OHS026
Safe Work Procedure
Faculty/Division
Medicine
Document number
Initial Issue date
23rd June 2009
SOMS.CGM.SWP027
School/ Divisional Unit
School of Medical Sciences, Oncology Research
Unit/Neuromuscular and Regenerative Medicine Unit
Current version
Current Version
Next review date
1
23rd June 2012
Issue date
23rd June 2009
The Writing Safe Work Procedures Guideline (OHS027) should be consulted to assist in the completion of
this form.
Safe Work Procedure Title and basic
description
Title: Low Bis Acrylamide solution
Description: Making a 30% solution of low-bis acrylamide
Associated risk assessment title and location: 27_RA_Making 30% Low0Bis Acrylamide Solution_SW
Describe the activity or process
IMPORTANT NOTE. Acrylamide and N,N’ -Methylene bis-acrylamide are both known carcinogens
and suspected neurotoxin. Fine dust generated from the powdered forms of these two compounds
can enter the body via mucosal surfaces with entry occurring mainly by either inhalation and/or
ingestion. Weighing of acrylamide powder should always be carried out in a fume hood whilst
wearing appropriate PPE including gloves, face mask and safety goggles.
THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN A FUME HOOD.
Procedure for preparing 30% low-bis acrylamide stock

In a fume hood weight out the appropriate amounts N,N’ methylene-bis-acrylamide and acrylamide
and make up appropriate volume with MilliQ water in a conical flask. The volumes and weights
30% low-bis acrylamide (92:1) are as follows:
Acrylamide
Bis Acrylamide
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100 ml
29.73g
0.27g
200 ml
59.46g
0.54g
500 ml
148.65g
1.35g
Stir solution with gentle swirling until acrylamide is dissolved.
Filter solution through Whatman filter paper into an appropriate sized Schott bottle wrapped in
aluminum foil.
Store at 4oC.
List all resources required including plant,
chemicals, personal protective clothing and
equipment, etc
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Fume Hood
Acrylamide
N,N’ Methylene-bis-Acrylamide
MilliQ water
Conical Flask
Schott bottle
Whatman Filter Paper
Weighing Balance
Weigh Boats
Disposable Face Mask
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Page 1 of 3
Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007


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Gloves
Safety Glasses
Lab Coat/Gown
List potential hazards and risk controls including
specific precautions required
Potential Hazards
Symptoms Of Overexposure (For Each Potential Route Of Exposure):
Inhaled:
Material should be handled in a fume hood. Airborne acrylamide is readily
absorbed through the lung and overexposure will produce signs and symptoms similar to those described
in "Swallowed".
Contact With Skin Or Eyes:
Can produce conjunctival eye irritation and can lead to systemic exposure if contact is prolonged and/or
repeated. May cause peeling and redness of skin.
Absorbed Through Skin:
Readily absorbed through unbroken skin. Signs and symptoms as in " Swallowed " but proceeded by
peeling and redness of skin of fingers and hands.
Swallowed:
Neurotoxicity can result after a single ingestion but is more likely to occur after ingestion of small
amounts over a period of several day or weeks. Signs and symptoms include increased sweating of
hands and feet, numbness, tingling and weakness in extremities, unsteady gait, and decreased reflexes.
Health Effects Or Risks From Exposure
Acute:
Increased sweating of hands and feet, numbness, drowsiness, tingling and weakness in extremities,
unsteady gait, and decreased reflexes.
Chronic:
Suspected Human Carcinogen (ACGIH). Repeated skin contact, inhalation, or swallowing may cause
nervous system disturbances.
An early sign of overexposure is peeling of this skin of the fingertips. Patients should be monitored for at
least 2-3 weeks and observed for signs of delayed neurotoxicity. Acute and chronic exposure may lead
to weak or absent reflexes, positive Romberg's sign, loss of vibration and position senses, and numbness
and tingling of the limbs.
Risk Controls and Precautions
Ventilation And Engineering Controls:
A closed system should be employed such as a fume hood. Where this is not possible utilize enclosures
and local exhaust ventilation to prevent and/or control skin contact, dust generation, and vapor release.
After acrylamide is in solution, exposure to liquid and mist must be controlled.
Respiratory Controls:
Wear disposable face masks
Eye Protection:
Chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield and head covering should be worn as necessary to
prevent eye and scalp contact. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.
Gloves:
Wear clean impervious rubber or plastic gloves.
Other Clothing And Equipment:
Rubber shoes and long sleeved coveralls or suitable lab coat should be provided daily.
Other Handling and Requirements:
-ventilated place away from incompatible
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Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007
materials.
Protective Measures During Maintenance Of Contaminated Equipment:
Wear protective clothing and appropriate respiratory protection. Do not cut, grind, weld, or drill on or
near container.
List emergency shutdown instructions
In the event of inhalation or ingestion the first aid officer should be consulted immediately.
First Aid Officer: Renee Szokoli ext 58497
List clean up and waste disposal requirements
Weigh boats use for weighing powder and KimWipes used for cleaning spatulas should be disposed of in
the designated cytotoxic waste containers.
List legislation, standards and codes of practice
used in the development of the SWP
NSW OHS Act 2000
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
Australia Dangerous Goods Code
Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances
AS/NZS 2243.2:2006. Safety in laboratories. Part 2: Chemical aspects
AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 Occupational Protective Gloves – Selection, Use and Maintenance
AS/NZS 1336:1997 Recommended Practices for Occupational Eye Protection
UNSW Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedure
Supervisory approval, training, and review
Supervisor: Peter Gunning
Signature:
Plant custodian:
Signature
List competency required – qualifications, certificates, licencing, training - eg course or instruction:
Training as per Training Needs Analysis, Induction to Lab, Training in this SWP
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Page 3 of 3
Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007