UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Nitromethane
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Nitromethane is flammable and very hazardous in case of ingestion. Hazardous in case of eye contact
(irritant) and slightly hazardous in case of inhalation. May cause central nervous system depression. May
cause liver damage. Very harmful or fatal if inhaled, ingested, or in contact with the skin. Causes skin and eye
irritation. Vapors may cause eye irritation.
Nitromethane is a possible carcinogen.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 75-52-5
Class: Highly flammable, toxic, potentially explosive, carcinogenic
Molecular Formula: CH3NO2
Form (physical state): liquid
Color: colorless
Nitromethane
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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/)
Boiling point: 103°C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Flammable. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
Vapors from Nitromethane may cause eye irritation. Exposure to skin may cause irritation, redness, dryness
and inflammation. May cause central nervous system depression and liver damage. Very harmful or fatal if
inhaled or ingested. If ingested, can cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation, pulmonary edema or severe respiratory disturbances. Vapor
concentrations can be hazardous on single exposure. May cause central nervous system effects. Symptoms
may include headache, dizziness and drowsiness, progressing to incoordination and unconsciousness.
Possible carcinogen.
Heating may cause an explosion. Employ care in contact with reducing agents, strong bases, amines, heavy
metals or their oxides and anhydrous salts of nitromethane may explode.
Target organs include blood, central nervous system, liver, eyes, thyroid and skin.
Nitromethane has an acute oral toxicity (LD50) of 940 mg/kg [Rat].
Engineering Controls
Handle using a chemical fume hood with good ventilation and 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
Gloves must be worn. Use proper glove removal technique to avoid any skin contact.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Nitromethane.
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/
Nitromethane
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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/)
Eye Protection
ANSI approved properly fitting safety glasses or chemical splash goggles. Face shield is also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame resistant/cotton lab coats must be worn and be appropriately sized for the individual and buttoned to
their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of sufficient length to prevent skin exposure while wearing
gloves. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that are occupying
the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed.
Hygiene Measures
Wash thoroughly and immediately after handling. Remove any contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move into the fresh air immediately and give oxygen. If not breathing give artificial respiration. Seek medical
attention immediately.
In case of skin contact
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing
and shoes. Wash any contaminated clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Seek medical
attention immediately.
In case of eye contact
Check for and remove any contact lenses. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and
consult a physician. Seek immediate medical attention and continue eye rinse during transport to hospital.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Seek medical attention immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes and inhalation. Use explosion-proof
equipment. Keep away from sources of ignition, heat, sparks, or flame. Avoid dust formation or breathing
vapors, mist, or gas. Take caution against static discharges and avoid mechanical shock and friction.
Anhydrous salts of nitromethane may explode. To prevent explosion, employ care in contact with reducing
agents, strong bases, amines, heavy metals or their oxides, especially at high temperatures or in confined
spaces.
Conditions for safe storage: Flammable materials should be stored in a separate safety storage cabinet or
room. Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Keep away from incompatible
materials and conditions. Store in original container. Store away from heat sources and in a flame proof area.
Keep cool and protect from sunlight. Do not store in copper or copper alloy storage vessels.
Nitromethane
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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/)
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
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
Nitromethane
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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/)
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
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Nitromethane
5
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)