Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Potassium borohydride
Please fill out the form completely. Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Department:________________________
Date when SOP was written:_______
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: ___________________
Principal Investigator:___________________________________________________
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:___________________________________
Laboratory Phone:____________________ Office Phone:_____________________
Emergency Contact:____________________________________________________
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:__________________________________________
(Building/Room Number)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
Purpose
Potassium Borohydride is similar to Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4). It can be used to reduce
aldehydes, ketones, acid chlorides and anhydrides. However, Potassium Borohydride shows
different solubility characteristics – it is typically less soluble in most solvents. Large amounts are
used for bleaching wood pulp.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#:
13762-51-1
Class:
Water-reactive. May ignite or explode on contact with moist
air
Molecular formula:
KBH4
Boiling Point:
Not available
Melting Point:
400 deg C (decomposes)
Decomposition Temperature:
> 400 deg C
1
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Appearance: White crystals. Dangerous when wet.
Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). May cause central nervous system depression.
Danger! Water-reactive. May ignite or explode on contact with moist air. Reacts violently and/or
explosively with water, steam or moisture. Causes eye and skin burns. May cause severe
respiratory tract irritation with possible burns. May cause severe digestive tract irritation with
possible burns. Harmful if swallowed.
Target Organs: Central nervous system
Potential Health Effects:
Eye: When substance becomes wet or comes in contact with moisture of the mucous
membranes, it will cause irritation. May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage.
Skin: Contact with skin causes irritation and possible burns, especially if the skin is wet or moist.
May cause cyanosis of the extremities. May cause skin rash (in milder cases), and cold and
clammy skin with cyanosis or pale color.
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea. Ingestion of large amounts may cause CNS depression.
Inhalation: Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary
edema. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. May cause systemic effects. May cause
burning sensation in the chest.
Chronic: Effects may be delayed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eyes: Wear safety glasses
Skin: Butyl gloves are highly preferred to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing: Wear long pants, closed toed shoes and a lab coat
Respirators: A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI
Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace
conditions warrant a respirator's use.
2
Engineering Controls
Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety
shower. Use adequate general or local explosion-proof ventilation to keep airborne levels to
acceptable levels.
First Aid Procedures
Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the
upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub eyes or keep
eyes closed. Extensive irrigation with water is required (at least 30 minutes).
Skin: Get medical aid immediately. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes. If
water-reactive products are embedded in the skin, no water should be applied. The embedded
products should be covered with a light oil.
Ingestion: Call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and
alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.
Inhalation: Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure and move to fresh air
immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if
victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask
equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before
reuse. Do not allow water to get into the container of potassium borohydride because a violent
reaction will occur. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Do not get in eyes,
on skin, or on clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Do
not ingest or inhale. Do not allow contact with water. Use only in a chemical fume hood. Discard
contaminated shoes. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty
containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Keep from contact with moist air and steam.
Storage: Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Keep
container closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from
incompatible substances. Store protected from moisture.
3
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
Spill – Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Protective Equipment section.
Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. Do not expose spill to
water. Cover with dry earth, dry sand, or other non-combustible material followed with plastic
sheet to minimize spreading and contact with water.
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 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 for
assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in
emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S
at x59797 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with
water for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor
and EH&S at x59797 immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911 or x52111
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911
(or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) or contact the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) directly at x52111 (located at 757 Westwood Plaza, enter from Gayley
Avenue). Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF),
x56771, CHS room 67-120 (This is on the 6th floor, 7th corridor, room 120. Enter through the
School of Dentistry on Tiverton Drive and proceed to the “O” elevator to the 6th floor.)Hours: M F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) at x52111. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797
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 231 from a campus phone, enter 93333 when prompted and then enter your
extension. Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA
Medical Center (emergency room) at x52111. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be
reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
4
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Waste disposal procedures
Follow UCLA EHS waste protocol
When disposing the original container of potassium borohydride or unwanted potassium
borohydride in the original container, the container must be tightly capped and free of external
residue. Produce a hazardous waste tag through the online tag program and adhere the tag to
the container. Keep in secondary containment and away from moisture at all times until ready for
transfer to the EHS waste technicians.
General hazardous waste disposing guidelines:
Labeling Requirements for Hazardous Waste Containers:
• A UCLA Hazardous Waste Tag must be placed on each hazardous waste container upon
start of accumulation.
• The On-Line Tag Program (OTP) can be used to print hazardous waste tags right from your
printer.
• One account on the On-Line Tag Program (OTP) can be used for the entire lab. See the OnLine Tag Program1 more information and to get your lab signed up.
Hazardous Waste Storage:
• Hazardous waste must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 90 days of being
generated.
• Waste containers must be in secondary containment at all times to adequately contain the
contents of the container/spilled materials.
• Hazardous waste must always be appropriately labeled with a UCLA waste tag at all times.
• Containers must be closed when not in use.
• Storage of hazardous waste in fume hoods or under sinks is not recommended.
• Hazardous waste that meets the quantity threshold of 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1
quart of extremely hazardous waste1 must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 3
days of reaching these set volumes.
• Report damaged containers to EH&S. EH&S can provide assistance to transfer the contents
to an appropriate container.
• Mark storage areas according to the type of chemicals kept there (e.g. “Corrosive”,
“Flammable”, etc.).
• Containers should be inspected weekly for signs of leaks, corrosion, or deterioration.
Hazardous Waste Disposal:
• Don't dispose of chemicals down the drain!
• Don't dispose of chemicals via trashcans.
• Don't use hoods to intentionally evaporate chemicals.
• Transport the hazardous waste to your designated pick-up location using a sturdy cart and
secondary containment.
• Consult the hazardous waste pick-up schedule1 for the building specific times and locations of
disposal.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location
(State the location of MSDS)
Hardcopy or electronic copy must be available.
Online MSDS can be accessed at http://msds.ehs.ucla.edu.
5
Protocol/Procedure
(Add specific description of procedure.)
Note: Any deviation from this SOP requires written approval from PI.
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Name
Signature
6
Date