UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Beryllium
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Department:
Date SOP was written:
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This lab specific SOP has been reviewed and approved by:
Principal Investigator Name:
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Principal Investigator Signature
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☐Hazardous Chemical
☒ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Beryllium compounds are classified by IARC as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. They are toxic if ingested,
inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. They may cause irritation to the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal
tract, skin, and eyes. Beryllium is a lightweight, brittle alkaline earth metal with atomic number 4. It is usually
alloyed with other metals such as copper, aluminum, iron, and nickel to increase hardness, thermal and
electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. Beryllium compounds are used in the electronics,
automotive, military, and aerospace industries.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: Various
Class: Carcinogen, toxic
Molecular Formula: Various
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: Various
Boiling point: Various
Beryllium
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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
Beryllium compounds are classified by IARC as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. They are toxic if ingested,
inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. They may cause irritation to the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal
tract, skin, and eyes with. Symptoms of exposure include coughing, shortness of breath, loss of appetite,
fatigue, allergic skin reaction, dermatitis, rhinitis, chronic skin ulcers, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis,
pneumonitis, fever, anorexia, chest pain, and cyanosis. Cardiac and respiratory failure may occur leading to
death. Chronic exposure may cause delayed lung disease and berylliosis. Beryllium compounds have a
permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.002 mg/m3. Please refer to the MSDS of the specific chemical for safe
handling and additional hazards.
Engineering Controls
Chemical fume hood. Adequate exhaust and capture filtration. 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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/respiratory-protection-program)
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 beryllium compounds.
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
Flame-resistant lab coat preferably made of antistatic material, 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. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Beryllium
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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/)
Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids and removing contact
lenses. 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.
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. Keep away from sources of ignition- No smoking.
Prevent build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Store away
from incompatible materials.
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.
Beryllium
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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://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/safety-data-sheet-sds-1
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.
Beryllium
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)