UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Methyl chloroformate
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Methyl chloroformate is a highly flammable liquid that may be fatal if inhaled, is toxic if ingested, and may be
harmful if absorbed through the skin. It causes burns by all exposure routes. Methyl chloroformate is used as
a chemical intermediate in the production of carbamates, which is used in the manufacture of dyes,
pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. It was used as a tearing warfare agent.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 79-22-1
Class: Flammable, acutely toxic by inhalation, toxic by ingestion, corrosive
Molecular Formula: C2H3ClO2
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: 70 – 72 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Methyl chloroformate
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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/)
Methyl chloroformate is a highly flammable liquid that may be fatal if inhaled, is toxic if ingested, and may be
harmful if absorbed through the skin. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Material is extremely
destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms of exposure
include tearing, redness, itching, rash, coughing, shortness of breath, inflammation and edema of the larynx
and bronchi, pneumonitis, and pulmonary edema. Decomposes in water to produce hydrogen chloride.
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)
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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/respiratory-protection-program)
Hand Protection
Handle with nitrile or chloroprene gloves. Butyl-rubber gloves are also recommended. 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 methyl chloroformate.
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
Flame resistant 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
Methyl chloroformate
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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 not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Wash off immediately with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated
clothing and shoes. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids and removing contact
lenses. Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital. Consult a physician.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. 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 contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation and ingestion. Keep away
from sources of ignition. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charge. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof
equipment.
Conditions for safe storage: Store in a flammables cabinet in secondary containment with “acute toxin”
labels on the primary container and secondary containment. Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool, and
well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature is 2-8 °C. Protect from moisture. Avoid strong
oxidizing agents, strong bases, amines, alcohols, metals, dimethylformamide, and dimetyl sulfoxide.
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.
Methyl chloroformate
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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/)
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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/safety-data-sheet-sds-1
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.
Methyl chloroformate
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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.
Methyl chloroformate
5
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)