerin. TNT melts at
80 °C (176 °F), far below the temperature at which it will spontaneously detonate, allowing it to be
poured as well as safely combined with other explosives. TNT neither absorbs nor dissolves in
water, which allows it to be used effectively in wet environments. Additionally, it is stable
compared to other high explosives.
In the laboratory, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is produced by a two-step process. A nitrating mixture of
concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids is used to nitrate toluene to a mixture of mono- and dinitrotoluene isomers, with cooling to maintain careful temperature control. The nitrated toluenes
are separated, washed with dilute sodium bicarbonate to remove oxides of nitrogen, and then
carefully nitrated with a mixture of fuming nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Towards the end of the
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nitration, the mixture is heated on a steam bath. The trinitrotoluene is separated, washed with a
dilute solution of sodium sulfite and then recrystallized from alcohol.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#:
118-96-7
Class:
Explosive
Molecular formula:
C6H2(NO2)3CH3
Boiling Point:
240 deg C
Melting Point:
80 deg C
Decomposition Temperature:
295 deg C. When heated to decomposition temperature, emits
highly toxic fumes of oxides of nitrogen.
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Explosive. Reactive at high temperature or pressure. Will
detonate under strong shock. Reacts with reducing agents.
Important danger information!
It is a common misconception that TNT and dynamite are the same, or that dynamite contains
TNT. In fact, whereas TNT is a specific chemical compound, dynamite is an absorbent mixture
soaked in nitroglycerin that is compressed into a cylindrical shape and wrapped in paper. Upon
detonation, TNT decomposes as follows:
2 C7H5N3O6 → 3 N2 + 5 H2O + 7 CO + 7 C
2 C7H5N3O6 → 3 N2 + 5 H2 + 12 CO + 2 C
The reaction is exothermic but has a high activation energy. Because of the production of carbon,
TNT explosions have a sooty appearance. Because TNT has an excess of carbon, explosive
mixtures with oxygen-rich compounds can yield more energy per kilogram than TNT alone.
During the 20th century, amatol, a mixture of TNT with ammonium nitrate was a widely used
military explosive.
Detonation of TNT can be done using a high velocity initiator or by efficient concussion.
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Target Organs: Male reproductive system
Potential Health Effects:
Eye: May cause burns
Skin: Central cyanosis unresponsive to oxygen therapy is classic
Ingestion: Nausea and vomiting may occur
Inhalation: Dyspnea and tachypnea may occur
Symptoms: irritation skin, mucous membrane; liver damage, jaundice; cyanosis; sneezing;
cough, sore throat; peripheral neuropathy, muscle pain; kidney damage; cataract; sensitization
dermatitis; leukocytosis (increased blood leukocytes); anemia; cardiac irregularities
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by
OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133
Skin: Viton gloves must be worn while handling TNT
Clothing: Wear long pants, closed toed shoes and a lab coat
Respirators: Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29 CFR 1910.134 or European
Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH approved respirator when necessary.
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosure, local exhaust ventilation, or other
engineering controls to control airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. In other
words, use a fume hood.
First Aid Procedures
Eyes: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with
water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or
poison control center.
Skin: Flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing.
Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness
or irritation develop, call a physician.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2
glasses of water to dilute the chemical and call a hospital
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Inhalation: Leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms develop,
call a physician.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Handling: TNT should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use
appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or
its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.
Storage: Store only in permanent magazine. This high explosive should be kept well away from
initiator explosives, protected from physical damage, separated from oxidizing materials,
combustibles and sources of heat.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
Spill – Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing dust. Ensure
adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Keep sparks, flames, and other sources
of ignition away. Keep material wet. Wet spilled material before picking it up. Do not attempt to
sweep up dry material.
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 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 for
assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in
emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S
at x59797 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – 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 at x59797 immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911 or x52111
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911
(or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) or contact the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) directly at x52111 (located at 757 Westwood Plaza, enter from Gayley
Avenue). Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
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Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF),
x56771, CHS room 67-120 (This is on the 6th floor, 7th corridor, room 120. Enter through the
School of Dentistry on Tiverton Drive and proceed to the “O” elevator to the 6th floor.)Hours: M F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) at x52111. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797
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 231 from a campus phone, enter 93333 when prompted and then enter your
extension. Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA
Medical Center (emergency room) at x52111. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be
reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Waste disposal procedures
General hazardous waste disposing guidelines:
Labeling Requirements for Hazardous Waste Containers:
• A UCLA Hazardous Waste Tag must be placed on each hazardous waste container upon
start of accumulation.
• The On-Line Tag Program (OTP) can be used to print hazardous waste tags right from your
printer.
• One account on the On-Line Tag Program (OTP) can be used for the entire lab. See the OnLine Tag Program1 more information and to get your lab signed up.
Hazardous Waste Storage:
• Hazardous waste must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 90 days of being
generated.
• Waste containers must be in secondary containment at all times to adequately contain the
contents of the container/spilled materials.
• Hazardous waste must always be appropriately labeled with a UCLA waste tag at all times.
• Containers must be closed when not in use.
• Storage of hazardous waste in fume hoods or under sinks is not recommended.
• Hazardous waste that meets the quantity threshold of 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1
quart of extremely hazardous waste1 must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 3
days of reaching these set volumes.
• Report damaged containers to EH&S. EH&S can provide assistance to transfer the contents
to an appropriate container.
• Mark storage areas according to the type of chemicals kept there (e.g. “Corrosive”,
“Flammable”, etc.).
• Containers should be inspected weekly for signs of leaks, corrosion, or deterioration.
Hazardous Waste Disposal:
• Don't dispose of chemicals down the drain!
• Don't dispose of chemicals via trashcans.
• Don't use hoods to intentionally evaporate chemicals.
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• Transport the hazardous waste to your designated pick-up location using a sturdy cart and
secondary containment.
• Consult the hazardous waste pick-up schedule1 for the building specific times and locations of
disposal.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location
(State the location of MSDS)
Hardcopy or electronic copy must be available.
Online MSDS can be accessed at http://msds.ehs.ucla.edu.
Protocol/Procedure
(Add specific description of procedure.)
Note: Any deviation from this SOP requires written approval from PI.
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Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Name
Signature
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Date