Methods for the Safe Storage, Handling, and Disposal of Pyrophoric Liquids and Solids in the Laboratory

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2011 · Journal of Chemical Health & Safety, 18(1):5-10

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchas.2010.03.001· OSTI ID:1013918

Alnajjar, Mikhail S; Quigley, David; Kuntamukkula, Murty; Simmons, Fred; Freshwater, David; Bigger, Samuel

Due to the inherent nature of pyrophoric substances to ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air, special precautions must be taken to ensure their safe handling and use. Pyrophoric gases (such as diborane, dichloroborane, phosphine, etc.) are typically the easiest class of pyrophoric substances to handle since the gas can be plumbed directly to the application and used remotely. Pyrophoric solids and liquids, however, require the user to physically manipulate them when transferring them from one container to another. Failure to follow proper safety precautions could result in serious injury or unintended consequences to laboratory personnel.12 Because of this danger, pyrophorics should be handled only by experienced personnel. Users with limited experience must be trained on how to handle pyrophoric reagents and consult with a knowledgeable staff member prior to performing the experimental task. The purpose of this article is three fold: 1) to provide guidelines and general safety precautions to avoid accidents, 2) describe proper techniques on how to successfully handle, store, and dispose of pyrophoric liquids and solids, and 3) illustrate best practices for working with this class of reactants in a laboratory environment.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1013918
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-70688
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical Health & Safety, 18(1):5-10, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Health & Safety, 18(1):5-10 Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 18
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
BORANES
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
MATERIALS HANDLING
PHOSPHINES
RECOMMENDATIONS
SAFETY
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
STORAGE
WASTE DISPOSAL
laboratory safety
pyrophoric