Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

1.      Process

Use of picric acid is used as a staining agent and reagent in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Odorless yellow crystal with an intense bitter taste

q       Flammable

q       Explosive compound in dry form

q       Incompatibilities and Reactivities: picric acid forms salts with many metals some of which are rather sensitive to heat, friction or impact, e.g., lead, iron, zinc, nickel, copper, etc. and should be considered dangerously sensitive. The salts formed with ammonia and amines, and the molecular complexes with aroma-tic hydrocarbons, etc, are in general not so sensitive. Contact of picric acid with concrete floors may form the friction-sensitive calcium salt. Dry mixtures of picric acid and aluminum powder are inert, but the addition of water causes ignition after a delay dependent upon the quantity added. Storage conditions: records of purchase dates should be maintained for each container. Material older than 2 years should be disposed. Inspect and add water every six months as needed. Rotate containers to distribute water every three months.  Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, reducing agents, heavy metals, heavy metal salts and ammonia.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Toxic.

q       Picric acid is a strong irritant and allergen that causes local, as well as systemic allergic reactions.

q       Sensitizer

q       Picric acid can cause skin damage and staining at the contact site as well as systemic poisoning when ingested or absorbed.

q       Symptoms of exposure may include:

·          Headache.

·          Nausea.

·          Vomiting.

·          Diarrhea.

·          Abdominal pain.

·          Itching.

·          Urinary dysfunction.

·          Stupor

·          Convulsions and death.

·          Hepatic and renal damage may also occur.

q       Target Organs: blood and kidney.  

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

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

·          Contact lenses shall not be worn if the potential exists for picric acid exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·         Use of Ultraflexâ„¢ Neoprene gloves are recommend for use against Picric acid which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-11778.

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

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

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·         Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to picric acid, 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 picric 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.  

6.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Picric acid and its derivatives shall be stored in small quantities in the original container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from sources of heat.

q       Picric acid is considered a flammable solid and is incompatible with oxidizers, reducing agents, inorganic salts, metals, alkaloids and albumin.

q       Improperly managed or stored picric acid may become sensitive to shock, friction, and heat.

q       Picric acid allowed to dry out to less than 10% water by volume becomes unstable and may pose an explosion hazard in your laboratory.

q       If the material appears dry, do not open or handle the container.

q       Spill-X-A Kit, which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalog # 2BD-14626, must be available in the event of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

7.      Waste Disposal

Excess picric acid and all waste material containing picric acid must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE PICRIC ACID ". Full containers of picric 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.