UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
1,4-Dioxane
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
1,4-Dioxane is a select carcinogen and a peroxide former. Like some other ethers, dioxane combines with
atmospheric oxygen on standing to form explosive peroxides. Distillation of dioxane concentrates these
peroxides, thus increasing the danger. If not stored and handled properly, this can pose a serious threat to the
health and safety of laboratory personnel, emergency responders and chemical waste handlers. Hence, it is
important to follow safety protocols to handle this chemical.
1,4-Dioxane (dioxane), a cyclic ether, is used as a degreasing agent, as a component of paint and varnish
removers, and as a wetting and dispersion agent in the textile industry. Dioxane is used as a solvent in
chemical synthesis, as a fluid for scintillation counting, and as a dehydrating agent in the preparation of tissue
sections for histology.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 123-91-1
Class: Peroxide forming chemical and carcinogen,
Molecular Formula: C4H8O2
1,4-Dioxane
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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/)
Form (physical state): liquid
Color: colorless
Boiling point: 100-102 ºC
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
This product is or contains a component that has been reported to be possibly carcinogenic.
Target Organs
Liver, Kidney, Central nervous system
Other hazards
May form explosive peroxides.
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation: May be harmful if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation
Skin: May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin irritation.
Eyes: Causes eye irritation.
Ingestion: May be harmful if swallowed.
Engineering Controls
All operations involving 1,4-dioxane must be carried out in a certified chemical fume hood (certified once
every year by EH&S).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory 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 butyl gloves.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with 1,4-dioxane.
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
Safety goggles or glasses.
1,4-Dioxane
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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/)
Skin and Body Protection
Fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based), cotton based clothing/attire, full length pants or
equivalent, closed toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling 1,4dioxane.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
If breathed in, 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. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
General advice:
Consult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Move out of dangerous area.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Keep away from sources of ignition (such
as Bunsen burners). Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be
carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Vapors may form explosive mixture with air.
Conditions to avoid
Heat, flames and sparks. Extremes of temperature and direct sunlight.
Materials to avoid
Oxygen, Oxidizing agents, Halogens, Reducing agents, Perchlorates, Trimethylaluminum
Hazardous decomposition products
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Carbon oxides
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
1,4-Dioxane
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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)
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
1,4-Dioxane
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
1,4-Dioxane
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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/)