1.      Process

Use of allyl chloride is used in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Colorless, brown, yellow, or purple liquid with a pungent, unpleasant odor.

q       Allyl chloride is a highly volatile extremely flammable liquid having a flashpoint of –20° F. It must never be used near an open flame or heat source.

q       Incompatibilities and reactivities: acids, amines, iron & aluminum chlorides, magnesium, strong oxidizers, and zinc

3.      Health Hazards

q       Routes of exposure include inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact.

q       Allyl chloride is readily absorbed through the skin.

q       It is very irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

q       Corneal burns have also resulted from exposure.

q       In the long term it damages the liver and kidneys.

q       It also affects the central nervous system causing motor and sensory neurotoxic damage.

q       It causes damage to the heart and respiratory system resulting in pulmonary edema.

q       EPA considers allyl chloride a possible 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 allyl chloride exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·          Use of Nitrile gloves are recommended when using Allyl Chloride and are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-1414655.

q       LABCOATS, ETC.

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

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·          Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to allyl chloride, 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 allyl chloride 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 shall be marked as follows:

Danger

Allyl Chloride

Cancer Hazard

6.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Allyl chloride must be stored in a flammable liquids storage cabinet in a tightly sealed container.

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

7.      Waste Disposal

Excess allyl chloride and all waste material containing allyl chloride must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE ALLYL CHLORIDE ". Full containers of allyl chloride 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 300 cc, immediately vacate and secure the area.  Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.