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Science, Technology and Engineering |
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Department of Biochemistry ACRYLAMIDE UseUse of acrylamide in powder/dry form for making electrophoresis gels. Hazards Class 6 – Toxic. Acrylamide monomer is highly toxic by inhalation and via skin contact (can penetrate unbroken skin easily); also a suspected carcinogen. The polymer is not generally considered as toxic. Risk Control Measure Only use acrylamide after receiving safety training (Laboratory Induction & Authorisation). Gloves should be used when potential for skin contact exists. Disposable nitrile, neoprene, natural rubber, PVC or butyl gloves should be worn. Safety glasses, with side shields, or goggles should be worn. A laboratory coat should be worn when working with chemicals. Engineering / Ventilation Controls Use engineering controls such as a fume hood or weighing hood to reduce airborne acrylamide concentrations to as low as reasonably achievable. An eyewash facility must be available and accessible when working with acrylamide. Storage Requirements Powder easily becomes airborne and may result in personal exposure and area contamination. Use care to avoid dispersing dust. Keep container tightly closed to prevent acrylamide from subliming and entering the atmosphere. Store in cool place. Keep from contact with oxidising materials, reducing agents, acids, bases, metal and contaminants. First Aid / Spill Control Procedures Wash off immediately with copious amounts of cold water (at least 10 minutes). Contaminated clothing should be removed as soon as possible and thoroughly washed. In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes (eyewash. Seek medical attention. Poisons Information Centre (0 13 1126). If the spill is on equipment, use ultraviolet light (use appropriate eye protection) to locate spill. Wear protective clothing. Small liquid spill: Absorb liquid using vermiculite or Polyzorb from Spill Kit and place into containers for later disposal. Treat site with 1.6% potassium persulphate, then with 1.6% sodium metabisulphite. Let stand for 30 minutes, then wash with plenty of water Small dry spill: Scrape material into clean, dry containers and cover. Do not create airborne dust. Treat site with 1.6% potassium persulphate then with 1.6% sodium metabisulphite. Let stand for 30 minutes, then wash with plenty of water. Large Spill: Notify others in the area of spill. Evacuate area. Call the Molecular Sciences General Office (9479 2160) or Zisis Pouros (9479 1294) for clean up. Barricade area with tape to prevent entry until arrival of response personnel. Provide assistance and information to spill response team. Waste Store waste: Liquid – in proper waste container. Solid – in proper waste container. Contact the Molecular Sciences General Office (9479 2160) for current waste disposal instructions. Applicable Standards and Regulations Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999 Australian Standard AS 2243.10 (Safety in laboratories - Storage of chemicals) Content Approved by: Head of School |