SOP-Acrylamide

ACRYLAMIDE

#1 PROCESS

Use of Acrylamide in powder/dry form for making electrophoresis gels.

NOTE: DUE TO THE DANGER INHERENT IN MIXING ACRYLAMIDE FROM POWDER FORM,
IT MAY BE REASONABLE TO CONSIDER THE EXTRA COST OF USING PRE-WEIGHED
PACKETS OR PRE-MIXED LIQUID FORM.

#2 HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS/CLASS OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

Acrylamide monomer is highly toxic by inhalation and via skin contact (can penetrate
unbroken skin easily); also a suspected carcinogen. The polymer is not generally
considered as toxic.

SAFETY ALERT

Acrylamide

                       Several of our laboratories use acrylamide (acryl amide,
                       propenamide). A suspected animal carcinogen, acrylamide is
                       harmful if swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or
                       contacted by the eyes. It can polymerize violently at
                       temperatures above 65 degrees C. Containers may explode if
                       exposed to heat or light. Repeated skin contact (even by 1.0%
                       solutions) may cause irreversible nervous system disturbances.
                       Consequently, rubber gloves, goggles and lab coats should
                       always be worn when working with acrylamide or acrylamide
                       solutions and all work with solid acrylamide should be done in a
                       hood. Prevent contamination of acrylamide with readily
                       oxidizable materials and polymerization accelerators. Store
                       away from heat and flame. As with all laboratory chemicals, do
                       not mouth pipet acrylamide solutions and be sure that such
                       solutions are clearly labeled with full chemical name and
                       hazard.

                       Symptoms of exposure to acrylamide include skin irritation,
                       difficulty with breathing, drowsiness, fatigue, tingling of the
                       fingers, and nerve and visual disturbance. Onset of symptoms
                       is sometimes delayed. In case of exposure by inhalation,
                       remove to fresh air, then call Employee Health Services, or, if
                       breathing is difficult, call 911 for immediate medical attention.
                       For eye or skin exposure, immediately flush with plenty of water
                       for at least 15 minutes, remove clothing in the shower and get
                       medical attention. In case of ingestion, call for immediate medical care.

As with all accidents, report any exposure as soon as possible
to your Lab Supervisor and Lab Director.

#3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Gloves should be used when potential for skin contact exists. Disposable nitrile, neoprene,
natural rubber, viton, PVC, or butyl gloves should be worn. Safety glasses with side
shields, or goggles should be worn. A laboratory coat should be worn when working with
chemicals.

#4 ENGINEERING/VENTILATION CONTROLS

Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls such a
fume hood or weighing hood to reduce dust concentrations as low as reasonably
achievable. Engineering controls should be used whenever feasible to maintain airborne
acrylamide concentrations at the lowest achievable levels.

#5 SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

Powder easily becomes airborne and may result in personal exposure and area
contamination. Use care to avoid dispersing dust. Keep container tightly closed to prevent
acrylamide from subliming and entering the atmosphere. Store in cool place. Keep from
contact with oxidizing materials, reducing agents, acids, bases, metal and contaminants.

#6 SPILL AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES

Wear appropriate protective clothing. If potential respiratory hazard exists call OSU- EHS
(292-1284). Collect spills into appropriate waste container. Avoid creation of airborne dust.

SMALL LIQUID SPILL
Absorb with sand or other non-combustible absorbent materials and place into containers
for later disposal. Treat site with 1.6% potassium persulfate, then with 1.6 % sodium
metabisulfite. Let stand for 30 minutes, then wash with plenty of water.

SMALL DRY SPILL: Scrape material into clean, dry containers and cover. Do NOT create
airborne dust. Treat site with 1.6% potassium persulfate, then with 1.6 % sodium
metabisulfite. Let stand for 30 minutes, then wash with plenty of water.

LARGE SPILL
Notify others in room of spill. Evacuate room/immediate area. Call OSU-EHS for cleanup
(292-1284). Post room with warning notifying others of spill. Prevent unnecessary entry
into area until arrival of EHS response team. Provide assistance and information to spill
responders.

#7 WASTE DISPOSAL

Dispose of waste through EHS.
Dispose of acrylamide as hazardous waste or as mixed waste if radioisotopes are present.

#8 SPECIAL APPROVAL REQUIRED

Recommended.

#9 DECONTAMINATION

Periodically treat area where unpolymerized acrylamide is used with 1.6% potassium
persulfate, then with 1.6 % sodium metabisulfite. Let stand for 30 minutes, then wash
with plenty of water.

#10 DESIGNATED AREA

Recommended.

#11 LABELING

Whenever acrylamide is mixed and stored outside its original container, it must be clearly marked
with its concentration and a description of its hazards.

Use this PDF and Avery Label # 5165 to print suitable label.

#12 REFERENCES

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Lab Chemical Safety Summary-Acrylamide

Printed MSDS-Acrylamide