Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Diethyl Zinc
Please fill out the form completely. Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
______
Department:______Date when SOP was written:______
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: ______
Principal Investigator:______
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:______
Laboratory Phone:______Office Phone:______
Emergency Contact:______
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:______
(Building/Room Number)
______
Type of SOP: Process Hazardous Chemical Hazardous Class
Purpose
Diethyl Zinc is pyrophoric (air reactive), hygroscopic (moisture sensitive), heat sensitive and a highly water reactive chemical. It should therefore be handled under inert atmosphere. If not handled properly, this can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of laboratory personnel, emergency responders and chemical waste handlers. This SOP helps to understand how to properly store, handle and dispose of Diethyl Zinc.
Common Uses: Diethyl Zinc is used in organic synthesis as a source of the ethyl synthon in addition reactions to carbonyl groups. Because of its high reactivity toward air, it was used in small quantities as a hypergolic or "self igniting" liquid rocket fuel -- it ignites on contact with oxidizer, so the rocket motor need only contain a pump, without a spark source for ignition. In microelectronics, diethyl zinc is used as a doping agent.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
Class: Pyrophoric
Synonyms: Zinc diethyl
Formula: C4H10Zn
Molecular Weight: 123.51 g/mol
CAS-No.: 557-20-0
Appearance
Form: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Safety data
Melting point/freezing point - Melting point/range: -28 °C (-18 °F) - lit.
Boiling point 117 °C (243 °F) - lit.
Flash point: -18 °C (0 °F) - closed cup
Density: 1.205 g/cm3 at 25 °C (77 °F)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Emergency Overview
· Pyrophoric liquid
· Decomposes violently in water
· Skin contact can cause severe burns
· Fumes may cause Zinc Fume Fever (ZnFF) and a hypothermic reaction
· Fumes may cause skin and eye irritation.
· Avoid inhalation of fumes
OSHA Hazards
Flammable liquid, Pyrophoric, Corrosive
GHS Classification
Flammable liquids (Category 2)
Pyrophoric liquids (Category 1)
Substances, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases (Category 1)
Skin corrosion (Category 1B)
Serious eye damage (Category 1)
Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1)
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statement(s)
H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor
H250 Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air.
H260 In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary statement(s)
P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P222 Do not allow contact with air
P223 Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent reaction and possible flash fire.
P231 + P232 Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
P273 Avoid release to the environment
P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection.
P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician.
P370 + P378 In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction.
P422 Store contents under inert gas.
HMIS Classification
Health hazard: 3
Flammability: 4
Physical hazards: 3
NFPA Rating
Health hazard: 3
Fire: 3
Reactivity Hazard: 3
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation May be harmful if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.
Skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns.
Eyes Causes eye burns.
Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
Cough, Shortness of breath, Headache and Nausea
Exposure Controls
OSHA or ACGIH:
TLV (TWA) = 5 mg/m3 (zinc oxide fume)
TLV (STEL/CEIL) = 10 mg/m3 (zinc oxide fume)
PEL (TWA) = 5 mg/m3 (zinc oxide fume)
Basic Training Requirements
· Lab personnel working with Diethyl Zinc must have attended the ‘Lab Safety Fundamental Concepts’ (LSFC) classroom training offered by EH&S. Please refer to the link below for training schedule and enrollment information: http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1003938#Laboratory_Safety
· To work with Diethyl Zinc, the lab personnel must have had hands-on training provided by the lab PI/Supervisor. This training must be documented in the form of a log sheet with name of the trainer, name of the trainee, UID, date of training and signature of both trainer & trainee.
· Lab personnel working with Diethyl Zinc must have attended the ‘Fire Extinguisher Hands-on Training’. Please refer to the link below for training schedule and enrollment information: http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1003938#Fire_Extinguisher_Training
· Lab personnel working with Diethyl Zinc must read and sign this SOP on the last page.
· Please review ‘Procedures for Safe Use of Pyrophoric Liquid Reagents’ - http://www.chemistry.ucla.edu/file-storage/publicview/pdfs/SOPLiquidReagents.pdf
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory protection
General guidelines: Respirators should be used only under any the following circumstances:
· As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted).
· When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that PEL will be exceeded.
· Regulations require the use of a respirator.
· An employer requires the use of a respirator.
· There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of PEL)
· As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
Note: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus - SCBA must be used during spill / emergency response.
Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1004655)
Hand protection
Handle with fire resistant gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with Diethyl zinc.
Wash with warm water and soap, dry hands.
Eye protection
Safety goggles & face shield.
Skin and body protection
Fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based)
Cotton based clothing/attire.
Full length pants or equivalent
Close toed shoes (safety shoes)
Hygiene measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling Diethyl zinc.
Engineering Controls
NOTE: To be stored and handled always in a glove box or under inert atmosphere - Dry nitrogen containing less than 5 ppm oxygen and less than 5 ppm of moisture is recommended.
First Aid Procedures
Note: Prompt medical attention is required in all cases of exposure to Diethyl zinc and its by-products.
Rescue personnel should be equipped with appropriate protective equipment (e.g. Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus - SCBA) to prevent unnecessary exposure and must be aware of the fire and explosion potential of Diethyl zinc.
Skin
Contact may cause severe burns. Fumes may cause irritation.
Immediately flush affected areas with large quantities of water.
Remove affected clothing as rapidly as possible only if not stuck to skin.
Eyes
Contact may cause severe burns. Fumes may cause irritation.
Persons with potential exposure to Diethyl zinc should not wear contact lenses. Flush contaminated eyes with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes. Hold eyelids open to ensure complete flushing.
Inhalation
May cause Zinc Fume Fever (ZnFF). Move exposed personnel to an uncontaminated area quickly using Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus - SCBA. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing has stopped, apply artificial respiration. Medical assistance should be sought immediately. Keep victim warm and quiet.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling
· Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
· Keep away from sources of ignition.
· Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
· To be handled always in a glove box or under inert atmosphere.
Conditions for safe storage
· Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
· Store under an inert atmosphere.
· Dry nitrogen is a suitable inert gas. Note: Dry nitrogen containing less than 5 ppm oxygen and less than 5 ppm of moisture is recommended.
· Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
· Never allow product to get in contact with water during storage.
· Air sensitive.
Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
· Vapors may form explosive mixture with air.
· Reacts violently with water.
Conditions to avoid
· Heat
· Flames and sparks.
· Extremes of temperature
· Direct sunlight
· Exposure to moisture
Materials to avoid
Reacts violently with water and strong oxidizing agents
NOTE: This product may react violently with air, water, and compounds containing active hydrogen such as alcohols and acids. Compounds containing oxygen or organic halide may react vigorously upon contact with the product.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Fire-fighting & Extinguishing Media
Conditions of flammability
Flammable in the presence of a source of ignition when the temperature is above the flash point. Keep away from heat/sparks/open flame/hot surface.
Suitable extinguishing media
Class D fire extinguisher. Always use dry powder, soda ash or lime. Vermiculite or dry sand may also be used.
Note: DO NOT USE water, foam or halogenated compounds (Carbon tetrachloride – CCl4 or Chlorobromomethane) to fight fires involving organometallic materials, as product either reacts violently or liberates toxic fumes and vapors on contact with these agents.
Special protective equipment for fire-fighters
Wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for fire-fighting if necessary.
Hazardous combustion products
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Carbon oxides, Zinc/zinc oxides
Personal precautions
· Use Personal Protective Equipment (Please refer to PPE section).
· Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas.
· Ensure adequate ventilation.
· Remove all sources of ignition.
· Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
· Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations.
· Vapors can accumulate in low areas.
Environmental precautions
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal. Do not flush with water.
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
Spill – Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors. Eliminate sources of ignition if the chemical is flammable. 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.).
Dial 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 immediately 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 x59797 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S at x59797 immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911 or x52111
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) or contact the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (emergency room) directly at x52111 (located at 757 Westwood Plaza, enter from Gayley Avenue). Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF), x56771, CHS room 67-120 (This is on the 6th floor, 7th corridor, room 120. Enter through the School of Dentistry on Tiverton Drive and proceed to the “O” elevator to the 6th floor.)Hours: M - F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center (emergency room) at x52111. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure)– Wash the affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick nurse by dialing 231 from a campus phone, enter 93333 when prompted and then enter your extension. Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center (emergency room) at x52111. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
NOTE: All Diethyl zinc waste containers must be tightly closed at all times and must be stored under inert atmosphere.
Diethyl zinc waste is listedasExtremely Hazardous (EH) Waste by the State. Even the containers (irrespective of the size) which once held Diethyl zinc must be disposed of as hazardous waste with anon-line hazardous waste tag affixed on the container. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774)
All dry hazardous waste must be double bagged (use only see through/transparent bags) and affixed with an on-line waste tag. Note: Black, Red, Orange or Yellow bags are prohibited by EH&S Hazardous Materials Division, for hazardous waste disposal.
On the on-line waste tag for the dry waste generated from Diethyl zinc;
In thecontents section, mention asDry Waste 99%
Diethyl zinc 1%
Type:Solid
Note: This is just an example of the waste composition in %
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
ü Label Waste
o Affix an on-line hazardous waste tag on all waste containers using the Online Tag Program http://otp.ucop.edu/ as soon as the first drop of waste is added to the container
ü Store Waste
o Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a designated location
o Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774
o Waste must be under the control of the person generating & disposing of it
ü Dispose of Waste