Standard Operating Procedure for Acrolein

Process or chemical

Acrolein extremely corrosive, extremely toxic, extremely flammable, reactive. Vapors are very
corrosive and will burn your eyes.

Personal Protective
Equipment

22 mil (nominal) gauge Viton or nitrile gloves outer glove with a 6 mil inner nitrile glove. Do not use
latex gloves. Double glove in case of leaks. Wear goggles and face shield to protect the face. Wear
heavy rubber apron, Tyvek lab coat and/or Tyvek sleeves. Ensure re-usable gloves are washed after
use, even if not visibly contaminated.

Ventilation controls

Only use acrolein in the fume hood. Keep container lids tightly closed.

Handling and storage

Store acrolein in a refrigerator designed and approved for storage of flammables. Or if necessary,
store acrolein in a flammable safety cabinet (specify exact location and room number.) Only use in
designated areas (specify specific fume hood, etc.) Store and/or label acrolein so it will only be
handled by those trained to use it. Store acrolein in metal containers. Keep away from heat, flames
and sources of ignition. Keep segregated from oxidizers, acids. Check for peroxides periodically; see
the UW Peroxide Guidelines on the EH&S Web site for more information.
Do not work alone with acrolein. Do not work with acrolein near sources of flame or ignition.

Spills and accidents

If skin is exposed to acrolein, remove clothing and rinse for 15 minutes in the safety shower. Send
someone to call 911 as soon as possible. If eye is exposed to acrolein, call 911 as soon as possible
and flush eyes for 15 minutes in the eye wash. If acrolein is inhaled, remove to fresh air and call 911.
When assisting a victim, be sure you are wearing gloves.
Evacuate the room and pull the fire alarm if acrolein spills are present in the room and/or there is risk
of fire. Try to turn off all sources of flame and ignition. During business hours, if there was no exposure
and there is no risk of fire, call EH&S at 206.543.0467 for further assistance. After business hours, call
911.
Spill cleanup do not clean up the spill if acrolein vapors are present in the room. If it is safe to clean
up the spill, wear PPE listed above. Use spill pads l. Clean up spill with spill pads or paper towels.
Double bag and securely fasten spill materials, including gloves. Request collection of spill materials
as hazardous waste.
Report the spill to EH&S via the Accident Online Reporting System (OARS).

Waste disposal

Acrolein waste is hazardous. Accumulate waste in a metal container with a screwtop lid and store in a
suitable area. Submit a Chemical Collection Request via the EH&S website for collection. Do not
accumulate large volumes of acrolein waste.

Particularly hazardous substance?

X YES

NO

If yes, fill out area below.

Approval required to use

Yes. Must take EH&S chemical safety training and be trained by the PI/Laboratory Manager
to use acrolein. Must demonstrate proficiency with procedures prior to being allowed to work
independently.

Decontamination

Ensure area is completely dry.

Designated use area(s)

Only use acrolein in the fume hood when no flames or sources of ignition are present.

Name:

Title:

Signature:

Date:

Laboratory PI:

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