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C H E M I C A L  S A F E T Y

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Title:                                         PYRIDINE

Approved  by:

David A. Brown, Director, EH&S

Effective Date:  December 1, 2006
Revision Date:
 
Review Date:
 

SOP #
00035

1.      Process

Use of pyridine in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Colorless to yellow liquid with a nauseating, fish-like odor.

q       Flammable (it has a Flash Point of 68°F).

q       Compatible with strong acids and strong oxidizers.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Chronic exposure by inhalation may result in CNS depression, damage to the liver and kidneys and GI tract.

q       Symptoms of acute exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, anorexia, dermatitis or intoxication.

q       May irritate eyes, nose and respiratory tract.

q       Pyridine can be absorbed through the skin.

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which pyridine might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution.  Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling pyridine.  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 equipment with side shields.  Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended.

·          Contact lenses should not be worn if the potential exists for pyridine exposure.

q       Safety Shower/Eyewash - Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to pyridine, 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.

·          Eyewash fountains and emergency showers shall be available within the immediate work area whenever the potential exists for eye or skin contact with pyridine.

q       Lab coat, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling Pyridine. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with Pyridine.

q       Use of Ultraflexâ„¢ Neoprene gloves are recommended for use against pyridine which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-11778.

5.      Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices

All pyridine 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.  

6.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Keep away from ignition sources.

q       Incompatible with strong oxidizers or strong acids.

q       Wash hands thoroughly after use.

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 300 cc.

7.      Waste Disposal

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