Standard Operating Procedure

Vinyl Chloride (Monomer)

This is an SOP template and is not complete until the laboratory management has completed
the specific areas identified with red text. Print a copy and insert into your Laboratory Safety
Manual or Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Department:
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Date SOP was written:
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Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
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Principal Investigator:
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Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
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Lab Phone:
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Office Phone:
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Location(s) covered by this SOP: Click here to enter text.

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

Purpose

Vinyl Chloride (Monomer) is a regulated carcinogen. It is highly toxic, flammable and carcinogenic. Vinyl
chloride is a colorless flammable gas that evaporates very quickly. Higher than normal levels of vinyl
chloride may be present inside new cars as the chemical evaporates from new vinyl products. Vinyl
chloride can be formed in the environment when soil organisms break down "chlorinated" solvents. In the
environment, the highest levels of vinyl chloride are found in air around factories producing vinyl products.
Vinyl chloride that is released by industries or formed by the breakdown of other chlorinated chemicals
can enter the air and drinking water supplies. Vinyl chloride is a common contaminant found near landfills.
Vinyl chloride is a chemical intermediate, not a final product. Due to the hazardous nature of vinyl chloride
to human health, there are no end products that use vinyl chloride in its monomer form. Vinyl chloride
liquid is fed to polymerization reactors where it is converted from a monomer to a polymer PVC. The final
product of the polymerization process is PVC in either a flake or pellet form. From its flake or pellet form
PVC is sold to companies that heat and mold the PVC into end products such as PVC pipe and bottles.
Tens of billions of pounds of PVC are sold on the global market each year. Vinyl Chloride is used to
make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, wire coatings, vehicle upholstery, and plastic kitchen ware.

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Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group

CAS#: 75-01-4

Class: Toxic, carcinogen

Molecular Formula: C2ClH3

Form (physical state): Compressed, liquefied gas

Color: Colorless

Boiling point: 7 F (-14 °C)

Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Inhalation: Several minutes of exposure to high, but attainable concentrations (over 1000 ppm) may
cause central nervous system depression with effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, disorientation,
tingling, numbness or burning sensation of the hands and feet, impaired vision, nausea, headache,
difficulty breathing, cardiac arrhythmias, unconsciousness, or even death.

Skin contact: May cause irritation. Rapid evaporation of the material may cause frostbite.

Eye contact: May cause irritation. Rapid evaporation of the material may cause frostbite.

Chronic Effects: Causes damage to the liver, musculoskeletal system, and peripheral nervous system
through prolonged or repeated exposure.

Interaction with Other Chemicals Which Enhance Toxicity: Alcohol may enhance toxic effects

Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Hepatitis B infection

OSHA lists Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) as a Class IA Flammable Liquid, with an NFPA Flammability
Rating of 4. Because of its low boiling point, liquid VCM will undergo flash evaporation (i. e., auto-
refrigerate) upon its release to atmospheric pressure. The portion vaporized will form a dense cloud (more
than twice as heavy as the surrounding air). The risk of subsequent explosion or fire is significant.
According to OSHA, the flash point of VCM is -78 C (-108 F). Its flammable limits in air are: lower 3.6
volume % and upper 33.0 volume %. Fire may release toxic hydrogen chloride (HCl) and carbon
monoxide (CO).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Respiratory Protection
Refer to 29 CFR 1910.1017 for selection of respirators for vinyl chloride. A respiratory protection program
that meets 29 CFR 1910.134 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant use of a
respirator.

Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:

 As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been
exhausted).
 When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that PEL will
be exceeded.
 Regulations require the use of a respirator.

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  An employer requires the use of a respirator.
 There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of
PEL)
 As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process

Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a
regulatory requirement. http://www.asu.edu/ehs/documents/asu-respiratory-protection-
plan.pdf
Hand Protection
For the gas: Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves.
For the liquid: Wear chemical resistant, insulated gloves such as Perfect Fit(R) NL-56. Gloves should be
selected based on permeation test data.

NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Vinyl Chloride (Monomer).

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

Eye Protection
Wear safety glasses with side-shields. If eye contact is likely, wear chemical resistant safety goggles.
Provide an emergency eye wash fountain and quick drench shower in the immediate work area
(accessible within 10 seconds).

Skin and Body Protection

Fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based). Cotton based clothing/attire. Full length pants or
equivalent. Close toed shoes

Hygiene Measures
As with all chemicals, avoid getting Vinyl Chloride IN YOU. Do not eat or drink while handling chemicals.
Be aware of any signs of exposure..

Engineering Controls

Vinyl chloride (monomer) should be used in a glove box filled with inert gas, or in a closed system in a
certified fume hood.

First Aid Procedures

If inhaled
If adverse effects occur, remove to uncontaminated area. Give artificial respiration if not breathing. If
breathing is difficult, oxygen should be administered by qualified personnel. If respiration or pulse has
stopped, have a trained person administer basic life support (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and/or
Automatic External Defibrillator) and CALL FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY

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In case of skin contact
If frostbite or freezing occur, immediately flush with plenty of lukewarm water (100-105 F, 38-41 C). GET
MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.

In case of eye contact

Immediately flush eyes with a directed stream of water for at least 15 minutes, forcibly holding eyelids
apart to ensure complete irrigation of all eye and lid tissues. Washing eyes within several seconds is
essential to achieve maximum effectiveness. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.

If swallowed
Not a likely route of exposure.

Special Handling and Storage Requirements

Reactivity/ Stability: Stable at normal temperatures and pressures.

Conditions to Avoid: Avoid air and sunlight. Avoid heat, flames, sparks and other sources of ignition.
Containers may rupture or explode if exposed to heat.

Incompatibilities/Materials to Avoid: Oxidizing agents, Oxides of nitrogen, Metals, Aluminum,

Aluminum alloys, Copper, Metal alkyl complexes and alkali metals such as sodium, potassium and their
alloys.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Oxides of carbon, Chlorine, Hydrogen chloride, Phosgene.

Hazardous Polymerization: Polymerization can occur. Avoid elevated temperatures, oxidizing agents,
oxides of nitrogen, oxygen, peroxides, other polymerization catalysts/initiators, air and sunlight.

Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed and properly labeled. Store in a cool, dry area.
Store in a well-ventilated area. Do not enter confined spaces unless adequately ventilated. Avoid heat,
flames, sparks and other sources of ignition. May be subject to storage regulations: U.S. OSHA 29 CFR
1910.106.

Handling Procedures: Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Keep
away from heat, sparks and flame. Ground any equipment used in handling. Use non-sparking tools and
equipment. All energized electrical equipment must be designed in accordance with the electrical
classification of the area.

Spill and Accident Procedure

Chemical Spill Dial 911 and 480-965-1823

Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help 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 Liter) – Follow the “Hazardous Materials Incident” guidance in the posted Emergency
Response Guide.

Large (>1 Liter) – Dial 911. Follow guidance for major spill or leak in the posted Emergency Response
Guide

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Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower
for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and ASU EH&S at 480-965-1823.

Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water from the
emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention.
Notify supervisor and ASU EH&S at 480-965-1823.

Medical Emergency Dial 911

Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911. Note: all injuries and
incidents must be reported to ASU EH&S, 480-965-1823.

Non-Life Threatening Emergency –Report to your ASU campus health Services Center (451 E.
University Drive, south side of University Drive, west of Palm Walk, Hours: M-F, 8am – 6pm, Sat., 10am –
2pm). Outside of these hours, report to Tempe St. Luke’s ER, 1500 S. Mill Avenue. Note: all injuries and
incidents must be reported to ASU EH&S, 480-965-1823.

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. Report to your ASU campus Health Services
Center (451 E. University Drive, south side of University Drive, west of Palm Walk, Hours: M-F, 8am –
6pm, Sat., 10am – 2pm). Outside of these hours, report to Tempe St. Luke’s ER, 1500 S. Mill Avenue.
Note: all injuries and incidents must be reported to ASU EH&S, 480-965-1823.

Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure

Wearing proper PPE, decontaminate equipment and bench tops using soap and water. Dispose of the
used chemical and contaminated disposables as hazardous waste following the guidelines below.

General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:

Label Waste
Attach a completed ASU Hazardous Waste tag to all waste containers as soon as the first drop of
waste is added to the container.
Store Waste
Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a designated
location
Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags
Waste must be under the control of the person generating & disposing of it
Dispose of Waste
Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 90 days
Call EH&S at 480-965-8554 for questions
Empty Containers
o Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste (irrespective of
the container size)
o Consult waste pick-up schedule
Prepare for transport to pick-up location
Check on-line waste tag
Write date of pick-up on the waste tag
Use secondary containment

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Protocol/Procedure (Add lab specific Protocol/Procedure here)

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NOTE

Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.

Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work regarding this SOP, Principal Investigator or designee must provide
to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance,
work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.

The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and
a copy of the MSDS provided by the manufacturer.

The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended
appropriate/required safety training (i.e. Biosafety, Fire Safety & Prevention, Hazardous Waste
Management, Laboratory Safety ) or refresher training within the last one year.

I have read and understand the content of this SOP:

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