Reactive Solids

If compliance with all the requirements of this standard operating procedure is not possible, the principal investigator must develop a written procedure that will be used in its place. This alternate procedure must provide the same level of protection as the SOP it replaces. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is available to provide guidance during the development of alternate procedures.

Reactive solids are chemicals that react vigorously with moisture and other substances. The most common reactive solids include sodium, potassium and lithium metals; acid anhydrides and acid chlorides.
 

Not applicable
 

• Personnel: Wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling reactive solids. 
• Area: Carefully clean work area after use. 

Not applicable
 

Emergency procedures which address response actions to fires, explosions, spills, injury to staff, or the development of sign and symptom of overexposure must be developed The procedures should address as a minimum the following:

• Who to contact: (University police, and Office of Environmental Health and Safety, Principal investigator of the laboratory including evening phone number)
• The location of all safety equipment (showers, spill equipment, eye wash, fire extinguishers, etc.)
• The location and quantity of all reactive solids in the laboratory
• The method used to alert personnel in nearby areas of potential hazards
• Special first aid treatment required by the type of reactive solids material(s) handled in the laboratory

Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling reactive solids. Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection. (Contrary to popular opinion these glasses cannot pass the rigorous test for industrial safety glasses.) Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the PracticeforOccupational and Educational Eyeand FaceProtection (ANSI Z.87. 1 1989) and must be equipped with side shields. Safety glasses with side shields do not provide adequate protection from splashes; therefore, when the potential for splash hazard exists other eye protection and/or face protection must be worn.
 

Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to reactive solids, suitable facilities for quick drenching 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.

Many reactive solids will liberate hydrogen when they react with water. The use of a fume hood is recommended to prevent the buildup of combustable gases.
 

Glove boxes may be used to handle reactive solids if inert or dry atmospheres are required.

Gloves should be worn when handling reactive solids. Disposable latex or nitrile gloves provide adequate protection against accidental hand contact with small quantities of most laboratory chemicals. Lab workers should contact OEHS for advice on chemical resistant glove selection when direct or prolonged contact with hazardous chemicals is anticipated.
 

Hazard assessment of work involving reactive solids should address proper use and handling techniques, fire safety (including the need for Class D fire extinguishers), storage, potential peroxide formation, water and air reactivity, and waste disposal issues.
 

Not applicable.

Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling reactive solids. Additional protective clothing should be worn if the possibility of skin contact is likely.

Safety shielding is required any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a highly exothermic reaction. All manipulations of reactive solids which pose this risk should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the lowest feasible position. Portable shields, which provide protection to all laboratory occupants, are acceptable.

A safety or drench shower should be available in a nearby location where the reactive solids is used.

Containers: All reactive solids must be clearly labelled with the correct chemical name. Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical formulas and structural formulas are not acceptable.
 

Reactive solids should be stored in a cool and dry location. Keep reactive solids segregated from all other chemicals in the laboratory. Minimize the quantities of reactive solids stored in the laboratory. 

Date all containers upon receipt. Potassium will form peroxides and superoxides when stored under oil at room temperature. Examine storage containers frequently. Dispose of any container that exhibits salt build up on its exterior. Dispose of all reactive solids whenever they are no longer required for current research.

Never return excess chemicals to the original container. Small amounts of impurities may be introduced into the container which may cause a fire or explosion.

Special ventilation is required if these materials are used outside of a fume hood or glove box. If your research does not permit the handing of reactive solids in a fume hood or glove box you must contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety to review the adequacy of all special ventilation.

Anticipate spills by having the appropriate clean up equipment on hand. The appropriate clean up supplies can be determined by consulting the material safety data sheet. This should occur prior to the use of any reactive solids chemical. Spill control materials for reactive solids are designed to be inert and will not react with the reagent.

In the event of a spill alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred. Do not attempt to handle a large spill of reactive solids. Turn off all ignition sources and vacate the laboratory immediately. Call for assistance.

* Office of Environmental Health & Safety 292-1284

* 911 This is a 24 hour service.

Not applicable