Reactive Solids
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are intended to provide you with general guidance on how to safely work with a specific class of chemical or hazard. This SOP is generic in nature. It addresses the use and handling of substances by hazard class only. In some instances multiple SOPs may be applicable for a specific chemical (i.e. both the SOPs for flammable liquids and carcinogens would apply to benzene). If you have any questions concerning the applicability of any items listed in this procedure, contact EH&S 1-2356 or the Principal Investigator.
Reactive
solids are chemicals that react vigorously with moisture or oxygen or other
substances. The most common reactive solids include sodium, potassium and
lithium metals; acid anhydrides and acid chlorides.
Decontamination
Procedures:
Personnel: Wash hands and arms with soap and water
following any skin contact with reactive solids.
Area: Carefully clean work area after use.
Equipment: Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other
contaminated equipment (glassware) before removing them from the area.
Eyewash: Where the eyes or body of
any person may be exposed to reactive solids, suitable facilities for quick
drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work
area for immediate emergency use. Bottle
type eyewash stations are not acceptable.
Fume hood: Many reactive solids will
liberate hydrogen when they react with water.
The use of a fume hood is recommended to prevent the buildup of
combustible gases.
Gloves: Gloves should be worn when
handling reactive solids. Disposable
latex or nitrile gloves provide adequate protection against accidental hand
contact with small quantities of most laboratory chemicals. Lab workers should contact EH&S 1-2356
for advice on chemical resistant glove selection when direct or prolonged
contact with hazardous chemicals is anticipated.
Hazard
Assessment: Hazard assessment of work
involving reactive solids should address proper use and handling techniques,
fire safety (including the need for class D fire extinguishers), storage,
potential peroxide formation, water and air reactivity, and waste disposal
issues.
Protective
Apparel: Lab coats, closed toed shoes
and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling reactive solids. Additional protective clothing should be worn
if the possibility of skin contact is likely.
Shielding: Safety shielding is required
any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a highly exothermic
reaction. All manipulations of reactive
solids that pose this risk should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the
lowest feasible position. Portable
shields, which provide protection to all laboratory occupants, are acceptable.
Shower: A safety or drench shower
should be immediately accessible at all times when working with reactive
liquids.
Labels: Containers: All reactive
solids must be clearly labeled with the correct chemical name. Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical
formulas and structural formulas are not acceptable.
Storage: Reactive solids should be
stored in a cool and dry location. Keep
reactive solids segregated from all other chemicals in the laboratory. Minimize the quantities of reactive liquids
whenever they are no longer required for current research.
Date all containers upon receipt. Potassium will form peroxides and superoxides
when stored under oil at room temperature.
Examine storage containers frequently.
Dispose of all reactive solids whenever they are no longer required for
current research.
Never return excess chemicals to the original container. Small amounts of impurities may be introduced into the container which may cause a fire or explosion.
Waste
Disposal:
All waste shall be placed in closed containers,
properly labeled and moved to the Hazardous Waste Accumulation Structure (south
west corner of SGM). Notify Roger Clark
of Waste to be picked up from the Hazardous Waste Accumulation area.