UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Chromic Acid
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Chromic acid is a carcinogen, a reproductive toxicant, an oxidizer, and a strong corrosive. It is mainly used in
instrument repair, but because of its health hazards, many repair shops have discontinued using chromic
acid. In the laboratory, it is used to oxidize organic compounds and clean glass wear.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7738-94-5
Class: Carcinogen, reproductive toxicant, oxidizer, corrosive
Molecular Formula: H2CrO4
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: Red crystals
Melting point: 197°C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Chromic Acid
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. May cause ulceration
and perforation of the nasal septum. May produce pulmonary sensitization or allergic asthma. Swallowing can
cause severe burns of the mouth, throat, and stomach, leading to death. Symptoms of redness, pain, and
severe burn can occur. Dusts and strong solutions may cause severe irritation. Contact with broken skin may
cause ulcers (chrome sores) and absorption, which may cause systemic poisoning, affecting kidney and liver
functions. May cause skin sensitization. Eye contact can cause blurred vision, redness, pain and severe tissue
burns. May cause corneal injury or blindness. Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause ulceration and
perforation of the nasal septum, respiratory irritation, liver and kidney damage and ulceration of the skin.
Ulcerations at first may be painless, but may penetrate to the bone producing "chrome holes."
Engineering Controls
Work with this chemical in a certified ducted fume hood. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be
equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory 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 nitrile or chloroprene gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal
technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of
contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and
dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with chromic acid.
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 safety glasses or goggles. Face shield is also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coats should be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and be
buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of a 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
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
Chromic Acid
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Get 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 clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention
immediately.
In case of eye contact
Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Get medical attention immediately.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. If victim is conscious and alert, rinse
mouth with 2-4 cupfuls of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical
attention immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Keep in a tightly closed container. Protect from physical damage. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area away
from sources of heat, ignition sources, moisture and incompatibilities. Do not store on wooden floors. Avoid
cross-contamination of street clothes. Wash hands before eating and do not eat, drink, or smoke in workplace.
Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids);
observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
Conditions for safe storage: Store in secondary containment with “Cancer Hazard” and/or “Reproductive
Toxin” labels on the primary container, secondary containment and the storage location. Keep containers
tightly closed in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place.
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 1-800Chromic Acid
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
222-1222 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
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.
Chromic Acid
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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/)
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Chromic Acid
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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/)