Changes

=Description=

This standard operating procedure (SOP) outlines the handling and use of B-mercaptoethanol (BME). Review this document and supply the information required in order to make it specific to your laboratory. In accordance with this document, laboratories should use appropriate controls, personal protective equipment, and disposal techniques when handling BME.

=Work Practice Controls=

• BME is incompatible with metals, oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis, calcium hypochlorite, aliphatic amines, and isocyanates.

• Purchase and use in the smallest practical quantities for the experiment being performed.

• Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher before beginning work.

• Eliminate ignition sources such as open flames and hot surfaces.

• Keep containers closed as much as possible when not in use.

• Be aware of skin absorption as a possible route of exposure. Plan work so that minimal glove contact is expected, and purchase appropriate gloves for cleaning up small spills.

• If glove contact occurs, change gloves immediately.

=Transportation and Storage=

• Do not store near sources of ignition, oxidizing agents, acids, alkaline compounds, or any other incompatible materials.

• Store BME in a sealed secondary container in a well-ventilated area.

• The container must be tightly closed, resealed, and stored upright to avoid leakage.

• Avoid storing on the floor.

• Transport toxic liquids in secondary containment, preferably a polyethylene or other non-reactive acid/solvent bottle carrier.

• Suitable fire control devices (such as fire extinguishers) must be available at locations where flammable or combustible liquids are stored.

==For an actual chemical exposure/injury:==

• In case of skin contact: Flush the skin with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, and then seek medical attention (see below).

• In case of eye contact: Flush contaminated eye(s) immediately with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, and then seek medical attention (see below).

• In case of inhalation: Assist conscious persons to an area with fresh, uncontaminated air, and then seek medical attention (see below).

Complete the OSEH Laboratory Incident and Near-Miss Report form.

U-M Occupational Health Services -- Campus Employees

Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm

After hours - go to UM Hospital Emergency Dept. – Urgent Care Clinic

C380 Med Inn building

1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8021

University Health Services -- University students (non-life threatening conditions)

Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm

Contact for current hours as they may vary

207 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8320

UMHS Emergency Department -- after clinic hours or on weekends

1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, (734) 936-6666

==Spill Procedure==

• When a spill occurs, personal safety should always come first.

• Alert and clear everyone in the immediate area where the spill occurred.

For large spills, or any spills of BME outside of the fume hood, contact the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) by calling 911.

Additional Spill Links:

• http://oseh.umich.edu/hazardous-waste/spill-response/

*[[User:Iharvey|Iharvey]] ([[User talk:Iharvey|talk]]) 19:42, 10 November 2016 (UTC)

Prior Approval required – Is this procedure hazardous enough to warrant prior approval from the Laboratory Director? ☐ YES ☐ NO

Laboratory Director Revision Date

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Major Revisions (Tracking purposes only – Do not print as part of SOP)