UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Cesium
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Principal Investigator Name: / Enter text.
Principal Investigator Signature
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Type of SOP: ☐ Process ☒Hazardous Chemical ☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Cesium (also known as caesium) is a soft alkali metal with atomic number 55. It is extremely reactive and pyrophoric. Contact with water release flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously. It may be harmful if inhaled, ingested, and absorbed through the skin. It can cause severe skin burns and severe, irreversible eye damage. Cesium’s main use is in drilling fluids in the oil extraction industry. It also has a range of applications in electronics and chemistry.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7440-46-2
Class: Highly flammable, corrosive
Molecular Formula: Cs
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: Silver-gold
Boiling point: 690-705 °C
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Contact with water releases flammable gases possibly leading to a flash fire. Handle under inert gas. Protect from water. May be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin. Inhalation may result in inflammation, edema, and chemical pneumonitis. It is extremely destructive to the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. May cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Eye contact may result in permanent damage and vision loss. Ingestion leads to strong corrosive effects on mouth and throat. Perforation of esophagus and stomach may occur.
Engineering Controls
Glove box. Handle under inert atmosphere/conditions.
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. Nitrile gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible with cesium.
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 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.
In case of skin contact
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 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 lifting upper and lower eyelids and removing contact lenses. 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 dust formation. Ensure adequate exhaust ventilation. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Protect against electrostatic charges.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated area. Never allow contact with water. Do not store with oxidizing and acidic materials. Handle and store under inert gas. Air sensitive. Store locked-up.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-206-8522 (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 415-206-8522 (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 1-800-222-1222 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.
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, 415-885-7580, 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
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Cesium 4 Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)