Standard Operating Procedures

Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific

Chemical: Heroin (Diacetylmorphine)

 

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 Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.

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_____________________________________________________________________________
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
Diacetylmorphine, better known as heroin, is a white crystalline solid. It is used as an analgesic and illegally as a recreational drug. It is illegal to manufacture, possess, or sell heroin without a license in almost every country including the United States. Heroin is a USDEA Schedule I Drug and requires special storage and disposal procedures.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 561-27-3
Class: Acutely toxic chemical (USDEA Schedule I Drug)
Molecular formula: C₂₁H₂₃NO₅
Boiling Point: No data
Melting Point: 171 - 174°C (340 - 345°F)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Danger of cumulative effects. Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin, and if swallowed.
Potential Health Effects:

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  Swallowed: Severely toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 5 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual. Limited evidence exists that the substance may cause irreversible but non-lethal mutagenic effects following a single exposure. Morphine and other analgesics cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness and confusion. Urination can be difficult, and the bowel and bile ducts can spasm.
  

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  Eye: Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result.
  

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  Skin: Skin contact with the material may produce severely toxic effects; systemic effects may result following absorption and these may be fatal. There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons. Contact dermatitis has been reported with morphine and other narcotic analgesics. Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material. Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.
  

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  Inhaled: Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material, during the course of normal handling, may produce severely toxic effects; these may be fatal. The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models).
  Nevertheless inhalation of dusts, or fume, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress. Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled. Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may produce serious damage to the health of the individual. Limited evidence exists that the substance may cause irreversible but non-lethal mutagenic effects following a single exposure.
  

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  Chronic Health Effects: Repeated or long-term occupational exposure is likely to produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems. Exposure to the material may result in a possible risk of irreversible effects. The material may produce mutagenic effects in man. This concern is raised, generally, on the basis of appropriate studies with similar materials using mammalian somatic cells in vivo. Such findings are often supported by positive results from in vitro mutagenicity studies. Chronic heroin poisoning or addiction causes pin-point pupils, rapid mood changes and poor social adaptation. As dependence and tolerance occurs, there is an overwhelming need to continue taking the drug or similar drugs and to increase the dose. Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung.
  

Repeated use is associated with various pulmonary pathologies, abnormal pulmonary function, myoglobinuria, renal failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Males may show gynaecomastia (enlarged breasts) and sexual dysfunction; females may show amenorrhoea (loss of menstruation) and sexual dysfunction. Direct neurological effects may also occur. Tolerance and physical and psychological dependence are common. Reproductive effects have been reported in animals

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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  Respirator: Particulate. (AS/NZS 1716 & 1715, EN 143:2000 & 149:2001, ANSI Z88 or national equivalent)
  

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  Eye: Chemical protective goggles with full seal are recommended. Another option is to use a shielded mask (gas-type). Contact lenses may pose a special hazard; soft contact lenses may absorb and concentrate irritants. A written policy document, describing the wearing of lens or restrictions on use, should be created for each workplace or task. This should include a review of lens absorption and adsorption for the class of chemicals in use and an account of injury experience. Medical and first-aid personnel should be trained in their removal and suitable equipment should be readily available. In the event of chemical exposure, begin eye irrigation immediately and remove contact lens as soon as practicable. Lens should be removed at the first signs of eye redness or irritation - lens should be removed in a clean environment only after workers have washed hands thoroughly. [CDC NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 59], [AS/NZS 1336 or national equivalent]
  

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  Hands: Elbow length PVC gloves. Suitability and durability of glove type is dependent on usage. Important factors in the selection of gloves include: frequency and duration of contact, chemical resistance of glove material, glove thickness and dexterity. Select gloves tested to a relevant standard (e.g. Europe EN 374, US F739, AS/NZS 2161.1 or national equivalent). When prolonged or frequently repeated contact may occur, a glove with a protection class of 5 or higher (breakthrough time greater than 240 minutes according to EN 374, AS/NZS 2161.10.1 or national equivalent) is recommended. When only brief contact is expected, a glove with a protection class of 3 or higher (breakthrough time greater than 60 minutes according to EN 374, AS/NZS 2161.10.1 or national equivalent) is recommended. Contaminated gloves should be replaced.
  

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  Other: For quantities up to 500 grams a laboratory coat may be suitable. For quantities up to 1 kilogram a disposable laboratory coat or coverall of low permeability is recommended. Coveralls should be buttoned at collar and cuffs. For quantities over 1 kilogram and manufacturing operations, wear disposable coverall of low permeability and disposable shoe covers. For manufacturing operations, air-supplied full body suits may be required for the provision of advanced respiratory protection. For emergencies a vinyl suit is recommended.
  

Engineering Controls
Powders

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  Powder handling operations are to be done in a powder weighing hood, a glove box, or other equivalent ventilated containment system.
  
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  In situations where these ventilated containment hoods have not been installed, a non-ventilated enclosed containment hood should be used.
  
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  Pending changes resulting from additional air monitoring data, up to 300 mg can be handled outside of an enclosure provided that no grinding, crushing or other dust-generating process occurs.
  
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  An air-purifying respirator should be worn by all personnel in the immediate area in cases where non-ventilated containment is used, where significant amounts of material (e.g., more than 2 grams) are used, or where the material may become airborne (as through grinding, etc.).
  
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  Powder should be put into solution or a closed or covered container after handling.
  

Solutions Handling:

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  Solutions can be handled outside a containment system or without local exhaust ventilation during procedures with no potential for aerosolisation. If the procedures have a potential for aerosolisation, an air-purifying respirator is to be worn by all personnel in the immediate area.
  
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  Solutions used for procedures where aerosolisation may occur (e.g., vortexing, pumping) are to be handled within a containment system or with local exhaust ventilation.
  
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  In situations where this is not feasible (may include animal dosing), an air-purifying respirator is to be worn by all personnel in the immediate area. If using a ventilated enclosure that has not been validated, wear a half-mask respirator equipped with HEPA cartridges until the enclosure is validated for use.
  
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  Ensure gloves are protective against solvents in use.
  

Unless written procedures, specific to the workplace are available, the following is intended as a guide:

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  For Laboratory-scale handling of substances assessed to be toxic by inhalation. Quantities of up to 25 grams may be handled in Class II biological safety cabinets; Quantities of 25 grams to 1 kilogram may be handled in Class II biological safety cabinets or equivalent containment systems. Quantities exceeding 1 kg may be handled either using a hood or Class II biological safety cabinet.
  
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  HEPA terminated local exhaust ventilation should be considered at point of generation of dust, fumes or vapors.
  

First Aid Procedures

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  Swallowed: IF SWALLOWED, REFER FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION, WHERE POSSIBLE, WITHOUT DELAY. Where Medical attention is not immediately available or where the patient is more than 15 minutes from a hospital or unless instructed otherwise:
  

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  Eye: If this product comes in contact with the eyes, immediately hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running water. Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
  

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  Skin: If skin or hair contact occurs, immediately flush body and clothes with large amounts of water, using safety shower if available. Quickly remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear.
  

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  Inhaled: If fumes or combustion products are inhaled remove from contaminated area. Lay patient down. Keep warm and rested.
  

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  Notes to physician: Treat symptomatically for a narcotic analgesic. A vigorous program of symptomatic and supportive therapy has saved many victims of poisoning.
  

Special Handling and Storage Requirements

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  Procedure for handling: Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation. Wear protective clothing when risk of exposure occurs. Empty containers may contain residual dust which has the potential to accumulate following settling. Such dusts may explode in the presence of an appropriate ignition source. Do NOT cut, drill, grind or weld such containers. In addition ensure such activity is not performed near full, partially empty or empty containers without appropriate workplace safety authorization or permit. All work with heroin is to be done in the "heroin" designated area in order to keep contamination to a minimum. (State the location of the designated area including the fume hood where work should be done and the storage location)
  

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  Recommended storage practices: Check that containers are clearly labeled, and tamper-proof. Most containers should be made of polyethylene or polypropylene containers. Metal drum with sealed plastic liner are also acceptable. For low viscosity materials, drums and jerricans must be of the non-removable head type and where a can is to be used as an inner package, the can must have a screwed enclosure.
  

All inner and sole packagings for substances that have been assigned to Packaging Groups I or II on the basis of inhalation toxicity criteria, must be hermetically sealed.

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  Storage requirements: Special security requirements are mandated under Federal/State Regulation(s). Store in original containers in vaults fitted with warning devices or detectors recommended by various Federal/State authorities. The vault should be used only for the purpose of storage of drugs of addiction and must be locked at all times except when the materials stored therein are required. As few personnel as absolutely necessary should be given keys. A logbook must be maintained to track keys distributed as well as heroin received, used, and disposed. Keep storage area free from debris, wastes and combustibles. Check regularly for spills and leaks.
  

All chemicals containing heroin must be secondarily contained with proper signage. Containers of heroin and designated areas, including storage cabinets, must be labeled with an “ACUTE TOXIN” warning. Any persons in this area are required to wear personal protective equipment. Safety shower and eye wash stations should be easily accessible where heroin is used.

All laboratory equipment (such as beakers, pipettes, gel electrophoresis systems etc.) used in the "heroin" designated area are to be labeled as "heroin contaminated" and are not to be removed from the area without first being decontaminated.

Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
Spill – Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors utilizing a self-contained breathing apparatus. 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. Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Protective Equipment section. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Decontaminate trace cyanide in the spill area with a strong sodium or calcium hypochlorite solution and flush waste to a holding area for potassium removal. Provide ventilation. Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas. Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.)
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 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 6^th floor, 7^th 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

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  Waste disposal procedures: The Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) Office of Diversion Control (see in 21 CFR 1304, www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov) regulates the disposal of DEA controlled substances. This Office's primary goal is to eliminate the diversion of legitimately manufactured (or used) controlled substances into the illicit drug traffic. DEA controlled substances may only be obtained by those personnel or organizations that complete DEA's registration process. An individual Researcher (i.e. PI) or Department may register with the DEA as a 'Researcher'. This registration grants the PI or Department the authority to purchase and use, for research purposes, DEA controlled substances. Once a PI or Department obtains a DEA controlled substance, they have the responsibility (under DEA regulations 21 CFR 1304) to track the use, security and disposition of these substances. DEA enforcement personnel may ask a PI or Department to account for DEA controlled substances listed in their registration. It is important to maintain all waste disposal records to allow for the accurate accounting of your DEA controlled substances.
  

Disposal via reverse distribution transfers ownership of the DEA waste substance to a DEA-approved Pharmaceutical Returns Processor for re-use, re-sale or destruction. This process involves the completion of various forms and paperwork including, but not limited to, completing DEA Form 222 (for Schedule I and II) or Form 41 (for Schedule III, IV, V substances). In order to accurately complete these forms, the PI or Department must have the original registration information for each DEA substance. Copies of Form 222 and 41 (other shipping documentation vendor, shipping receipts) must be maintained by the PI or Department for two years.

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  Decontamination of Equipment: Equipment that needs to be decontaminated (for repair or change of location etc.) must be washed with soapy water and rinsed with copious amounts of water.
  

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location

(State the location of MSDS)

Hardcopy or electronic copy must be available.

Online MSDS can be accessed at http://msds.ehs.ucla.edu.

Protocol/Procedure

(Add specific description of procedure.)
Note: Any deviation from this SOP requires written approval from PI.

Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Name Signature Date