UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure

Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:

Acetylene

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Type of SOP: ☐ Process ☒Hazardous Chemical ☐ Hazardous Class

Purpose

Acetylene gas is extremely flammable and potentially explosive. Additionally, it is a central nervous system depressant. In case of exposure, watch victim carefully for respiratory depression.

Fuel for oxy-acetylene welding, and other industrial uses. For laboratory and manufacturing purposes it is used as a reactant for the synthesis of vinyl chloride, acrylates as well as many other organic molecules and polymers.

Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group

CAS#: 74-86-2

Class: Potenially Explosive Chemical and Extremely Flammable

Molecular Formula: C2H2

Form (physical state): gas

Color: colorless

Boiling point: sublimes at -81 oC. Liquefies at 0 oC at 21.5 atm.

Potential Hazards/Toxicity

Acetylene may form explosive mixture in contact with air. Inhalation can lead to asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen. Moderate concentrations may cause headache, drowsiness, dizziness, excitation, excess salivation, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness. The vapor from a liquid release may also cause incoordination, abdominal pain. Effects may be delayed. Lack of oxygen can kill. No harm expected from skin contact with vapor. Liquid may cause frostbite. Swallowing is an unlikely route of exposure, but frostbite of the lips and mouth may result from contact with the liquid. If swallowed, the liquid may cause nausea. Vapors containing acetone may irritate the eyes. Liquid may irritate and cause frostbite.

Engineering Controls

Chemical fume hood. Good ventilation. Electrically grounded lines and equipment.

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

Nitrile gloves are recommended.

NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible with acetylene.

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 Z87 safety glasses with side shields

Skin and Body Protection

Lab personnel must wear full-length pants or its equivalence, closed-toe shoes, and flame-resistant/cotton laboratory coat.

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

Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water for 15 minutes. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.

In case of eye contact

Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. Continue to wash eyes during transport to the hospital.

If swallowed

Not considered a normal route of entry

Special Handling and Storage Requirements

Ensure that lines and piping are engineered to prevent backflow of oxygen gas into acetylene cylinders. Steel, stainless steel, aluminum and wrought iron are the recommended materials for use with acetylene. Do NOT cut, drill, grind, weld or perform similar operations on or near containers. Electrically ground all lines and equipment. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area protected from heat, static electricity and oxidizing and combustible substances. Please store the gas cylinder in an upright position, double-chained 1/3 from the top and bottom, and at least 20 feet away from other oxidizing gas cylinders. Compressed gas cylinders need to be double-chained 1/3 from the top and 1/3 from the bottom.

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.

Acetylene 4 Date: Click here to enter a date.

Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)