UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Mercuric Chloride
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Mercuric chloride is highly toxic if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. It causes burns by all
exposure routes. It is a suspected reproductive toxicant according to California Prop 65. Mercuric chloride
was used as a topical antiseptic and treatment for syphilis but is no longer used due to its toxicity and access
to superior treatments. It is used in photography, batteries, disinfectants, wood preservatives, fungicides,
fabric printing, embalming, and analytical chemistry. It was used extensively as a catalyst in the synthesis of
vinyl chloride until the 1980s.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7487-94-7
Class: Acute toxicant, target organ effect, corrosive, irritant, teratogen, mutagen
Molecular Formula: Cl2Hg
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: White
Boiling point: 300-302 °C
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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/)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Mercuric chloride is highly toxic if inhaled, ingested, or 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. It may cause an allergic skin reaction. It may cause birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Symptoms of exposure include coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting,
dermatitis, diarrhea, ulceration, pneumonitis, pain, redness, blurred vision, muscle tremors, behavioral
changes, memory loss, and metallic taste. It may cause damage to kidneys and central nervous system.
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://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand Protection
Handle with nitrile 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 mercuric chloride.
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
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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. Avoid dust
formation. Ensure normal measures for preventative fire protection.
Conditions for safe storage: Store in secondary containment with “acute toxin” and “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. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid strong oxidizing agents
and strong bases. Incompatible with formates, sulfites, phosphates, albumin, ammonia, gelatin, carbonates,
hypophosphites, sulfides, alkalis, alkaloid salts, lime water, antimony and arsenic, bromides, borax, reduced
iron, copper, iron, lead, tannic acid and vegetable astringents. Reacts violently with potassium and sodium.
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.
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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://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.
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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.
Mercuric chloride
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)