1.  Process

q       Use of Acrylamide in powder/dry form for making electrophoresis gels.

q       Any operation capable of generating acrylamide dust or aerosols of solutions.

q       When feasible, use a commercially prepared acrylamide solution instead of acrylamide in powder form.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Combustible Solid (may also be dissolved in flammable liquids).

q       Incompatibilities and reactivities: sensitive to air, acids, oxidizing agents, iron and iron salts, copper, brass and free radical initiators.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Effects of overexposure:

·          Irritation of eyes and skin

·          Ataxia.]

·          Numbness of limbs.]

·          Paresthesia

·          Muscle weakness

·          Absent deep tendon reflex

·          Hand sweating

·          Fatigue, lethargy (drowsiness or indifference)

·          Reproductive effects

q       Potential occupational carcinogen

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

·          Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which acetaldehyde 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 exist for acrylamide exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·          Protective gloves must be used at all times when handling acrylamide. The recommended glove is the UltraFlexä Nitrile 22R. This glove is produced by Best Manufacturing Company and can be ordered by calling 1-800-241-0323.

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

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

q       RESPIRATOR

·          Use a NIOSH N-95 Particulate Dust Respirator which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue #2BD-37746.  Check catalogue for size and with and without exhalation value.  

·          Call WFUHS EH&S at 777-3099 to be fit tested for the respirator as required by the WFUHS EH&S Respiratory Protection Program. 

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·          Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to acrylamide, 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 acrylamide 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.  

q       Laboratory or other use area shall be marked as follows:

Caution

Acrylamide

Cancer Hazard

Reproductive Hazard

6.      Waste Disposal

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

7.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Powder easily becomes airborne and may result in personal exposure and area contamination.  Use care to avoid dispersing dust. 

q       Keep container tightly closed to prevent acrylamide form subliming and entering the atmosphere. 

q       Store in a cool place. 

q       Keep from contact with oxidizing materials, reducing agents, acids, bases, metal and contaminants.

q       Protect vacuum pumps against contamination by scrubbers or HEPA filters and then vent them into the hood. Decontaminate vacuum pumps in the hood before removing them from the controlled area.

q       Spill-X-S Kit which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14628 must be available in the event of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

8.      Decontamination of Equipment and Area

Periodically treat area where unpolymerized acrylamide is used with 1.6% potassium persulfate, then with 1.6% sodium metabisulfate.  Let stand for 30 minutes, and then wash with plenty of water.   Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for further 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.