# Potassium Cyanide

Chemical Name: CAS #:  
Hazard Classification:   
Location Used: Principal Investigator:  
Processes for Which Chemical Is Used:  
HAZARDS AND PROTECTION  
Hazard Information  
• Acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity  
• Organ Toxicity  
• Corrosive to metals  
Routes of Exposure  
• Ingestion ● Skin Absorption  
• Inhalation  
• Eye absorption  
If exposed by:  
• Inhalation: Fatal if inhaled. Remove to fresh   
air. Do not use mouth to mouth; give artificial   
respiration through pocket mask, one-way   
valve or other respiratory medical device.   
• Ingestion: Fatal if swallowed. Do not induce   
vomiting.  
• Eye or skin: Fatal in contact with skin. Rinse   
with plenty of water for 15 minutes.  
If exposed by any route, seek immediate medical   
attention.   
Symptoms of Exposure  
• Exposure can be fatal.  
• May cause tightness in chest, flushing,   
headaches, nausea, vomiting, respiratory   
depression, weakness, irregular heartbeat,   
abdominal pain, convulsions and shock.   
• Cyanosis (blue skin) can occur.  
Exposure Limits  
All exposure limits are Time Weighted Averages   
(average exposure over an eight-hour day) unless   
otherwise indicated.  
OSHA PEL: None indicated  
ACGIH TLV: 1.88 ppm (5 mg/m3  
) ceiling- skin  
NIOSH REL: 1.88 ppm (5 mg/m3  
) ceiling, 9.39 ppm (25   
mg/m3  
) IDLH  
Engineering Controls  
• Chemical Fume Hood Never open potassium cyanide outside of a chemical   
fume hood.  
Potassium cyanide 151-50-8  
Health Hazard  
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY EHS  
LABORATORY CHEMICAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE  
CS-006 Last Reviewed July 8, 2019  
Administrative Controls  
• Designated area sign  
• Particularly hazardous substance label  
• Post designated area sign before each use.  
• Label containers of potassium cyanide as a   
health hazard.  
• Use as small a quantity as possible.  
• Ensure no acid or water is in the area.   
Potassium cyanide reacts with acids to form   
hydrogen cyanide, which can reach toxic   
levels before it is ever detected by odor.  
Personal Protective Equipment  
• Gloves   
• Safety glasses (for dry chemical) or splash   
goggles (for solutions)  
• Lab coat  
• Tyvek sleeves (for amounts exceeding 1   
gram).  
Two pairs of nitrile gloves must be worn when   
handling potassium cyanide. Wash hands immediately   
after use. Splash goggles must be worn when working   
with solutions of potassium cyanide greater than 1%.  
OTHER SAFETY INFORMATION  
Transportation Follow guidance given in the laboratory safety manual   
for transport of chemicals.  
Storage  
• Avoid exposure to moisture.  
• Can be stored with other dry chemicals but in   
a dedicated section for toxic chemicals.  
• Keep away from heat and open flames.  
Incompatible materials include:  
Acids, strong oxidizing agents, bases, powdered metal   
salts, aldehydes, peroxides, metals.  
Spill/Accident Procedures  
For all spills:  
• Wear two pairs of nitrile gloves, safety glasses   
and lab coat  
• Evacuate the immediate area  
Exposure:  
• If anyone exposed requires emergency   
medical attention, dial 911 (or 9-911 from   
landline).  
• Follow procedures outlined in laboratory   
safety manual.  
Small spills (less than 1 g in a hood): Small spills may   
be cleaned by sweeping up dry powder and placing   
them in a container. If the spill is a liquid, cover with   
absorbent material and then place the absorbent   
material container. After the solid has been removed   
or the liquid has been absorbed, clean the area with   
pH 10 buffer and then rinse with dilute bleach.  
Large spills (greater than 1 g in a hood or any amount  
outside a fume hood): If the spill is in a chemical fume   
hood, contact the EHS director (864-710-2933). If he   
cannot be reached (does not answer phone, do not   
leave voicemail), then call 911, pull the fire alarm and   
exit the building. If the spill is outside of a hood, then   
call 911, pull the fire alarm and exit the building.  
Waste Disposal Waste potassium cyanide must be collected for   
disposal.  
Empty bottles of potassium cyanide must be collected   
by EHS. DO NOT rinse them! Do not throw them in the   
trash!  
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY EHS  
LABORATORY CHEMICAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE  
CS-006 Last Reviewed July 8, 2019  
By signing below, you indicate that you have reviewed this SOP and understand the contents thereof:  
Printed Name Signature Date  
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY EHS  
LABORATORY CHEMICAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE  
CS-006 Last Reviewed July 8, 201