UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Ammonium Picrate
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Ammonium picrate, also known as Explosive D, is a potentially explosive chemical. It is used in various
explosive compositions, and was commonly used by the military in the past. In laboratory use, it is used for
biological fixing/staining for microscopy.
Ammonium picrate is a powerful and unstable explosive, and must be handled with great care. In addition, it
is quite toxic and therefore personal contact should be minimized as much as possible. Keep formation of
airborne dust to an absolute minimum. Airborne dust of ammonium picrate is both an explosive and toxicity
hazard.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 131-74-8
Class: Potentially Explosive Chemical, Toxic
Molecular Formula: C6H6N4O7
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: Yellow
Ammonium Picrate
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Boiling point: 423 oC (Explodes)
Synonyms: Dunnite, Explosive D
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Extreme risk of explosion by shock, fire, friction or other sources of ignition. Toxic by inhalation, ingestion
and contact with skin. Possible respiratory tract sensitizer. Substance is known to accumulate in the body
upon chronic exposure. This may cause kidney and liver damage, inflammation of the GI tract, fatigue and
weight loss.
Engineering Controls
Handle in a chemical fume hood. A blast shield should be in place around the experimental set up.
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
Nitrile glove is recommended to work with Ammonium Picrate.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Ammonium Picrate.
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 Z87 safety glasses with side shields.
Skin and Body Protection
Full length pants or its equivalent, closed-toe shoes, flame-resistant lab coat.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid all personal contact. Minimize airborne dust and eliminate all ignition sources. Remove dust
accumulations on a regular basis by vacuuming or gentle sweeping to avoid creating dust clouds.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Remove to fresh air. Lay patient down. Keep warm and rested.
In case of skin contact
Ammonium Picrate
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Wipe material off with a dry cloth. Wash skin with running water for 15 minutes. Transport to a hospital or
doctor’s office without delay.
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Transport to a hospital or doctor’s office without
delay.
If swallowed
If conscious, give a slurry of activated charcoal and water to drink (3 tablespoons charcoal in 8 oz water).
Transport to a hospital or doctor’s office immediately.
If access to a medical facility is not immediately possible, or activated charcoal is not available, attempt to
induce vomiting (if conscious). Lean patient forward or place on one side to prevent aspiration.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Handle gently. Avoid all personal contact. Avoid heat or ignition sources. Minimize airborne dusts. Remove
dust accumulations on a regular basis by vacuuming or gentle sweeping to avoid creating dust clouds. Store in
a cool, ventilated area with only compatible materials. Rotate stock to prevent aging. DO NOT allow the liquid
in ammonium picrate to evaporate. The solid is highly explosive and shock-sensitive.
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
Ammonium Picrate
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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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Procedure:
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NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Ammonium Picrate
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)