UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Nitrogen Dioxide
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Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
Purpose
Nitrogen dioxide gas is used in synthetic and analytical chemistry.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#:
10102-44-0
Class:
Acutely Toxic Chemical
Molecular formula:
NO2
Form (Physical State): Gas. [YELLOWISH-BROWN, FUMING LIQUID OR REDDISH-BROWN GAS (ABOVE 70
F) WITH A PUNGENT, ACRID ODOR [NOTE: IN SOLID FORM (BELOW 15 F) IT IS FOUND STRUCTURALLY AS
N2O4.]]
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
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Inhalation: Very toxic by inhalation. Severely corrosive to the respiratory system.
Nitrogen Dioxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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Ingestion: Ingestion is not a normal route of exposure for gases
Skin Contact: Severely corrosive to the skin. Causes severe burns. Contact with rapidly expanding gas
may cause burns or frostbite.
Eye Contact: Severely corrosive to the eyes. Causes severe burns. Contact with rapidly expanding gas
may cause burns or frostbite.
Engineering Controls
Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Use only with adequate ventilation. Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering
controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below any recommended or statutory limits.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Eyes: Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment
indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists or dusts.
Skin: Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being
performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before handling this
product. Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be
worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary.
Clothing: Wear long pants, shirt, and closed toe shoes and a lab coat while handling.
Respirators: 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/8193DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
First Aid Procedures
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Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air. If not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if
respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial respiration or oxygen by trained personnel. Loosen tight
clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical attention immediately.
Ingestion: As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.
Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15
minuteswhile removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Clean shoes
thoroughly before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.
Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water
for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical attention
immediately.
Frostbite: Try to warm up the frozen tissues and seek medical attention.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
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Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after handling. High pressure gas. Do
not puncture or incinerate container. Use equipment rated for cylinder pressure. Close valve after
each use and when empty. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Keep container closed. Do not
get on skin or clothing. Protect cylinders from physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide, or drop. Use a
suitable hand truck for cylinder movement.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Separate from
acids, alkalies, reducing agents and combustibles. Cylinders should be stored upright, with valve
Nitrogen Dioxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
protection cap in place, and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Cylinder
temperatures should not exceed 52 °C (125 °F).
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.
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
Nitrogen Dioxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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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Procedure:
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NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Nitrogen Dioxide
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)