1.      Process

Use of Acetic Anhydride in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Colorless liquid with a strong, pungent, vinegar-like odor.

q       Flash Point is 120°F.

q       Reacts with alcohols, amines, strong caustics, strong oxidizers (especially chromic acid), and water.

q       Corrosive to iron, steel and other metals.

q       Incompatibilities and Reactivities: reacts with water to form acetic acid.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Exposure can be by inhalation, skin and/or eye contact

q       Contact with acetic anhydride may cause:

·          Conjunctivitis.

·          Lacrimation (discharge of tears), corneal edema, opacity, photophobia (abnormal visual intolerance to light).

·          Nasal, pharyngeal irritation.

·          Cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), bronchitis.

·          Skin burns, vesiculation, sensitization dermatitis.

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

·          Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which acetic anhydride might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution. 

·          Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection.  Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational Education Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989) and must be equipped with side shields. 

·          Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended.

·          Contact lenses shall not be worn if the potential exists for acetic anhydride exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·          Use of butyl rubber gloves are recommended for use with acetic anhydride which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-14998, medium weight.  Check catalogue for sizes and finish.

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

·          Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling acetic anhydride. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with acetic anhydride.

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·          Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to acetic anhydride, suitable facilities for quick drench 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.

5.      Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices

q       All acetic anhydride work shall be done in the laboratory fume hood.

q       The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved.  

6.  Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Acetic anhydride shall be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers that are labeled.

q       Store Acetic Anhydride in a flammable liquids storage cabinet.

q       Containers of acetic anhydride shall be protected from physical damage and shall be separated from water, alcohols, strong oxidizers, chromic acid, amines, strong caustics, heat, sparks, and open flame.

q       Because containers that formerly contained acetic anhydride may still hold product residues, they shall be handled appropriately.

q       Spill-X-A which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14626 must be available for use in case of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

7.      Waste Disposal

Excess Acetic Anhydride and all waste material containing Acetic Anhydride must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE ACETIC ANHYDRIDE ". Full containers of Acetic Anhydride waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program.

8.      Decontamination of Equipment and Area

Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information.

9.      Spill and Accident Procedures

In the event of a liquid spill greater than 300cc, immediately vacate and secure the area.  Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.