Required parameters are missing or incorrect.
Standard Operating Procedure
Phosgene Gas
Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
Department:
Chemistry
Date SOP was written:
11/21/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor: 1/13/2013
Principal Investigator:
Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager: Rebecca Murphy
Lab Phone:
510-643-2485
Office Phone:
510-643-2407
Richmond Sarpong, 626-644-2407
Emergency Contact:
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
Latimer Hall, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842, 844, 847, 849,
907
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
This standard operating procedure provides general guidance to the lab researcher and worker for
phosgene, Phosgene is a highly toxic and dangerously reactive compressed gas. May cause respiratory
tract burns, skin burns, eye burns, mucous membrane burns. Containers may rupture or explode if
exposed to heat. Releases toxic, corrosive, flammable or explosive gas. Can be fatal if swallowed.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 75-44-5
Class: Highly toxic, corrosive
Molecular Formula: COCl2
Form (physical state): gas
Color: colorless
Phosgene Gas
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Boiling point: 8°C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Before working with any Acutely Toxic Gases, review the UC-Berkeley EH&S publication Toxic Gas
Program (2011). http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/images/ehs/healthsafety/toxicgasprogram.pdf
Phosgene is highly toxic, poisonous and corrosive gas. Can cause acute toxicity by inhalation, skin
corrosion and serious eye damage. Can be fatal if inhaled. Phosgene is very destructive to mucous
membranes and respiratory tract and can be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Acute inhalation
exposure causes severe respiratory effects, including pulmonary edema, pulmonary emphysema, and
possibly death. Can cause burning of the eyes and harmful if swallowed. Phosgene has a threshold limit
value of 0.1 ppm. Death results from anoxemia causing respiratory paralysis, asphyxiation, or heart
failure.
Reacts vigorously with water or moisture and with amines, ammonia, and alcohols.
LC50 toxicity: (inhalation): 0.084 mg/L (rat)
Cal-OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 0.1 ppm (0.4 mg/m 3)
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the Protocol/Procedure
section.
Work with acutely toxic gases should be conducted in a fume hood unless other controls are designated
in the lab-specific Protocol/Procedure section. Sash height should be kept low to avoid escaping fumes
and provide a physical barrier. Fume hood must have electrically grounded lines , plug outlets and
equipment.
The publication Toxic Gas Program (2011) describes the many requirements applicable to the safe
handling and use of acutely toxic gases. Topics included in the publication are definitions,
roles/responsibilities, purchase approval process, receiving, storage, fundamental handling requirements
and disposal. http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/images/ehs/healthsafety/toxicgasprogram.pdf
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NOTE: Lab-specific information on PPE selection may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Respiratory protection
NOTE: Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fittested by EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement.
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
Phosgene
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As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have
been exhausted).
When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a
possibility that PEL will be exceeded.
Regulations require the use of a respirator.
An employer requires the use of a respirator.
There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in
the absence of PEL)
As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
Hand Protection
Handle with 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: Lab-specific and chemical-specific information on glove selection may be
included in the Protocol/Procedure section. Refer to glove selection from the link below:
For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-gloveselection-and-usage.html
Eye Protection
Tightly fitting safety goggles. Use face shield (8-inch minimum) when appropriate (not
protected by fume hood sash for example). Use equipment for eye protection tested and
approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU)
or ANSI Z87.1.
Skin and Body Protection
Long pants, closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes, cotton-based clothing/attire, and lab
coat must be worn for protecting against chemical hazards.
Hygiene Measures
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands
before breaks and at the end of workday.
First Aid Procedures
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to
report the incident.
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Immediately
consult a physician.
Phosgene Gas
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In case of skin contact
Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water for
15 minutes. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water using an eyewash station for at least 15 minutes,
occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting unless specified otherwise in the SDS. Never give anything by
mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
NOTE: Lab-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Working alone
Certain extremely hazardous operations should not be performed if the PI or Lab Safety
Contact(s) are not present. Never work alone with extremely hazardous
materials/operations. See the Protocol/Procedure section below for specific prohibitions
(if any) on working alone.
Storage
The publication Toxic Gas Program (2011) describes the many requirements applicable to the safe
handling and use of acutely toxic gases. Topics included in the publication are definitions,
roles/responsibilities, purchase approval process, receiving, storage, fundamental handling requirements
and disposal. http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/images/ehs/healthsafety/toxicgasprogram.pdf
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It is essential that phosgene be stored separately from all chemicals with which it may react.
Store at 2 – 8 C.
Keep tightly closed.
Ensure segregation of incompatible chemicals per guidance within EH&S guidelines.
Store cylinders in well-ventilated areas.
Store full cylinders away from sparks, flames, direct sunlight, or hot surfaces.
Store cylinders away from corridors, paths of egress, and stairways.
Keep away from flammables, and incompatible materials (moisture, protic solvents, strong bases,
ammonia, copper).
Keep away from oil, grease and other combustibles.
When cylinder is not in use, it MUST BE stored with valve-caps in place.
When cylinder is in use, the cylinder MUST BE turned off by the cylinder valves and NOT the
regulator.
Store cylinder in upright position. To prevent from falling, use two non-combustible restraints (1/3 of
the way from top and bottom). Attach the restraints securely to a wall, rack, or other solid, noncombustible structure.
Each regulator valve should be inspected by user annually for damage.
Also, follow any substance-specific storage guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
documentation.
Phosgene
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Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Release Dial 911
Accidental Release – Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the release
area. Avoid breathing vapors. Eliminate sources of ignition. Keep others from entering
this area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.). Notify supervisor and EH&S
immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090
Contact with 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 immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090
Contact with Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water
for 15 minutes using an eyewash station by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical
attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-6429090
Medical Emergency Dial 911
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 or
go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S
within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang
Health Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious
injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090
to report the incident.
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. Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After hours go to
the nearest emergency room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be
reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the
incident.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in
the Protocol/Procedure section.
All lines or ducts carrying purged or exhausted emissions of gases must be connected
to a mechanical exhaust system that discharges to a safe location (i.e., presents no
potential for re-entrainment into any building supply air intake or occupied area).
Phosgene Gas
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Construction of the exhaust ducts shall be chemically resistant to degradation by the
gas in use. Significant emissions of corrosive or toxic gases require an emission control
device (e.g., scrubber, flare device, adsorbent) before the purged gas can be vented
into the exhaust duct system (refer to UCB publication Toxic Gas Program (2011)).
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label Waste
Waste should be placed in a chemically compatible container with a sealed lid and
clearly labeled. Label all containers with the label provided at
http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-new-hazardous-waste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S
Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for general instructions on
procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.
Dispose of Waste
 Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
 Call EH&S for questions
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
SDS can be accessed online at http://ucmsds.com
Phosgene
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Protocol/Procedure for Phosgene Gas
CAS#: 75-44-5
Transport
To move cylinder, remove regulator and secure protective valve cap.
NEVER roll or drag a cylinder or allow cylinders to strike each other or other objects.
Always use a suitable cylinder cart to move the cylinders, with the cylinder securely chained or strapped to cart.
Do not lift or move cylinder by the cap.
Cylinders should only be transported in freight/cargo elevators.
Preparation
List any other particular preparation requirements needs for this procedure (e.g., location of spill kit or keep water or ignition
sources away from procedure area).
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eyewash, and safety shower before beginning work.
Lab-specific
Information
Add lab-specific information not included above if needed (e.g., all work for this procedure is to take place in the designated
fume hood.)
Procedure/Use
Scale
1.Adding Phosgene
to a reaction flask
Up to 100 mL
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
PPE (eye, face, gloves,
clothing)
Procedure Steps and Special
Precautions for this Procedure
Eye: Wear tightly fitting safety
goggles
To add phosgene to a reaction flask,
first flame dry the flask and fit it with a
septum.
Body: Wear flame-retardant lab
coat with buttons. Wear long
pants and closed-toe shoes.
Pierce the septum with a needle that
has been attached to a balloon
apparatus. This will allow for a place for
gaseous phosgene gas to escape to.
Cool the flask down to - 78 ºC, as it is
easier to keep the phosgene
condensed.
Affix a long needle to the end of the
tubing from the phosgene canister.
Pierce the needle into the septum and
open the phosgene valve slowly. This
will allow for the phosgene to condense
into the reaction flask.
Once a sufficient amount of phosgene
has condensed into the flask, shut off
the valve.
Continue maintaining a low temperature
for the flask containing the phosgene.
Notes
Initials of
individuals using
this procedure
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Procedure/Use
Scale
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
PPE (eye, face, gloves, clothing)
Procedure Steps and Precautions
2. Instrument
Calibration
5-15 sccm
(standard
cubic
centimeters
per minute)
< 500 ppb
Have appropriate
regulator for cylinder
whenever the cap is
removed and the cylinder
is in use.
Use appropriate mass flow
controllers to control flow
of gas from open cylinder.
Ensure cylinders are
always chained at top and
bottom of cylinder to a
secure location prior to
Eye Protection: Wear safety
glasses or other shatter proof
glasses whenever the valve cap is
removed.
Check that complete failure of cylinder
would not result in ambient
concentrations that would exceed
safety thresholds for phosgene gas
(0.02-0.1ppm; 0.08mg/m3).
Clothing: Wear closed-toe closed
heel shoes when moving
cylinders.
Check cylinder is secured with two
chains prior to removing cap.
This procedure is
about 10 minutes in
duration.
Room must be well ventilated before
using cylinder.
Cylinder must not be in contact with a
heat source or in direct sunlight.
use.
Check regulator is correctly attached
with no leaks.
Attach gas line to instrument NO2 inport and check for leaks.
Open cylinder slowly for use.
Use valve on cylinder to stop gas flow
when finished, as well as closing the
regulator.
Notes
Initials of
individuals using
this procedure
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Procedure/Use
Scale
3. Fumigate
chamber
5-20 sccm
< 500 ppb
This procedure is >
30 minutes in
duration.
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
Have appropriate
regulator for cylinder
whenever the cap is
removed and the cylinder
is in use.
Use appropriate mass flow
controllers to control flow
of gas from open cylinder.
Ensure cylinders are
always chained at top and
bottom of cylinder to a
secure location prior to
use.
PPE (eye, face, gloves, clothing)
Eye Protection: Wear safety
glasses or other shatter proof
glasses whenever the valve cap is
removed.
Clothing: Wear closed-toe closed
heel shoes when moving
cylinders.
Procedure Steps and Special
Precautions for this Procedure
Check that complete failure of cylinder
would not result in ambient
concentrations that would exceed
safety thresholds for phosgene gas
(0.02-0.1ppm; 0.08mg/m3).
Check cylinder is secured with two
chains prior to removing cap.
Room must be well ventilated before
using cylinder.
Cylinder must not be in contact with a
heat source or in direct sunlight.
Check regulator is correctly attached
with no leaks.
Attach gas line to chamber mixing
board and check for leaks.
Open cylinder slowly.
Use valve on cylinder to stop gas flow
when finished, as well as closing the
regulator.
4. Leak Detection
Small
bubbles
Have appropriate
Eye Protection: Wear safety
Check that complete failure of cylinder
would not result in ambient
when placed
in water
< 6 ppm
regulator for cylinder
whenever the cap is
removed and the cylinder
is in use.
Ensure cylinders are
always chained at top and
bottom of cylinder to a
secure location prior to
use.
glasses or other shatter proof
glasses whenever the valve cap is
removed.
Clothing: Wear closed-toe closed
heel shoes when moving
cylinders.
concentrations that would exceed
safety thresholds for phosgene gas
(0.02-0.1ppm; 0.08mg/m3).
Check cylinder is secured with two
chains prior to removing cap, near
experimental area.
Room must be well ventilated before
using cylinder.
Cylinder must not be in contact with a
heat source or in direct sunlight.
Check regulator is correctly attached
with no leaks.
Attach micro gas line to cylinder with
valve.
Open valve slowly. Direct micro line
opening at connection points in gas line
setup for a minimum of 10s in order to
test for leaks into the system.
Use valve on cylinder to stop gas flow
when finished, as well as closing the
regulator.
Replace cylinder in two-chained
storage area when finished.
Notes
Initials of
individuals using
this procedure
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Documentation of Training (signature and initials of all users is required)
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Prior to conducting any work with Phosgene, designated personnel must provide training to his/her
laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with the specific chemical(s) used,
work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.
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The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a
copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
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