Osmium Tetroxide sop template

Standard Operating Procedure for work with:

Osmium Tetroxide CAS #: 20816-12-0

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1. 
   Circumstances of Use:
   

Osmium tetroxide (OsO4) is a volatile white or yellow solid that is soluble in water. It has a characteristic chlorine-like acrid odor. Osmium tetroxide is used as a stain for electron microscopy, and as a fixative for biological samples.

2. 
   Site-Specific Use:
   

[Update this section to include site-specific procedures for the use of Osmium Tetroxide]

3. 
   Potential Hazards:
   

The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit is 0.002 mg/m^3. Osmium tetroxide is a strong oxidizer that will sublime (pass directly from solid to gas) at room temperature and can sublime somewhat when refrigerated. Inhalation of vapors can cause shortness of breath, coughing, headache, and nausea as well as chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Osmium tetroxide is highly toxic and ingesting small amounts can be fatal. Acute exposure can cause severe eye damage, blindness, dermatitis or lung/kidney damage. Chronic exposure to osmium tetroxide can result in accumulation in the liver and kidney causing damage to these organs. Osmium tetroxide can cause reproductive toxicity in animals but has NOT been shown to be a carcinogen or reproductive toxin in humans.

4. 
   Engineering Controls:
   

Always work with osmium tetroxide in a chemical fume hood. The use of a Biological Safety Cabinet for working with osmium tetroxide is NOT appropriate because it sublimes and the BSC’s filter will not trap the vapors. An eyewash-drench hose unit must be available in the immediate area.

5. 
   Work Practice Controls:
   

Use a less dangerous product than osmium tetroxide if possible, or purchase prepared dilute solutions of this agent. A designated work is required where osmium tetroxide is handled. Label the area with the following wording: “DANGER: Osmium Tetroxide in use. Oxidizing Agent, Severe Irritant, Causes Eye Damage, Toxic to Liver and Kidney, Authorized Personnel Only.” Line work surfaces with plastic-backed absorbent pads. Purchase a minimal amount of osmium tetroxide to do your work. Keep corn oil on hand to use for decontamination and in case of a spill – it deactivates osmium tetroxide. Keep containers closed as much as possible. If weighing osmium tetroxide powder and the balance cannot be located in a chemical fume hood, tare a container then add the powdered osmium tetroxide to the container in a chemical fume hood (NOT a Biological Safety Cabinet) and seal the container before returning to the balance to weigh the powder. Change gloves regularly (at least every two hours) and wash hands at the time of the glove change. Wash hands immediately after working with any concentration of osmium tetroxide. [Update this section with site-specific work practice controls]

6. 
   Personal protective equipment (PPE):
   

Two pairs of standard nitrile laboratory gloves and a fully buttoned lab coat with sleeves extending to the wrists should be worn when handling osmium tetroxide. Chemical-protective sleeves or wrist guards, or extended-cuff gloves, are recommended. Wear chemical splash goggles (safety glasses are not sufficient). If there is risk of splash, also wear a face shield.

7. 
   Transportation and Storage:
   

The dry powders and concentrated solutions must be in sealed shatter-resistant glass containers, within secondary containment for storage or transportation. NOTE: Osmium tetroxide can penetrate plastic. Osmium tetroxide should be kept in a refrigerator and should be stored separately from hydrochloric acid and other acids, bases, organic materials, metals, strong reducing agents, and strong oxidizing agents.

8. 
   Waste Disposal:
   

The user is responsible for the collection, tagging and disposal of waste. Osmium tetroxide waste, including contaminated debris, pure solid or unneeded solutions, should be disposed of as soon as possible and in accordance with the University’s procedures. All OsO4 containing materials are to be considered “Hazardous Waste” upon completion of an experiment. Liquid waste should be stored in a heavy-duty glass or plastic container, and solid waste should be stored in a wide mouth plastic container. Waste containers must be labeled “Hazardous Waste” and a University waste tag must be affixed to the outside of the container. Dispose of collected waste through the Environmental Compliance Unit (x5-2056)

9. 
   Exposures/Unintended contact:
   

Medical attention is available through UHS (x5-1160) for any exposure. Occupational exposures include: aerosol exposure/inhalation, ingestion, accidental injection, and tissue/transplancental absorption. For skin exposure to the chemical or the solutions: Use copious quantities of water to rinse off contaminated area. For eye or face exposures to the chemical or the solutions: Use the eyewash station to rinse the face or eyes. For eye exposures, open and close the eyes repeatedly to ensure eyes are clear of the chemical. If inhaled: Move the affected individual to fresh air and immediately contact University Health Services.

10. 
    Spill Procedure:
    

For a small spill (powder or < 5 mL solution within a chemical fume hood): Soak kitty litter in corn oil and cover the spill with the mixture. Corn oil acts as a neutralizer for osmium tetroxide and will turn black upon contact. After the spill has been absorbed, scoop up the material and dispose of it in a plastic bag. Next, wipe down the area with more corn oil followed by soap and water to decontaminate. Place all contaminated debris (absorbent material, paper towels, gloves, etc) in one bag, seal, and label with a Hazardous Waste tag. Contact Environmental Compliance at x5-2056 for a waste pickup. For large spills or any which occur outside a fume hood: Evacuate the area and call Public Safety (x13) to report the spill. Be available to provide safety information to the EH&S Spill Team.

11. 
    Training of personnel:
    

All personnel are required to complete the online General Lab Safety session either in-person or on-line. Training on lab-specific procedures and the hazards of osmium tetroxide is required for all personnel working with this material, and the training must be documented. The user must demonstrate competency and familiarity regarding the safe handling and use of this material prior to purchase. Training should include: Review of current SDS Review of the OSHA Lab Standard Review of the University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan Review of departmental safety manuals All personnel shall read and fully adhere to the laboratory-specific SOP, and shall document that they have read it by signing and dating this SOP.

“I have read and understand this SOP. I agree to fully adhere to its requirements.”

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