UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Arsenic Acid
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Arsenic acid is an acute toxin. Applications of arsenic are limited because it is so toxic. It can be used as a
wood preservative, finishing agent for glass and metal, biocide and pesticide
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7778-39-4
Class: Acute toxin
Molecular Formula: H3AsO4
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Corrosive to eyes causing extreme pain. Causes burns. Causes burns to mouth, throat and stomach resulting
in vomiting, diarrhea and collapse followed by death. Irritating to respiratory system and skin.
Arsenic Acid
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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/)
Engineering Controls
Arsenic acid can only be handled in a fume hood.
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
Wear either neoprene, butyl, PVC, nitrile or Viton gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with arsenic acid.
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 goggles or glasses.
Skin and Body Protection
Complete suit protecting against arsenic acid. Wear Tyvek suit to avoid absolute exposure anywhere on the
skin. Wear this over long pants and closed toed shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move to fresh air. If symptoms persist, call a physician.
In case of skin contact
Wash off immediately with soap and plenty of water. If skin irritation persists, call a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water, also under the eyelids. Consult an eye specialist or physician.
If swallowed
Call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Rinse mouth with plenty of water. Drink plenty of water or
milk. Call a physician or Poison Control Centre immediately. See note below.
Notes to Physician: Prognosis is dependent on dose as well as the time span between ingestion of the arsenic
acid and first aid treatment. Gastric lavage with warm milk and water followed by sodium sulphate (30g) is
indicated. Keep patient warm and quiet, combat shock and dehydration. Apply artificial respiration, oxygen
Arsenic Acid
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
therapy, whole blood or fluids as needed. BAL (dimercaprol) antidote by intramuscular injection is
recommended for Arsenic Acid or other pentavalent arsenic compounds. Dimercaprol Injection, BP,
administered intra-muscularly, 2-3 mg/kg of body weight, at 4-Hour intervals in accordance with the
individual needs of the patient. More recent medical treatment of arsenical poisoning uses exchange
transfusion and dialysis.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in fume
hood that has the required ventilation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Keep container tightly
closed. Do not ingest or inhale. Discard contaminated shoes. Keep container tightly closed. Keep locked-up.
Conditions for safe storage
Keep container tightly closed. Keep locked-up. Store the chemical in secondary containment. Label the
chemical and the secondary container as “Acute Toxin.”
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)
Arsenic Acid
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Arsenic Acid
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)