Highly Reactive / Unstable Materials

1. Process or Equipment Description 

This standard operating procedure (SOP) is intended to provide general guidance on how to safely work with highly reactive/unstable materials. This SOP is generic in nature and only addresses safety issues pertaining to reactivity/stability hazards of chemicals. In some instances, several general use SOPs may be applicable for a specific chemical (i.e., perchloric acid, both general use SOPs for highly reactive/unstable materials and corrosives would apply). If you have questions concerning the applicability of any item listed in this SOP contact the PI, Laboratory Director or Supervisor of your lab or Environmental Health and Safety & Emergency Management (EHSEM). 

2. Hazardous Chemicals/Class of Hazardous Chemicals 

Highly reactive or unstable materials are those that have the potential to vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, temperature, light, or contact with another material. Major types of highly reactive chemicals are explosives, peroxides, water-reactives, and pyrophorics. 

3. Control of Hazards - General 

•  Minimize the quantity of reactive chemicals used or synthesized to the smallest amount needed. 
• Handle reactive chemicals with caution. Appropriate chemical-specific precautions must be taken for mixing even small quantities with other chemicals. 
• Chemical reactions conducted at temperatures or pressures above or below ambient conditions must be performed in a manner that minimizes risk of explosion or vigorous reaction. 
• Provide a mechanism for adequate temperature control and heat dissipation. 
• Utilize shields and barricades, and personal protective equipment (such as face shields with throat protectors and heavy gloves) whenever there is a possibility of explosion or vigorous chemical reaction. 
• Glass equipment operated under vacuum or pressure must be shielded, wrapped with tape, or otherwise protected from shattering. 

3a. Engineering/Ventilation Controls 

As many reactive materials liberate combustible and/or toxic gas when exposed to water vapor or air, they should be used in a lab hood to prevent hazardous buildup of gases. If the process does not permit the handling of such materials in a fume hood, contact EHS (3-6679) to review the adequacy of alternative ventilation measures

3b. Personal Protective Equipment 

At minimum, safety glasses, lab coat, long pants, and closed toed shoes are to be worn when entering laboratories having hazardous chemicals. 

Additionally: 

• Utilize shields and barricades, and person protective equipment (such as face shields with throat protectors and heavy gloves) whenever there is a possibility of explosion or vigorous reaction. 
• When handling hazardous chemicals or contacting potentially contaminated surfaces, protective gloves are to be worn. For proper selection of glove material, review our Glove Use webpage. 
• Goggles (vs. safety glasses) are appropriate in the processes where splash and spray is foreseeable. 
• For hazardous chemicals that are toxic via skin contact/absorption, additional protective clothing (i.e., face shield, apron, over sleeves) is appropriate where chemical contact with body/skin is foreseeable. 

4. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements 

Ensure careful handling of handling materials that may be sensitive to shock, heat, friction, or light. 

Ensure secondary containment and segregation of incompatible chemicals per guidance within the UM-Dearborn Chemical Hygiene Plan. Also, follow any substance-specific storage guidance provided in MSDS documentation. 

Label all chemicals with date received and date opened. 

Any chemicals with crystallization, visible discoloration, or liquid stratification potentially have undergone peroxidation and must not be used or other disturbed. 

5. Spill and Accidental Procedures 

Prompt response to chemical spills is critical to protect worker health & safety and to mitigate adverse affects to the environment. For further guidance, refer to our Chemical Spill webpage.

Laboratory personnel who work with hazardous chemicals are to be provided the opportunity to receive medical attention/consultation when: 

• A spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence results in a hazardous exposure (potential overexposure). 
• Symptoms or signs of exposure to a hazardous chemical develop. 

6. Waste Disposal 

Many reactive/unstable materials intended for disposal are considered hazards wastes. For general guidance regarding waste disposal, contact EHS at (3-6679). 

7. Minimum Training Requirements 

• General Lab Safety Training 
• Lab Specific Training

 8. Approval Required 

Consult with PI regarding need for prior approval. Laboratory personnel shall seek and the PI must provide prior approval of any chemical usage involving the use of restricted chemicals. 

9. Decontamination Procedures 

Personnel: 

If immediate medical attention is required contact Public Safety (911 from a campus phone or 313-593- 5333 from a cell phone). Remove any contaminated clothing and Immediately flush contaminated skin with water for at least 15 minutes. For eye exposure, Immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. 

Consult SDS for guidance on appropriate first aid. Where medical attention is required, ensure to bring along SDS(s) of chemical(s) to aid medical staff in proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Area: 

Decontamination procedures vary depending on the material being handled. The toxicity of some materials can be neutralized with other reagents. All surfaces should be wiped with the appropriate cleaning agent following dispensing or handling. Waste materials generated should be treated as a hazardous waste. 

10. Designated Area 

For highly reactive/unstable materials that are also considered particularly hazardous substances, a designated area shall be established per other applicable SOPs.