UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
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Date SOP was written:
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is an acute toxin. It has been used as a therapeutic drug in psychiatry to
treat alcoholism, pain and headaches, as well as for spiritual purposes and to enhance creativity. It can also be
used to induce hallucinations.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 50-37-3
Class: Acute Toxin (USDEA Schedule I Drug)
Molecular Formula: C20H25N3O
Form (physical state): Crystalline
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
LD50: 16 mg/kg (Intravenous – Rat)
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
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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/)
May cause respiratory tract irritation. May be fatal if swallowed. May be fatal if absorbed through skin. May
cause eye irritation.
Engineering Controls
Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility, a safety shower, and 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
One of the following types of gloves is recommended: nitrile, natural rubber, neoprene, butyl, PVC or Viton.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, lysergide)
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 glasses or goggles.
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coats should be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and be
buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of a sufficient length to prevent skin exposure
while wearing gloves. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that
are occupying the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed.
Hygiene Measures
Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before
reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention.
In case of skin contact
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
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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/)
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing
and shoes. Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Get medical attention immediately. Contaminated work
clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to this
substance.
In case of eye contact
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids
occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Get medical attention
immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements

All LSD must be stored in a single cabinet that has a sturdy locking mechanism to prevent
unauthorized personnel from accessing it. As few personnel as absolutely necessary should be given
keys. A logbook must be maintained to track keys distributed as well as LSD received, used, and
disposed.

All work with LSD is to be done in the "LSD" designated area in order to keep contamination to a
minimum.

All chemicals containing LSD must be secondarily contained with proper signage. Containers of LSD
and designated areas, including storage cabinets, must be labeled with an “ACUTE TOXIN” warning.
Any persons in this area are required to wear personal protective equipment. Safety shower and eye
wash stations should be easily accessible where LSD is used.

Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not ingest
or inhale. Use only with adequate ventilation or respiratory protection.

Storage: Store in a tightly closed container. Keep away from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in
a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances including acids and certain metal
salts.
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.
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
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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/)
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)
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:
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
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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/)
Enter the experimental purpose
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.
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
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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/)