UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Acrylonitrile
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Acrylonitrile (also called vinyl cyanide) is a highly flammable chemical. It is toxic if inhaled, ingested or
absorbed through skin. It can undergo explosive polymerization when exposed to heat, light, strong acid, or
strong bases. It is used in the synthesis of various plastics such as high impact acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
(ABS) plastics found in business machines, luggage, and construction material. It can also be used to make
styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) plastics used in automotive and household goods. Dimerization of monomeric
acrylonitrile forms adiponitrile, a chemical used to make nylon, dyes, drugs, and pesticides.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 107-13-1
Class: Highly flammable, toxic, potentially explosive, carcinogen
Molecular Formula: C3H3N
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: 77 °C
Acrylonitrile
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Acylonitrile is a highly flammable liquid and vapor that should be kept away from heat, sparks, open flames,
and hot surfaces. It can form explosive mixtures with air. It easily forms violently explosive polymerides
when exposed to heat, light, strong bases, strong acids, and strong oxidizers. Components of the hazardous
decomposition of acrylonitrile exposed to fire include carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen cyanide.
Chemical is toxic if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and
upper respiratory tract. It may cause allergy or asthma symptoms, breathing difficulties, or respiratory
irritation if inhaled. It may be fatal if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns. Causes eye burns. Toxic if
swallowed. A potential carcinogen.
Engineering Controls
Chemical fume hood. Good ventilation. Electrically grounded lines and equipment.
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 (butyl gloves are recommended). Wash hands after use.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with acrylonitrile.
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 also 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. Consult a physician.
Acrylonitrile
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
In case of skin contact
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. Wash skin with soap and plenty of water. Take victim
immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Check for and remove any contact lenses. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and
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 contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Use
explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Take measures to prevent the
build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Isolate
from incompatible materials and conditions. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and
kept upright to prevent leakage. Light sensitive. Store in original container. Store away from heat sources and
in a flame proof area.
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
Acrylonitrile
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Acrylonitrile
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Acrylonitrile
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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/)