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C H E M I C A L S A F E T Y |
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Title: OSMIUM TETROXIDE |
Approved by:
David A. Brown, Director, EH&S | Effective Date: December 1, 2006
Revision Date:
Review Date: | SOP #
00029 |
1. Process
Osmium tetroxide is used either as a primary or secondary fixative on membranes for use under electron microscopy in a laboratory environment.
2. Physical Hazards
q Pale yellow solid
q Corrosive
q Oxidizer
q Incompatibilities and reactivities: acids, metals, excess heat, bases, combustible materials, hydrogen chloride, reducing agents and strong oxidizing agents.
3. Health Hazards
q Highly toxic known to impact human health in a very negative manner.
q Ailments include skin disease, damage of the respiratory tract, blindness and death.
q Causes eye and skin burns. May result in corneal injury. May cause blindness.
q Causes digestive and respiratory tract burns.
q Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract.
q May cause bronchopneumonia and possible death.
Can cause adverse reproductive effects.
q Aspiration hazard if swallowed.
q May cause kidney damage. Causes cough, sore throat, chest pain, and lightheadedness. Can enter lungs and cause damage.
q Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause adverse reproductive effects.
q Target Organ: Kidneys.
4. Personal Protective Equipment
q EYE PROTECTION
· Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which osmium tetroxide 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 osmium tetroxide exposure.
q HAND PROTECTION
· Safeskin ™ Purple Nitrile Xtra Exam Gloves are recommended for use with osmium tetroxide which is available through Fisher Scientific, catalog #19-149-864.
q LAB COATS, ETC.
· Lab coats, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling osmium tetroxide. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with osmium tetroxide.
q SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH
· Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to osmium tetroxide, 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 osmium tetroxide 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 Carefully transfer the chemical from the refrigerator to the hood.
q All osmium tetroxide work shall be done in the laboratory fume hood. The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved.
q Be careful when breaking an ampule so that no spill occurs in the hood.
q Cover the dish containing the chemical and your sample while in use.
q A recommended way to prevent the osmium vapors from escaping into the refrigerator while storing is to put the osmium tetroxide in a glass vacuum type blood collection tube.
q Spill-X-S Kit, which is available from Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14628, must be available in the event of a liquid spill less than 10 cc.
7. Waste Disposal
q Excess osmium tetroxide and all waste material containing osmium tetroxide must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE OSMIUM TETROXIDE WASTE". Full containers of osmium tetroxide waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program.
q Dispose of all glassware (broken ampules, pipettes, etc.) and waste in a plastic disposable bag and dispose of material through WFUHS EH&S. Please no biohazard bags.
8. Decontamination of Equipment and Area
q In case of a small spill less than 10 cc inside the hood, neutralize with corn oil or sodium bisulfite solution (use about 1 teaspoon of sodium bisulfite in 25 mls of water).
q Save contaminated material for disposal through WFUHS EH&S.
9. Spill and Accident Procedures
In the event of a liquid spill greater than 10 cc, immediately vacate and secure the area. Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.