Boric Acid
This chemical standard operating procedure (SOP) and the associated Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are for our safety. Read and understand both documents. If this is a paper copy, check for updated versions on the IsoLab website.
Process
Boric acid is used as part of the kerogen extraction process.
Hazards - SDS
May damage fertility or the unborn child.
Protection - SDS
Engineering Controls
Boric acid may be used in any of the fume hoods located in the 302 / 303 suite. Do not open the bottle outside of a fume hood. Ensure the fume hood has proper air flow by checking the flow rate on the control panel and / or using a smoke match or wipe to visualize flow.
PHS - While it would be best to use the fume hood in 302B because this limits transport of the bottle, any fume hood in the 302/303 suite will be fine.
Administrative Controls
PHS - Tell others in the lab that you are using boric acid. Do not allow anyone else to work in the same fume hood while you are working with boric acid unless they are working with you. If you must leave the fume hood for any period of time, close the sash and tape a sign up indicating the presence of boric acid.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PHSEye glasses with side protection, nitrile gloves, and a laboratory coat should be worn while working with boric acid.
Handling - SDS
Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Make sure you have your laboratory coat, eye protection, and gloves on before handling the bottle.
PHS - Decontamination - Make sure all boric acid has been cleaned up and contained in appropriate containers before moving away from the fume hood. Ensure all utensils and trays have been wiped clean before removing them from the fume hood.
Storage - SDS
Store boric acid in 302B on the south wall, shelf 1, in the provided secondary containment. See MyChem, the UW EH&S chemical inventory database, for more information.
Spills - SDS
Avoid generation of dust. Do not allow boric acid to go down drain.
PHS - Exposure:
- Inhalation - Move to fresh air. For advice, call UW Employee Health Center (206.685.1026) or the Washington Poison Center (800.222.1222). For emergency help, call 911.
- Skin contact - Wash immediately with plenty of water and soap. Remove contaminated, saturated clothing immediately. For advice, call UW Employee Health Center (206.685.1026) or the Washington Poison Center (800.222.1222). For emergency help, call 911.
- Eye contact - Flush immediately with plenty of flowing water for 10 to 15 minutes holding eyelids apart. Protect uninjured eye. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. For advice, call UW Employee Health Center (206.685.1026) or the Washington Poison Center (800.222.1222). For emergency help, call 911.
If the spill is fully contained inside the fume hood, close the sash and prepare yourself to clean it up. Grab the closest spill kit. Make sure you have the appropriate PPE on (lab coat, nitrile gloves, eye protection). Do not allow the substance to enter the drain. Put all generated waste into a bag. See Waste section below.
If the spill is outside of the hood, do not breathe dust and ensure adequate ventilation. Do not let anyone enter the contaminated space until the air is cleared or proper PPE has been donned.
If you need assistance or advice, use the IsoLab Emergency Contacts sheet.
Consult the EH&S Spill Poster and Exposure Poster
Waste - SDS
If you are cleaning up after a spill and have a bag of debris, ensure the bag is sealed and use multiple bags as needed. Complete an EH&S Hazardous Waste Label and adhere it to the bag. Here are instructions for how to label chemical waste containers. Labels are located in a drawer on the west wall of 303B near the door to the hallway.
If you are cleaning up after routine use, put all waste, solid or liquid, into a plastic wide-mouth container. Options for waste containers can be found under the west sink in 303B. Complete an EH&S Hazardous Waste Label and adhere it to the bottle. Here are instructions for how to label chemical waste containers. Labels are located in a drawer on the west wall of 303B near the door to the hallway.
Place the properly labeled container in one of the gray tubs near the hallway door of 303B. Segregate from other waste containers as appropriate.
Consult our generalized Chemical Waste Disposal SOP.
Training - PHS
Boric acid is deemed a particularly hazardous substance - PHS by EH&S and you need approval before using it. Complete the list of requirements below before using this chemical.
Prerequisites
- You must have completed Managing Laboratory Chemicals in the last three years. Login to check.
- Read and understand the SDS for boric acid.
- Read, understand, and digitally sign this SOP.
- Contact your Principal Investigator (PI) AND the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) indicating that you have completed all prerequisites and await approval.