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:
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ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY EHS
LABORATORY CHEMICAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
CS-006 Last Reviewed July 8, 201