UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Potassium
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Potassium is a soft, silver-grey alkali metal with atomic number 19. It is very reactive with water producing
flammable gases that can ignite spontaneously. It readily oxidizes when exposed to air. It is corrosive and can
cause burns to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract with severe or permanent damage.
Potassium cations are vital to the function of living organisms. They are important in neuron function and
producing an electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane. Potassium metal has very few applications
but potassium compounds can be found in agricultural fertilizers, gold-mining, electroplating, inks, dyes,
explosives, and fireworks.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7440-09-7
Class: Water reactive, highly flammable, corrosive, carcinogen
Molecular Formula: K
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: Grey
Boiling point: 760-770 °C
Potassium
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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/)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously. May burn in the presence of
air. Handle under inert gas and protect from moisture. May be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed
through the skin. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns with possible perforation to esophagus and stomach. It
is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. May cause
coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Causes chemical burns to
the respiratory tract. Causes skin and eye burns with severe, permanent damage.
Engineering Controls
Potassium should be used in a glove box or in a closed system in a certified chemical 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
Handle with gloves. Nitrile gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with potassium.
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
Flame resistant/cotton lab coat preferably made of antistatic material, 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
Potassium
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Wash off with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly 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 inhalation and ingestion. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Avoid dust formation. Provide adequate exhaust ventilation. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof
equipment. Keep away from sources of ignition- No smoking.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated area. Never allow
contact with water. Incompatible with oxidizing agents, carbon oxides, acids, and halogens. Handle and store
under inert gas. Store in corrosives area. Store locked up.
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.
Potassium
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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/)
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:
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.
Potassium
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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/)