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Type of SOP: ☐ Process ☒ Hazardous Chemical ☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Potassium arsenite is classified by IARC as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. It is a toxic chemical if inhaled or ingested. It may be harmful if absorbed through the skin. It may cause respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and eye irritation. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning may result from exposure to this chemical. Potassium arsenite is primarily used as a rodenticide, insecticide, fungicide, and weed killer. It also forms the basis for
Fowler’s solution.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 10124-50-2
Class: Carcinogen, toxic
Molecular Formula: KAsO
2
Form (physical state): Solid, powder
Color: White
Boiling point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Potassium Arsenite
1
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.

Potassium arsenate is classified by IARC as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. It is toxic if inhaled or ingested.
It may be harmful if absorbed through the skin. It may cause respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and eye irritation. Symptoms of exposure include burning, coughing, headache, muscle cramps/spasms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shock, and death. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis. Exposure may affect the peripheral nervous system, mucous membranes, bone marrow, kidneys and liver, resulting in neuropathy, pigmentation disorders, perforation of nasal septum, lesions of blood cells, kidney impairment, and cirrhosis.
Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic compounds can cause skin, liver, and lung cancer. Inorganic arseniccontaining compounds have a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 10 µg/m 3 .
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. Nitrile and natural rubber gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible with potassium arsenite.
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 glasses/goggles. Face shields are recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Appropriately fitting lab coat, long pants, closed-toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and after handling.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. 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.
Potassium Arsenite
2
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.

In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician.
If swallowed
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.
Avoid dust formation. Provide adequate exhaust ventilation. Ensure normal measures for preventative fire protection.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated area. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and metals. Prevent exposure to air and carbon dioxide.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-206-
8522 (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 415-206-
8522 (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 1-800-
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.
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.
Potassium Arsenite
3
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.

Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-885-
7580, 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 Arsenite
4
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.