Effective Date: November 8, 2005

Revision Date:

INSTRUCTIONS: Please have each staff member who will be working with this chemical review
this Standard Operation Procedure (SOP). In Section 6 Signatures, list each of the personnel assigned to the project, and have them initial in the box provided to indicate that he/she has read and understands this SOP. Send a completed copy to your campus EOHSS. The address can be found in section 7.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE for the Safe Use of Sodium Azide in the Laboratory
PHYSICAL AND HEALTH HAZARD SUMMARY
1. Sodium azide is highly acutely toxic by all routes of exposure. It can cause hypotension, hypothermia, headache, shortness of breath, faintness and convulsions or death. The oral LD50 (rat) for sodium azide is 27 mg/kg and the skin (rabbit) LD50 is 20 mg/kg. 2. 3. 4. When mixed with water or an acid, sodium azide rapidly hydrolyzes in water to form hydrazoic acid, a highly toxic and flammable gas. When heated to ~275C, sodium azide may undergo violent decomposition. Sodium azide reacts with lead, copper, silver, gold, and metal halides to form heavy metal azides which are explosive.

REQUIRED WORK PRACTICES FOR USING SODIUM AZIDE

1. Work with sodium azide should take place in a chemical hood that has been inspected within the past twelve (12) months. Work with the sash lowered. Check the hood monitor to verify hood function before beginning work. If the hood does not have a monitor, contact EOHSS for assistance. (See Section 4.4 for more information.) Wear two pairs of nitrile gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses when working with sodium azide. (See Section 4.5 for more information) Do not store on metal shelves or use metal items to handle sodium azide (i.e., spatulas). Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT, AIR, LIGHT and MOISTURE. Sodium azide and all other acutely toxic materials should be stored in a secondary container and locked in a cabinet or drawer. Drain disposal of sodium azide solutions is not permitted. In the event of an emergency (spills, personal injury) involving sodium azide, follow the instructions on the Laboratory Emergency Response Guide. (See Section 5 for more information) All general safe work practices, i.e. No eating, drinking, chewing gum, or pipetting by mouth, are expected to be followed when working with sodium azide.

2. 3. 4.
5.

6. 7.

8.

1. INTRODUCTION This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes procedures for safe handling, transport and storage of sodium azide, also known as azide, azium, smite and the sodium salt of hydrazoic acid (CAS # 26628-22-8). This SOP addresses only the use of pure sodium azide and its solutions at 5% or greater in the laboratory. It assumes that all of the UMDNJ minimum safety requirements, as detailed in the latest version of the UMDNJ Laboratory Safety Plan, have been implemented. Background Dilute solutions of sodium azide are used in research laboratories as a preservative. This use generally presents no extraordinary dangers to the user, but it should be noted that weak solutions of sodium azide (0.1 to 1.0%) are eye and skin irritants. Of greater concern is the use and storage of pure sodium azide and solutions of 5% or greater sodium azide. Use of these materials presents both physical hazards, in the form of explosions, and heath hazards, as sodium azide is highly acutely toxic. Sodium azide can cause hypotension, hypothermia, headache, shortness of breath, faintness, convulsions and death. It is toxic by all routes of exposure. The oral LD50 (rat) for sodium azide is 27 mg/kg and the skin (rabbit) LD50 is 20 mg/kg. The LC
50

(rat) is 37 mg/m3.

In addition, it is a mutagen, and should be treated as a possible carcinogen. Sodium azide rapidly hydrolyzes in water to form hydrazoic acid, a highly toxic and explosive gas. It is thermally unstable, and if heated to ~275C, sodium azide may undergo violent decomposition It can easily form explosive compounds when it comes in contact with or dries on metal surfaces. It can also react with metal pipe in laboratory sinks, traps and drains and with metal spatulas and lab

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equipment to form shock sensitive salts If sodium azide is introduced to waste water treatment systems in large volume or high concentration, the desirable anti-bacterial characteristics of this chemical can damage the water treatment process. 2. SCOPE This SOP addresses the use of sodium azide and solutions at 5% or greater concentrations in a research laboratory. This SOP assumes that all of the UMDNJ minimum safety requirements, as detailed in the latest version of the UMDNJ Laboratory Safety Plan have been implemented. 3. RESPONSIBILITY 3.1.All staff engaged in the use or handling of sodium azide, or working within a laboratory using sodium azide, are responsible for understanding all hazards associated with its use, and for using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). 3.2.The Principal Investigator is responsible for ensuring that his/her staff has been trained in the use, storage, handling and first aid procedures for sodium azide and maintaining records of this training. 3.3.Sodium azide use is restricted to the specific staff members who have had prior training in proper use, handling and storage, and first aid procedures. Each staff members name must appear on the listing in Section 6 of this document, and each staff member must initial by his/her name. 4. PROCEDURES 4.1.Training 4.1.1.Prior to conducting any work with sodium azide, the Principal Investigator must provide training to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance, work area decontamination,

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and emergency procedures. 4.1.2.The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a copy of the sodium azide MSDS provided by the manufacturer. 4.1.3.The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended initial laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last two years. NOTE: EOHSS is available to assist in the education and/or training of personnel concerning safe work practices. 4.1.4.Prior to conducting any work with sodium azide, the Principal Investigator must provide training to all laboratory personnel in his/her laboratory specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance, the requirement to limit activities to a Designated Area, procedures to clean and decontaminate all work areas and equipment after completing work with sodium azide, as well as first aid and emergency procedures. 4.1.5.The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a copy of the MSDS provided by the manufacturer for sodium azide or reagent purchased. A copy should also be inserted in the Laboratory Safety Plan binder 4.1.6.The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended initial laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last two years. 4.2.Signage 4.2.1.When sodium azide is in use, warning signs must be posted on the chemical hood and laboratory door until the sodium azide has been returned to storage and the use area has been decontaminated.

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Designated Area Caution Caution Sodium In Use - Highly Toxic Sodium Azide Azide In- Use Highly Toxic Authorized Personnel Only 4.2.2.Signs will include the information shown in the following Material Safety Data Sheets are available in Room__________ samples: For more information, please contact:____________________ Sample Chemical Hood Sign In the event of a chemical spill, contact Public Safety at ____

and ask for EOHSS to respond.

Sample Door Sign for When Sodium Azide Is In Use

4.2.3

Labels should include the name of the solution (i.e. 5% aqueous sodium azide), the CAS # for sodium azide (26628-22-8) and any diluting solvents. The CAS # for other diluents can be obtained from their MSDS sheet. The hazard ratings for sodium azide that should appear on the label are: Health = 3; Flammability = 1; Reactivity = 3. Suspect Cancer Agent.

4.3. Storage 4.3.1.Pure sodium azide and 5% or greater solutions must be stored in a location that is secure to unauthorized access. Examples are a locked drawer or cabinet, or a refrigerator within a laboratory that is locked

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when authorized personnel are not present. A refrigerator containing sodium azide must be labeled with a caution sign noting the presence of sodium azide and its hazards (highly toxic). 4.3.2.Store pure sodium azide and its solutions greater than 5% in appropriate, sealed containers within unbreakable secondary containment (i.e., a bottle or vial within a sealed compatible jar). Select a wellventilated, cool, dry area. Store away from metals, acids, carbon disulfide, bromine, chromyl chloride, hydrazine and dimethyl sulfate. Label all containers, including secondary containment, with the chemical name and hazard warning. 4.4. Handling and Solution Preparation 4.4.1.Sodium azide powder should be purchased in the smallest practical amount. Whenever possible, sodium azide should be purchased as a pre-mixed stock solution of less than 5%. 4.4.2.Whenever laboratory procedures require handling a fresh sodium azide powder or concentrated solutions of 5% or greater quantities, that may require assistance in case of a spill or accident, it is recommended that a second trained individual be present in the lab or in the vicinity. 4.4.3.Bottles containing solutions of sodium azide at 5% or greater or the pure powder must be opened and handled only in a chemical hood that has been certified within the last 12 months. The operation of the chemical hood must be verified by the use of a chemical hood monitoring device, a smoke test using a smoke generating tube, or a mechanical or electronic device that indicates airflow If there is any reason to believe the chemical hood is not operating properly

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(e.g., unusual noise, detectible odor or low flow), contact EOHSS to have the hood checked before using the hood. During use, the sash must be lowered to operating height or below. Containers of sodium azide must always be closed when not in use. 4.4.4.Use glassware with a wide base (such as Erlenmeyer flask) to increase stability. Triple rinse glassware in a hood with water or appropriate solvent to decontaminate before reusing. 4.4.5.Work with sodium azide should take place over polyethylene secondary containers or spill trays to facilitate cleanup and decontamination. 4.4.6.Wash hands thoroughly immediately after working with any concentration of sodium azide. 4.5. Personal Protective Equipment 4.5.1.The following minimum Personal Protective Equipment must be worn during operations involving sodium azide: 4.5.2.Splash-proof chemical goggles. 4.5.3.Wear disposable nitrile gloves. Doublegloving is recommended when working with pure sodium azide or sodium azide solutions greater than 5%. Change gloves frequently and when contaminated, punctured or torn. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves. 4.5.4.Wear a standard or disposable laboratory coat or disposable coveralls. A standard laboratory coat may be reused before laundering if it has not been contaminated with sodium azide. 4.5.5.A chemical-resistant apron with attached sleeves should be worn over the laboratory coat if working with larger amounts of solution or if there is a greater potential for splashing during the procedure. 4.5.6.A standard or disposable laboratory coat or

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disposable coveralls. A standard laboratory coat may be reused before laundering if it has not been contaminated with sodium azide. If a garment is contaminated, it must be washed in a controlled area to prevent sodium azide contamination of drains. 4.5.7.Closed-toed, leather shoes (not fabric or mesh). 4.5.8.In case of a significant spill resulting in grossly contaminated lab wear or personal clothing EOHSS should be contacted for information on proper handling. 5. EMERGENCIES 5.1 Spill of Sodium Azide Outside of the Chemical Hood: Phone the Public Safety Emergency number (Newark: 2-4490; Piscataway/New Brunswick: 5-4000; Camden and Stratford: 7-7777) immediately. Ask them to have EOHSS respond. DO NOT attempt to clean up a spill. Isolate the area to prevent the spread of contamination (e.g., close doors to affected area and post a warning sign). Alert personnel in the immediate area to evacuate. Attend to any injured personnel. Direct the EOHSS response team to the location of the spill. NOTE: Personnel must not attempt to clean up a spill of pure sodium azide or its solutions at 5% or greater that occur outside of a chemical hood.

5.2

Spill of Sodium Azide Inside the Chemical Hood: Small spills of sodium azide crystals should be swept up and surfaces cleaned with pH-adjusted water (pH greater than 9.0). Spills of sodium azide solution should be addressed by covering with absorbent material then cleaning surfaces with pH-adjusted water. Spill clean-up materials should be disposed of as hazardous waste. Notify EOHSS of the spill and spill cleanup procedure.

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If the spill is large or you are unsure of your ability to thoroughly address it, call the Public Safety Emergency number (above, Section 5.1.1) and ask EOHSS to respond.

5.3

Accidental Exposure to Sodium Azide 5.3.1 5.3.2 If sodium azide or hydrazoic acid has been inhaled, move the victim to fresh air immediately. If sodium azide has been spilled on skin or clothing, wash the affected area with large amounts of soap and water, using a safety shower or eyewash, as appropriate, for a minimum of 15 minutes. During washing, remove contaminated clothing and footwear. Remove goggle last. Those assisting the victim should wear protective gloves. A disposable laboratory coat or jumpsuit should be available for the exposed individual to wear after using a safety shower. If sodium azide has contacted the eyes, immediately flush for at least 15 minutes without stopping. Hold upper and lower eyelids open and away from the eyes during irrigation. Do not allow victim to rub eyes or keep eyes closed. Remove contact lenses if possible (Note: contact lenses should not be worn when working with this material). If necessary, continue flushing with personal eyewash or apply ice water compresses during transport to medical facility or eye specialist. Avoid rubbing of the eyes. Seek medical attention immediately. If you are sure the victim has ingested sodium azide, do not attempt mouth-tomouth CPR. When sodium azide is ingested, it mixes with stomach acid and forms hydrazoic acid. Performing mouth-to-mouth

5.3.3

5.3.4

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5.3.5

5.3.6

5.3.7

CPR on someone who has ingested sodium azide could expose you to hydrazoic acid. If sodium azide is ingested, do not induce vomiting, flush mouth immediately and give plenty of water to drink. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately. Person should receive medical follow-up treatment as for inhalation. Sodium azide exposure requires immediate first aid and medical treatment. Prompt first aid is essential, even if the victim does not exhibit any signs or symptoms, or feel any pain. First aid must be followed by treatment by a physician as soon as possible. Notify the victims supervisor, if immediately available. The supervisor, a co-worker, or the victim must contact the campus Employee/ Occupational Health Program to determine what additional steps should be taken.

Newark: Employee Health (973) 972-2900 Piscataway/New Brunswick: EOHSI Employee Health Services (732) 445-0123 Stratford: Kennedy Hospital (856) 346-7816 Camden: Cooper Occupational Health Services (856) 342-2990 If the incident occurs off-hours, or an ambulance is needed because of injury, contact Public Safety to advise them of the medical emergency. Newark: 2-4490 Piscataway/New Brunswick: 5-4000 Camden and Stratford: 7-7777 5.3.8 Arrangements with local medical resources should be made ahead of time to ensure

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that medical personnel are familiar with the toxicity and treatment of sodium azide exposure.If sodium azide has been inhaled, move the victim to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, oxygen should be administered. If breathing has stopped, artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag or mask should be provided. Speed is essential, medical attention must be obtained immediately. Staff must know how to obtain medical assistance quickly.

6.

SIGNATURES Principal Investigators: Use the following table to list all personnel who will handle sodium azide. The staff members initials indicate that the staff member has read this SOP and understands the hazards and safe work practices as detailed in this therein. Name Job Title
Initials*

Principal /Responsible Investigator (Print):___________________________ Principal /Responsible Investigator (Signature):_______________________ Date: _____________ 7. IF ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED 7.1.The current version of this form and additional information will

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be posted at: http://www2.umdnj.edu/eohssweb/forms.htm 7.2.EOHSS Campus Contact Information: Newark 65 Bergen Street Bergen Building Room 443 Newark, NJ 07107 (973) 972-4812 Fax (973) 972-3694 Piscataway 675 Hoes Lane - Trailer #1 Piscataway, NJ 08854 (732) 235-4058 Fax (732) 235-5270 New Brunswick Liberty Plaza Building Suite 2119 335 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08903 (732) 235-8376 Fax (732) 235-8370 Camden/Stratford University Educational Center 40 E. Laurel Road Suite 1031 Stratford, NJ 08084 (856) 566-6189 Fax (856) 566-6352 8. REFERENCES

8.1. CDC Chemical Emergencies Fact Sheet: Facts About Sodium

Azide. May 2003, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/sodiumazide/basics/facts.asp 8.2.Mallinckrodt Baker Inc. MSDS #S2906, Sodium Azide, 11/2/01. 8.3.American Azide Corporation MSDS, Sodium Azide, 9/19/2003. 8.4. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. 1995, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., Section 7.D.3.3, p. 165. 8.5. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. 1995, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. Laboratory Chemical Safety

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Summary (LCSS), Sodium Azide, http://www.hhmi.org/research/labsafe/lcss/lcss.html

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