1.      Process

Use of carbon disulfide in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Colorless to faint-yellow liquid with a sweet ether-like odor. (Note: Reagent grades are foul-smelling.)

q       This material is extremely flammable with a flashpoint of -22°F.

q       Incompatibilities and Reactivities: amines; azides; chemically-active metals such as sodium, potassium & zinc; halogens; rust; and strong oxidizers, vapors may be ignited by contact with ordinary light bulb.

3.      Health Hazards

Effects of overexposure may include:

q       Dizziness, headache, poor sleep, fatigue, nervousness, anorexia, weight loss; psychosis.

q       Polyneuropathy.

q       Parkinson-like syndrome.

q       Ocular changes.

q       Coronary heart disease.

q       Gastritis.

q       Kidney and/or liver injury.

q       Eye, skin burns.

q       Dermatitis.

q       Reproductive effects.

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

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

q       HAND PROTECTION

·          Use of Cobra™ Viton Chemical Resistant Gloves are recommended for use against carbon disulfide, which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-86549.

q       LABCOATS, ETC.

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

 q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·          Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to carbon disulfide, 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 Carbon Disulfide 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       Keep container closed.

q       Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame.

q       Store in a cool dry place.

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

q       Carbon disulfide is an acutely hazardous waste

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

8.      Decontamination of Equipment and Area

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

9.      Spill and Accident Procedures

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