UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Active Copper Fuel Cell Catalysts
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☐Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Active copper fuel cell catalysts (eg. Cu/ZnO/Al 2O3) refer to a family of pyrophoric chemicals that are highly
flammable and spontaneously combustible. Handle with care. Proper training is required for handling
pyrophoric material. They may ignite and react explosively upon contact with oxygen in air and often with
water. Once spilled, all liquid and solid pyrophoric material will instantly ignite. Handle and store under inert
gas. Inhalation of the decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. Please refer to the MSDS of
the specific chemical for safe handling and other health hazards. It is recommended that the Sigma-Aldrich
Technical Bulletins on handling air-sensitive reagents (AL-134) and on handling pyrophoric reagents (AL164) also be read in combination with this SOP.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: Various
Class: Highly flammable, pyrophoric, water reactive, toxic
Molecular Formula: Various
Form (physical state): Solid, liquid
Color: Various, metal
Active Copper Fuel Cell Catalysts
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Boiling point: Various
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Active copper fuel cell catalysts are pyrophoric chemicals. They are highly flammable and spontaneously
combustible. May ignite or react explosively upon contact with water or moist air. Can spontaneously ignite if
exposed to oxygen in air. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Containers may explode when heated. Fire
can produce irritating and toxic gases. Inhalation of decomposition products may cause severe injury or
death. They may be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. They may cause irritation to
the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. Please refer to the MSDS of the specific chemical
when handling.
Engineering Controls
Active copper fuel cell catalysts in solid form should only be used in a glove box. Active copper fuel cell
catalysts in liquid form should be used either in a glove box or in a closed system in a certified chemical fume
hood.
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
Handle with gloves. Nitrile gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with active copper fuel cell catalysts.
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 approved, tight-fitting safety glasses/goggles. Face shields are also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame-resistant/cotton lab coat preferably made of antistatic material, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, administer
oxygen. Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. Flush skin with water for at least 15 minutes. Consult
a physician.
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting lower and upper eyelids and removing contact
lenses. Consult a physician.
If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid inhalation and ingestion. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Provide adequate exhaust ventilation. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from
sources of ignition - No smoking. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly sealed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers
must be kept upright to prevent leakage. Never allow contact with water. Store away from oxidizing agents
and air. Handle and store under inert gas.
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
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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://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
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Active Copper Fuel Cell Catalysts
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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/)