UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Bromine
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Bromine is a halogen with atomic number 35. It is a reddish-brown fuming liquid that is very toxic and
corrosive. Exposure causes severe burns to the digestive tract, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. It may be
harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Bromine has a variety of uses in industry. It is
mainly used in brominated flame retardants. Bromine compounds can also be used for water treatments, as a
gasoline additive, in pesticides, in photographic chemicals, and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7726-95-6
Class: Toxic, corrosive
Molecular Formula: Br2
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Red-brown
Boiling point: 58.8 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Bromine
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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/)
Bromine is a strong oxidizer. It is corrosive and can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes. It is extremely
destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. It may be harmful if inhaled,
ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of exposure include burning sensation, coughing,
wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, cyanosis, cardiovascular effects,
respiratory disorders, lachrymation, nose bleeding, vertigo, irritability, loss of appetite, joint pain, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, ulceration, dizziness, pulmonary edema, hoarseness, and permanent corneal opacification.
Prolonged exposure may cause lung damage. Bromine has a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.7 mg/m3.
Engineering Controls
Chemical fume hood. Adequate exhaust and capture filtration.
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 gloves. Neoprene, nitrile, and fluorinated rubber gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with bromine.
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 shields are recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Appropriately-fitting lab coat, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
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 with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Take
victim immediately to hospital.
Bromine
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids and removing contact
lenses. Consult a physician. Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
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, eyes, and clothing. Avoid inhalation and ingestion.
Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. Provide adequate exhaust ventilation. Keep away from
heat and sources of ignition- No smoking. Prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge. Handle bromine only
with equipment made of Kynar, Teflon, Monel, Pyrex, glass, or lead-lined steel.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Opened
containers must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Do not store in polyethylene
containers. Handle and open with care. Do not store in direct sunlight. Store in corrosives area. Avoid
reducing agents, alkali metals, powdered metals, aluminum, stainless steel, iron, copper, organic materials,
aldehydes, ketones, arsenic powder, amines, amides, phenols, alcohol, ammonia, azides, and ozone. Bromine
will attack some types of plastics, rubber, and coatings.
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
Bromine
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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.
Bromine
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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/)