UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Vanadium Pentoxide
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) is a highly acute toxin, suspect carcinogen, teratogen and a suspect reproductive
toxin. It is a poisonous brown/yellow solid which, because of its high oxidation state, is both an amphoteric
oxide and an oxidizing agent. 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.
V2O5 catalyzes several useful aerobic oxidation reactions, the largest scale of which underpins the production
of sulfuric acid from sulfur dioxide.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 1314-62-1
Class: Highly Toxic. Carcinogen
Molecular Formula: V2O5
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: Brown / Yellow
Vanadium Pentoxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Boiling point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Emergency Overview
Target Organs: Lungs
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation eyes, skin, throat; green tongue, metallic taste, eczema; cough; wheezing,
bronchitis, dyspnea (breathing difficulty)
Inhalation May be fatal if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation
Skin May be fatal if absorbed through skin. Causes skin irritation.
Eyes Causes eye irritation.
Ingestion May be fatal if swallowed.
Engineering Controls

All operations involving Vanadium Pentoxide must be carried out in a certified chemical fume hood
(certified once every year by EH&S) or a glove box.
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
Extended cuff, double layer, Neoprene/Nitrile disposable gloves is recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Vanadium Pentoxide.
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.
Vanadium Pentoxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Skin and Body Protection
 Lab coat (full sleeves)
 Full length pants
 Close toed shoes
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling
Vanadium Pentoxide.
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. Take victim immediately to hospital. 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
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
All Vanadium Pentoxide containers must be stored using secondary container (tray/tub) with proper
signage/caution label. Do not store alongside other less toxic chemicals in the same cabinet. All Particularly
Hazardous Substances (PHS) must be stored segregated from the rest of the chemicals. Hazard
communication: Warning/Caution label is required on each Vanadium Pentoxide container, secondary
containment and designated storage cabinets. Warning/Caution label must state the following: “HIGHLY
ACUTE TOXIN or CARCINOGEN or CANCER HAZARD or SUSPECT CANCER AGENT or Teratogen or Suspect
Reproductive Toxin.”
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols.
Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. Normal measures for preventive fire
protection.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Materials to avoid: Strong acids - inorganic acids (mineral acids) and organic acids. Noncombustible Solid,
but may increase intensity of fire when in contact with combustible materials. Lithium, chlorine trifluoride.
Hazardous decomposition products: Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. Vanadium/vanadium oxides.
Special Precautions for Storage: Keep in a designated storage cabinet with a lock and key arrangement so
that only authorized personnel can access. As a part of hazard communication, clearly label Vanadium
Pentoxide storage area as ‘Vanadium Pentoxide – HIGHLY ACUTE TOXIN’. Even the secondary containment
Vanadium Pentoxide
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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/)
must be clearly labeled. Always store in a secondary container. Keep Vanadium Pentoxide container dry. Do
not breathe dust. DO not store with inorganic acids (mineral acids) and organic acids. If ingested, seek
medical advice immediately. Show the container label or the MSDS to the physician. Avoid contact with skin
and eyes. Keep container tightly closed at all times.
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.
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.
Vanadium Pentoxide
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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:
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NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Vanadium Pentoxide
5
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)