1.      Process

 Use of Acrylonitrile in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       A highly flammable liquid (Flash point 32°F).

q       Dilute solutions are also hazardous.  

q       Do not use near an open flame.

q       Reactive with the following groups of substances: strong acids, amines, alkalis and strong oxidizers.

q       Incompatibilities and Reactivities: polymerize in the presence of light, the absence of oxygen and violently in the presence of alkalis.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Vapors may cause dizziness, nausea and unconsciousness.

q       Vapor is a severe eye irritant

q       Contact with liquid on skin may cause dermatitis or severe burns.

q       Prolonged breathing may result in jaundice.

q       Classified as a human carcinogen.

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

·          Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which 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 acrylonitrile           exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·          Use Ultraflex ™ Neoprene gloves which are available from Lab Safety Supply, catalogue #2BD-11778.

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

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

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·          Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to acrylonitrile, 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 acrylonitrile 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:

DANGER

ACRYLONITRILE
CANCER HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

6.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Store acrylonitrile in a flammable liquids storage cabinet. 

q       Cover container to prevent vapor from escaping.

q       Spill-X-S which is available through Lab Safety Supplies, catalogue #BD-14628, must be available for use in case of a liquid spill less than 100 ml.

7.      Waste Disposal

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

8.      Decontamination of Equipment and Area

      No special requirements are needed.

9.      Spill and Accident Procedures

In the event of a liquid spill greater than 100 ml, immediately vacate and secure the area.  Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.

10. Medical Surveillance

Contact Environmental Health and Safety at 716-1221.