UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Ricin
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Ricin is an extremely toxic material and is fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin.
Ricin has been used as a chemical warfare agent.
Ricin is a poison found naturally in castor beans. If castor beans are chewed and swallowed, the released ricin
can cause injury. Ricin can be made from the waste material left over from processing castor beans.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 9009-86-3
Class: Highly toxic
Molecular Formula: N/A
Form (physical state): powder
Color: white
Boiling point: N/A
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Ricin is an extremely toxic material and is fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin.
Inhalation may cause dangerous retention of body fluid in the lungs, respiratory damage, and systemic
toxicity. Initial symptoms of ricin poisoning by inhalation may occur within 8 hours of exposure. Following
ingestion of ricin, initial symptoms typically occur in less than 6 hours.
Symptoms of exposure may include drowsiness, confusion, convulsions, shock, renal failure, rapid pulse, fall
in blood pressure, severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and dehydration. May cause circulatory
collapse. Focal necrosis may occur, especially Inflammation and degeneration in the heart and spleen.
No permissible exposure limit data is available.
The following acute toxicity data is available:
LD50 Acute 22 ug/kg [human]
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. Rubber protective
gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Ricin.
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 shield recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame resistant 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
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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
If inhaled
Remove immediately to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, provide
oxygen. Seek medical aid immediately.
In case of skin contact
Remove contaminated clothing as rapidly as possible. Flush affected skin with plenty of water and mild soap.
Seek immediate medical attention.
In case of eye contact
Persons with potential exposure should not wear contact lenses. Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least
30 minutes lifting lower and upper eyelids. Seek medical aid. Continue rinsing during transport to hospital.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical aid immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Highly toxic. Avoid contact with skin and eyes and inhalation. Avoid inhalation
of vapor or mist. Avoid formation of dust.
Conditions for safe storage: Highly toxic. Keep in a dry place. Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and
well ventilated. Keep away from incompatible materials and conditions. Keep cool and protect from sunlight. .
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.
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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
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:
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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.
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)