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C H E M I C A L S A F E T Y |
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Title: TOLUENE |
Approved by:
David A. Brown, Director, EH&S | Effective Date: December 1, 2006
Revision Date:
Review Date: | SOP #
00036 |
1. Process
Use of toluene in a laboratory environment.
2. Physical Hazards
q Colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor.
q Flammable (flashpoint is 40°F).
q It is incompatible with strong oxidizers.
3. Health Hazards
q Chronic exposure by inhalation or skin contact may result in liver or kidney damage.
q Symptoms of acute exposure can lead to dermatitis, dizziness and headache.
q May irritate eyes, nose and respiratory tract.
q Toluene can be absorbed through the skin and may cause dermatitis.
4. Personal Protective Equipment
q Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which toluene 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 toluene. 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 toluene exposure.
q Safety Shower/Eyewash - Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to toluene, 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 should be available within the immediate work area whenever the potential exists for eye or skin contact with toluene.
q Lab coats, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling Toluene. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with toluene.
q Use of Cobraâ„¢ Viton Chemical Resistant Gloves are recommended for use against toluene which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-86549.
5. Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices
All toluene 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.
q Wash hands thoroughly after use
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 toluene and all waste material containing toluene must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE TOLUENE ". Full containers of toluene 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.