This is an sop template and is not complete until: lab specific information is entered into the box below lab specific protocol/procedure is added to the protocol/procedure section and

Standard Operating Procedure

Settlement Class: Water Reactive Chemicals
Rubidium

NOTE: Water reactive material may also present additional hazards such as corrosivity or toxicity. These materials may also have pyrophoric properties.

This is an SOP template and is not complete until: 1) lab specific information is entered into the box below 2) lab specific protocol/procedure is added to the protocol/procedure section and

3) SOP has been signed and dated by the PI and relevant lab personnel.

Print a copy and insert into your

Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Department:	Chemistry
Date SOP was written:	11/21/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:	1/13/2013
Principal Investigator:	Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:	Rebecca Murphy
Lab Phone:	510-643-2485
Office Phone:	510-643-2407
Emergency Contact:	Richmond Sarpong, 626-644-2407
Location(s) covered by this SOP:	Latimer Hall, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842, 844, 847, 849, 907

Type of SOP: ☐ Process ☒Hazardous Chemical ☐ Hazardous Class

Purpose

Rubidium is a soft alkali metal with atomic number 37. It is extremely reactive and pyrophoric. Contact with water release flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously. It may be harmful if inhaled, ingested, and absorbed through the skin. It can cause severe skin burns and severe, irreversible eye damage. Rubidium’s main use is in laser manipulation on atoms. It also has a range of applications in electronics and chemistry.

Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group

CAS#: 7440-17-7

Class: Highly flammable, corrosive

Molecular Formula: Rb

Form (physical state): Solid

Color: Silver-white

Boiling point: 687-688 °C

Potential Hazards/Toxicity

Contact with water releases flammable gases possibly leading to a flash fire. Handle under inert gas. Protect from water. May be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin. Inhalation may result in inflammation, edema, and chemical pneumonitis. It is extremely destructive to the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. May cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Eye contact may result in permanent damage and vision loss. Ingestion leads to strong corrosive effects on mouth and throat. Perforation of esophagus and stomach may occur.

Engineering Controls

Work under an inert atmosphere (e.g., argon, nitrogen) in a glove box.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

NOTE: Lab-specific information on PPE selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.

Respiratory protection
NOTE: Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement.
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:

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  As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted).
  
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  When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that PEL will be exceeded.
  
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  Regulations require the use of a respirator.
  
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  An employer requires the use of a respirator.
  
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  There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of PEL)
  
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  As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
  

Hand Protection

Handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

NOTE: Lab-specific and chemical-specific information on glove selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section. Refer to glove selection from the link below:

For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-and-usage.html

NOTE: Nomex-and-leather flight gloves over chemically resistant gloves are recommended in the UC Berkeley Office of Environmental Health and Safety document “Safe Use of Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Reagents”. http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
Eye Protection

Tightly fitting safety goggles. Use face shield (8-inch minimum) when appropriate (not protected by fume hood sash for example). Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU) or ANSI Z87.1.

Skin and Body Protection

Long pants, closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes, cotton-based clothing/attire, and flame resistant lab coat must be worn for protecting against chemical hazards.

NOTE: A Nomex lab coat is recommended in the UC Berkeley Office of Environmental Health and Safety document “Safe Use of Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Reagents”. http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html

Hygiene Measures

Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday

First Aid Procedures

Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.

If Inhaled

Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician.

In Case of Skin Contact

Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water for 15 minutes. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.

In Case of Eye Contact

Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

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

NOTE: Lab-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.

Working Alone

Certain extremely hazardous operations should not be performed if the PI or Lab Safety Contact(s) are not present. Never work alone with extremely hazardous materials/operations. See the Protocol/Procedure section below for specific prohibitions (if any) on working alone.

NOTE: The UC Berkeley Office of Environmental Health and Safety document “Safe Use of Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Reagents” specifies not to work alone or during off hours, when there are few people around to help. http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html
Precautions For Safe Handling

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  Unless it is known otherwise, assume the material is pyrophoric.
  
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  To be handled always in a glove box or under inert atmosphere.
  

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  Design a quenching scheme for residual materials prior to using water reactive materials.
  
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  Never use water to quench the material itself or a reaction where a water-reactive reagent is used.
  
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  Begin quenching with a low reactivity quenching agent and slowly add more reactive quenching agents. For example, first quench residual sodium metal with isopropanol and then add ethanol to the mixture.
  
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  Design your experiment to use the least amount of material possible to achieve the desired result.
  
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  It is better to do multiple transfers of small volumes than attempt to handle larger quantities. Before transferring, make sure that the material is at room temperature.
  
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  Avoid formation of dusts and aerosols.
  
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  Protect against electrostatic discharges.
  
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  Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.
  
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  Take measures to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
  
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  Keep away from sources of ignition – Open flames (e.g., Bunsen Burner)
  
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  Eliminate or substitute a less hazardous material when possible.
  
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  Verify your experimental set-up and procedure prior to use.
  
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  Inform colleagues that this material will be used and where. Label the work area with a sign saying "Water Reactives Use Area".
  
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  Only use if the area is properly equipped with a certified eye wash/safety shower within ten seconds of travel.
  
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  Never use water to extinguish fires caused by water reactive materials.
  

NOTE: See a more details on safe handling in the UC Berkeley Office of Environmental Health and Safety documents “Safe Use of Pyrophoric and Water Reactive Reagents” and “Quenching of Pyrophoric Substances”. http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html

Conditions for Safe Storage

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  Never allow contact with water.
  
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  Always handle inside a glove box.
  
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  Over time, pressure may increase causing containers to burst. Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protected from sunlight.
  
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  Store and handle under inert gas (Noble gases such as Nitrogen, Argon etc.)
  
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  Keep in a dry place (such as a desiccator or a dry box or glove box) absent of moisture/humidity.
  
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  Store away from heat sources and in a flame proof area
  
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  Store in a location, separated from acids, oxidizing and other incompatible materials.
  
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  Do not leave the container near a lab sink, emergency eyewash or safety shower.
  
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  Keep away from incompatible materials and conditions.
  
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  Use/purchase only amount that is needed in a reasonable amount of time. Use small quantities whenever possible.
  
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  Store in a separate secondary container and label the material clearly.
  
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  Minimize dust generation and accumulation.
  
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  Hazard communication label on the container must read ‘Water Reactive’. W
  
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  Never allow product to get in contact with water or water based compounds during storage.
  
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  Do not leave the container on the bench top - even momentarily.
  
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  Follow any substance-specific storage guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet documentation.
  
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  Monitor your inventory closely to assure that you have tight control over your material.
  
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  Wash hands and arms with soap and water after handling.
  
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  Minimize dust generation and accumulation.
  
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  At the end of each project, thoroughly inspect the area for residual reactive material.
  
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  Store locked-up.
  

Spill and Accident Procedure

Fire-fighting & Extinguishing media

Suitable extinguishing media

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Dry powder, and Class D fire extinguisher

DO NOT use water

Special Protective Equipment For Fire-Fighters

Wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for fire-fighting if necessary.

Personal precautions

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  Avoid dust formation.
  
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  Ensure adequate ventilation.
  
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  Remove all sources of ignition.
  
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  Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
  

Environmental precautions

Do not let product enter drains.

Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up

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  Pick-up and dispose of as hazardous waste without creating dust.
  
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  Do not flush with water or bring in contact with moisture.
  
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  Keep in suitable, tightly closed containers for disposal.
  

Chemical Spill Dial 911

Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors. 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.).

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 and 510-642-9090 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 immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.

Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water from the emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.

Medical Emergency Dial 911
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.

Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.

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. Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.

Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure

NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.

Wearing proper PPE, please decontaminate equipment and bench tops using procedures made in cooperation with site EHS&S. Please dispose of the water reactive and disposables contaminated with water reactives as hazardous waste.

General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:

Label Waste

Label all containers with the label provided at http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-new-hazardous-waste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for general instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.

Store Waste

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  Call EH&S for proper procedure to dispose of waste
  
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  Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a designated location
  
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  Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags
  
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  Waste must be under the control of the person generating & disposing of it
  

Dispose of Waste

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  Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
  
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  Call EH&S for questions
  
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  Empty Containers
  

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  Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste (irrespective of the container size)
  
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  Consult waste pick-up schedule
  

Prepare for transport to pick-up location

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  Check on-line waste tag
  
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  Write date of pick-up on the waste tag
  
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  Use secondary containment
  
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  Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
  
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  Call EH&S for questions
  

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location

SDS can be accessed online at http://ucmsds.com

Protocol/Procedure for Rubidium

CAS#: 7440-17-7

Preparation	List any other particular preparation requirements needs for this procedure (e.g., location of spill kit or keep water or ignition sources away from procedure area). Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eyewash, and safety shower before beginning work.
Lab-specific Information	Add lab-specific information not included above if needed (e.g., all work for this procedure is to take place in the designated fume hood.)

• 
  
  

Procedure/Use

Scale

Engineering Controls/Equipment

PPE (eye, face, gloves, clothing)

Procedure Steps and Special Precautions for this Procedure

Up to 1g

Rubidium should only be used in a sealed glove box flushed with inert gas.

Eye protection: Wear tight-fitting safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields. Gloves: Handle with reusable neoprene or nitrile gloves. If potential for skin contact, also use leather fighter gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands after use. Clothing: Wear fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based); cotton based clothing/attire; full length pants or equivalent; and close-toed, close-heeled shoes.

Larger quantities of rubidium can be disposed of through EH&S. Make sure to specifically alert the EH&S personnel to the highly pyrophoric nature of rubidium. Rubidium may be sold as solutions, or dispersions in mineral oil or are covered with hydrocarbon solvents to facilitate use, so to weigh rubidium: cut desired piece of alkali metal under packing oil using a knife. Using tweezers, transfer to adjacent flask containing toluene or heptane to rinse off oil. Use tweezers again to transfer to a weighed flask of toluene and measure weight to determine mass of metal. Use tweezers again to transfer to desired reaction flask. Store rubidium under an inert atmosphere, such as inside an inert dry glove box, and avoid storage areas with heat/flames, oxidizers, and water sources. Small amounts of unused or unwanted pyrophoric materials must be destroyed by careful quenching of the residue. Transfer the materials to an appropriate reaction flask for hydrolysis and/or neutralization. Dilute significantly with an unreactive solvent such as heptane or toluene and place the flask in an ice water cooling bath. Slowly add isopropanol to quench pyrophoric materials. Upon completion, add methanol as a more reactive quenching agent to ensure completion. Finally, add water dropwise to make sure there are no pockets of reactive materials. Dispose of as hazardous waste. An alternative quenching method is to slowly add a dilute solution of rubidium in heptanes or toluene to dry ice, then adding a mildly reactive quenching agent such as methanol.

Notes

Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.

Initials of individuals using this procedure

Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

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  Prior to conducting any work with rubidium, designated personnel must provide training to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance, work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.
  

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  The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.
  

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  The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended appropriate laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last one year.
  

I have read and understand the content of this SOP:

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Rubidium Date: 12/20/2012
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety