Explosives
Explosives
Explosives
Print a copy of this SOP and insert into your Safety on Site (SOS) Binder.
Department:
Principal Investigator:
Lab Phone:
Office Phone:
Emergency Contact:
(Name and Phone Number)
Contents
Highly Hazardous
Mass explosion hazard, projection hazard, or blast hazard.
Generally Hazardous
Minor hazard contained to package with no projection of fragments of appreciable size or
range.
The GHS and Cal/OSHA definition of the band is described in the table below:
UCI Hazard
GHS Category GHS H-Code Cal/OSHA Definitions
Level
Highly Explosives (Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, H200, H201, H202, H203,
Explosive
Hazardous 1.5 and “unstable explosive”) H205
Generally
Explosives (Division 1.4) H204 Explosive
Hazardous
Explosive compounds can create dangers from lacerations due to shrapnel (metal, glass, ceramic, etc.)
and burns due to fires that might accompany or follow the explosion. An explosion might also lead to
exposure to toxic chemicals.
Administrative Controls
In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.
General practices:
1. Consult with the EHS Fire Marshall prior to purchasing ATF/DOD explosives and fireworks.
2. Be sure to review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all chemicals to be used in the experiment.
3. Never work alone. At least one other person must be present in the same laboratory when any
work involving hazardous chemicals is being done.
4. Eliminate or substitute for a less hazardous material when possible.
5. Design your experiment to use the least amount of material possible to achieve the desired result.
7. Consult with the PI if the work involves procedure scale-up or other large quantities or there are
any questions regarding appropriate safety procedures.
Band-specific practices:
1. Before you work with potentially explosive compounds, discuss alternative strategies with your
PI.
3. Consult with the PI when scaling up above 50 mmol of potentially explosive compound or
reagent.
4. Federally regulated explosives are strictly controlled. Please refer to the most recent list from the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to see if the material you are interested in buying or
making a compound that is on their list:
http://www.atf.gov/regulations-rulings/rulemakings/general-notices.html. There are over 200
compounds and compound classes on the ATF list, including some surprisingly common
reagents like dinitrophenylhydrazine. If you want to purchase or synthesize any of the explosives
on the ATF list you must first contact EH&S.
5. Reduce the quantity of potentially explosive compounds that you work with. Buy less; store less;
use less. Minimize the quantity of potentially explosive compounds in the lab by tracking them in
the laboratory’s inventory and disposing of unused compounds.
Engineering Controls
In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.
General practices:
1. In general, it is preferable to perform all work with hazardous chemicals in a fume hood. Sash
height should be kept as low as possible to avoid the escape of vapors, gases and particulates.
2. Supplemental equipment such as blast shields should be used when working with chemicals or
processes that may result in explosions or pressure releases.
3. Consider the use of a glove box, toxic gas cabinet or other local exhaust in order to further
contain hazards as appropriate.
Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection is generally not required for lab research, provided the appropriate engineering
controls are employed. Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a
regulatory requirement. If you think that your process may require respirator use, contact EH&S for
assistance (http://www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/ih/respiratory.html)
Hand Protection
Disposable nitrile gloves provide sufficient protection for most routine lab operations involving small
quantities. They should be changed if liquid is splashed onto them. They are not appropriate for longer
operations or operations using larger quantities.
For longer operations, or operations using larger quantities, use thicker gloves made from a material
appropriate for the specific chemical in use (e.g., natural rubber, butyl, neoprene, nitrile, PVA). When
working chemicals or processes that increase the risk of exposure to fire, use hand protection appropriate
to both the risk of chemical exposure and the risk from fire. Gloves must be inspected prior to use for
signs of wear or damage. Such gloves should be disposed of in accordance with appropriate laboratory
disposal practices.
Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with
any chemical residues on the surface. Wash and dry hands after use.
For additional information on selection of glove material, review the specific chemical Safety Data Sheet.
Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer’s website to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with a specific chemical substance. Common manufacturer glove selection guidance can be
found at::
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
http://www.mapa-pro.com/our-gloves/protections/chemical-protection/b/handled_product.html
Eye Protection
Use safety glasses with side shields or tightly fitting safety goggles whenever working in the laboratory.
Hygiene Measures
Wash hands immediately and thoroughly after handling chemicals. Any contaminated clothing should be
disposed of or washed before reuse.
Band-specific practices:
7. The use of a face shield in addition to safety glasses is recommended when working with
potentially explosive chemicals. This is true even when working in front of a fume hood sash do
to potential shattering in the event of a violent explosion.
8. Choose gloves that provide a balance between protection against lacerations (in case of an
explosion) and the agility needed to work nimbly with potentially explosive compounds.
Band-specific practices:
11. Do not transfer peroxides with metal spatulas or syringe needles; instead use a ceramic or
Teflon-coated spatula for solids, or a micropipettor for liquids. Metal ions, like those in rust, can
catalyze the violent decomposition of peroxides. Contact Your PI if you are unsure how to
measure out a peroxide or other dangerous compound.
12. Compounds like diazomethane (H2C=N2) are so unstable that sharp glass edges, or even ground
glass joints, can initiate detonation. If you need to make and use diazomethane, consult with your
PI and the SOP before making diazomethane for the first time. There are two types of special
apparatus for preparing diazomethane as ethereal solutions—the diazomethane generator has
no ground glass joints; the mini-Diazald apparatus has ClearSeal® fire-polished tapered joints.
Note: In many cases, (trimethylsily)diazomethane performs the same chemical transformations
as diazomethane (eg. Esterification) and provides a far safer and more convenient alternative, as
it is commercially available (Aldrich, ACROS, P&B) as a solution in hexane or ether that may be
safely transferred and metered by syringe techniques.
13. Follow the recommendations on the label when storing potentially explosive reagents. Store them
at low temperature in an explosion-proof refrigerator/freezer or in an explosion-proof cabinet that
do not contain flammable solvents. For newly synthesized potentially explosive chemicals with no
manufacturer label, it is always best to store them in an explosion-proof refrigerator/freezer
14. Designated area(s) for use and storage of potentially explosive chemicals must be established.
These designated areas must have a sign that at a minimum states “EXPLOSION RISK”. Keep
and store all potentially explosive chemicals away from all ignition sources such as heat, open
flames, spark sources and direct sunlight
15. Additional information regarding the safe handling and use of oxidizers can be found at:
a. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards
(section 4.D.3.1 “Explosive Hazards” and also section 6.G., “Working with highly reactive
or explosive chemicals.”) The National Academies Press: Washington, DC, 2011.
(http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=4911).
Consult the Safety Data Sheet for the subject chemical for specific first aid procedures. General first aid
procedures for hazardous chemicals are provided below.
If swallowed
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything
by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get
medical attention immediately.
Medical Emergency
Be familiar with information in the UC Irvine Injuries & Medical Treatment poster
(http://www.ehs.uci.edu/MedEmergPoster.pdf)
a. Life Threatening Emergency (all times: Business Hours, After Hours, Weekends and Holidays)--
CALL 911 if the condition is LIFE THREATENING or REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x46200 within 8 hours. Complete online incident
report at https://www.ehs.uci.edu/apps/hr/index.jsp
b. Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Notify your supervisor or faculty staff if condition is not life
threatening or does not require immediate medical attention.
ALL WORK RELATED INJURIES MUST BE REPORTED via the On-line Incident Form
https://www.ehs.uci.edu/apps/hr/index.jsp or call Human Resources, Workers Compensation (949)
824-9152.
Evacuate the spill area. Post someone or mark-off the hazardous area with tape and warning signs to
keep other people from entering the area. Keep the appropriate fire extinguisher nearby. Avoid
incompatible extinguishing agents. Use Class A-B-C or B-C for flammable liquids. Fire extinguishers
containing water are not suitable for flammable liquid fires.
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help contaminated or injured persons if safe to do so. Evacuate the
spill area. Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or
absorbent material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Large (>1 L, >100 g) – Dial 911 and EH&S at x46200 for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower
for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S at x46200 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water from the
emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention.
Notify supervisor and EH&S at x46200 immediately.
Label Waste
Hazardous waste labels must be placed on the hazardous waste container upon the start of
accumulation. Labels are available online at www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.
Store Waste
Hazardous waste containers must be kept closed, except when adding waste.
Hazardous waste containers must be stored in secondary containment to adequately contain all
of the contents of the container.
Hazardous waste containers must be inspected weekly for signs of leaks, corrosion, or
deterioration.
Dispose of Waste
Hazardous waste must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 6 months of being generated.
Empty Containers: At no time should full or partially full containers be placed in the trash. For
more information on empty container management visit www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.
Hazardous Waste Disposal:
o Visit www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.
o Fill out the “Chemical Waste Collection” form.
o EH&S will pick up your waste within 1-3 days.
Do not dispose of chemicals by pouring them down the drain or placing them in the trash.
Do not use fume hoods to evaporate chemicals.
Band-specific practices:
4. Decontamination of equipment:
a. Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other equipment (glassware) before removing them
from the designated area.
5. Decontamination of personnel:
a. Upon leaving the designated area, remove any personal protective equipment worn and
wash hands, forearms, face, and neck. Immediately after working with toxic materials,
remove gloves and wash hands and arms with soap and water.
6. Contaminated packaging:
a. For spent reagent bottles containing explosive compounds rinse out the compound with
enough solvent to render it safe. If you aren’t sure, use 20 mL inflammable solvent for
each mL or g of explosive compound.
7. Waste pick-up:
a. Schedule a hazardous waste pickup with EH&S. The container should be labeled with a
waste tag that is labeled as potentially explosive.
Required Training/Approvals
In addition to the practices described below, follow procedures as specified in the lab-specific and special
handling/use sections of this SOP.
1. Must be pre-approved by the Principal Investigator prior to use and all training must be well
documented.
4. Must read the relevant Safety Data Sheet (formerly referenced as Material Safety Data Sheets).
5. Any additional laboratory specific training that is needed is referenced in the 'Laboratory Specific
Use Procedures' section. Signed and dated training documents must be uploaded into each
assigned researchers training records.
Band-specific practices:
1. All persons performing work involving energetic materials (explosives) must follow the training
and authorization steps described in the Administrative Controls section above.
Additional Notes
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
Documentation of Training
Prior to conducting any work with the subject chemicals, designated personnel must provide
training to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards and procedures involved in
working with these substances.
The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and
a copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.
The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended
appropriate laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last one year.
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Lab-Specific Use Procedures
The following describe how the subject chemicals are used in this laboratory beyond the practices
described above.
This section must describe lab-specific procedures to address the safe use of all highly hazardous
chemicals from this band in use in the laboratory. These procedures may be organized around specific
chemicals, specific tasks or the band as a whole. The following minimum requirements must be met:
Identify designated use areas within the laboratory for highly hazardous chemicals in the following
hazard bands:
o Carcinogens
o Reproductive Toxins
o Toxic Chemicals
Identify maximum use quantities for which the procedures in this band apply.
If it is determined that this hazard band SOP is sufficient to address the safe use of all subject
chemicals in this lab, then include the following statement in this section: “Procedures described
in this hazard band SOP are sufficient for addressing the safe use of subject chemicals in this
laboratory within the listed quantity limitations.”
If it is determined that this hazard band SOP is not sufficient to address the safe use of all
chemicals from that band in the lab, then write lab-specific procedures for to address these high
hazard operations. Such operations are generally indicated by:
o tasks requiring the use of specialized PPE,
o tasks using highly hazardous chemicals outside of the fume hood,
o tasks using larger quantities of hazardous chemicals,
o tasks involving the use of particular chemicals considered by UCI EHS to be extremely
hazardous, and
o tasks considered to present high risk by lab personnel.
A few examples of what lab-specific tasks may look like are provided below:
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3) Transfer the electrode to the test solution.
4) If using a stir plate, make sure the electrode does not touch the stir bar.
5) Record the pH when the reading is stable (5–20 seconds after insertion of the electrode into the
solution)
6) Add dilute acid or dilute base drop-wise until the correct pH is reached.
7) Rinse the electrode with deionized water and store according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Make sure the acid and base caps are on tightly.
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