Rubidium Hydroxide

UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure

Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:

Rubidium Hydroxide

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

Purpose

Rubidium hydroxide is a strong inorganic base. Rubidium hydroxide does not naturally appear in nature, but it can be obtained by synthesis from rubidium oxide by dissolving oxide into water. Rubidium hydroxide is rarely used in industrial processes or research because it is expensive and because potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide are safer to use and can perform nearly all functions of rubidium hydroxide.

Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group

CAS#: 1310-82-3

Class: Corrosive

Molecular Formula: RbOH

Form (physical state): Solid powder or pellets (often found in aqueous solution)

Color: White

Boiling point: N/A

Potential Hazards/Toxicity

Very harmful by skin contact, eye contact, ingestion, and/or inhalation. Material causes severe skin burns if spilled on skin and causes significant eye damage, even blindness, if splashed. It is very harmful if swallowed. It is harmful if inhaled since material is extremely destructive to the tissue of mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.

Engineering Controls

Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with a first aid kit and those working with rubidium hydroxide should always practice safe handling. A fume hood should be used at all times when handling rubidium hydroxide.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Respirator Protection

If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)

Hand Protection

Neoprene, nitrile, or butyl rubber gloves are recommended.

NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible with rubidium hydroxide.

Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:

http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf

OR

http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172

OR

http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx

OR

http://www.mapaglove.com/

Eye Protection

When handling the chemical, wear chemical splash goggles.

Skin and Body Protection

Lab coat, full length pants or equivalent, and closed toe shoes. Wear a chemical-resistant apron or full body suit during activities which pose a splash hazard.

Hygiene Measures

Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

First Aid Procedures

If inhaled

If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Get medical attention immediately.

In case of skin contact

Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately and flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Wash clothing and thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. In case of severe skin contact, wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin area with an anti-bacterial cream. Get medical attention immediately.

In case of eye contact

Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention immediately.

If swallowed

Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Get medical attention immediately.

Special Handling and Storage Requirements

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. A fume hood should be used when handling rubidium hydroxide. Normal measures for preventive fire protection. Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Store in a secondary container with other bases segregated away from acids, flammables, and oxidizers. Cabinets where significant quantities of rubidium hydroxide and/or other acids and bases are stored must be labeled with the hazard warning “Corrosive.”

Spill and Accident Procedure

Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-206-8522 (SFGH only)

Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist 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 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-206-8522 (SFGH only) for assistance.

Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department.  If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.

Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department.  If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.

Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)

Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.

Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-885-7580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).

Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 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 415-353-7842 (STIC).

Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure

Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as hazardous waste.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location

Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html

Protocol/Procedure

Quantities covered by this SOP:

______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)

Temperature range covered by this SOP:

__ °C – __ °C

General Overview and Purpose:

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Procedure:

Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.

NOTE

Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.

Rubidium Hydroxide Date: Click here to enter a date.

Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)