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C H E M I C A L S A F E T Y |
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Title: FORMIC ACID |
Approved by:
David A. Brown, Director, EH&S | Effective Date: December 1, 2006
Revision Date:
Review Date: | SOP #
00018 |
1. Process
Use of formic acid in a laboratory environment.
2. Physical Hazards
q Colorless liquid with a pungent, penetrating odor.
q Combustible.
q Flammable.
q Incompatibilities and Reactivities: protect from moisture, strong oxidizing agents, strong bases and finely powdered metals.
3. Health Hazards
q Corrosive.
q Irritation of the eyes, skin and throat.
q Skin burns and dermatitis.
q Lacrimation (discharge of tears) and rhinorrhea (discharge of thin nasal mucous), cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty) and nausea.
q Target Organs: kidneys and liver.
4. Personal Protective Equipment
q EYE PROTECTION
· Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which formic acid 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 or Use a MonoShield™ Face shield if there is potential for splash during mixing or material transfer operations. Lab Safety Supply, Cat # 2BD-1402.
· Contact lenses should not be worn if the potential exist for formic acid exposure.
q HAND PROTECTION
· Use Neoprene Gloves when handling formic acid. Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-11778.
q LAB COATS, ETC.
· Lab coats, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling Formic acid. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with formic acid.
q SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH
· Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to acetaldehyde, 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 formic acid 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 Do not breathe vapor.
6. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements
q Keep tightly closed.
q Store in a cool dry place.
q May develop pressure - vent periodically.
q Spill-X-A Kit which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14626 must be available for use in case of liquid spill less than 300 cc.
7. Waste Disposal
Excess formic acid and all waste material containing formic acid must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE FORMIC ACID ". Full containers of formic acid 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.