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C H E M I C A L S A F E T Y |
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Title: DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE |
Approved by:
David A. Brown, Director, EH&S | Effective Date: December 1, 2006
Revision Date:
Review Date: | SOP #
00014 |
1. Process
Use of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) in a laboratory environment.
2. Physical Hazards
q Colorless, essentially odorless liquid.
q Flashpoint is 192°F.
q Incompatibilities and Reactivities: organic and inorganic acid chlorides, strong oxidizing agents, alkali metals, hydrobromic acid, and acidic solutions of alkali bromides; prolonged heating above 150°C can cause rapid decomposition.
q Freezes (solidifies) at 18°C (64°F).
3. Health Hazards
q Dimethyl Sulfoxide has shown very few toxic symptoms in humans.
q The most common are nausea, skin rashes and an unusual garlic-onion-oyster smell on body and breath.
q High vapor concentrations may cause headache, dizziness, and sedation.
q Stinging and burning of the skin as well as rashes and vesicles have been seen. A heat reaction may occur if applied to wet skin.
q Avoid contact with Dimethyl Sulfoxide solutions containing toxic material or materials whose toxicological properties are not known.
q Dimethyl Sulfoxide easily penetrates the skin, but because of Dimethyl Sulfoxide’s low toxicity and the fact that Dimethyl Sulfoxide does not carry less-permeable substances with it through the skin, it can be concluded that Dimethyl Sulfoxide does not pose a significant threat by skin absorption.
4. Personal Protective Equipment
q EYE PROTECTION
· Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which Dimethyl Sulfoxide 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 Dimethyl Sulfoxide exposure.
q HAND PROTECTION
· Use of Butyl rubber or neoprene gloves are recommended which are available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14998, medium weight. Check catalogue for sizes and finishes. For Neoprene Gloves, catalogue # 2BD-11778.
q LAB COATS, ETC.
· Lab coats, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling Dimethyl Sulfoxide. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with Dimethyl Sulfoxide.
q SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH
· Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to Dimethyl Sulfoxide 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 DMSO 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 Store in a cool dry place.
q Keep away from heat and open flame.
q Keep tightly closed.
q Store away from heat and light.
q Distill with caution.
q Keep container tightly closed, in a well-ventilated place. Freezes (solidifies) at 18°C (64°F)
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.
7. Waste Disposal
Excess Dimethyl Sulfoxide and all waste material containing Dimethyl Sulfoxide must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE". Full containers of Dimethyl Sulfoxide 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.