Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

1.      Process

q       Urethane is used alone or in combination with other drugs to produce anesthesia in laboratory animals. It is known to provide long periods of anesthesia with minimal physiological changes. However, due to the potential health risks of urethane, it should be used with care.

q       Due to its long term carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals, urethane should be limited in use to non-recovery procedures.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Urethane occurs as colorless crystals or white granular powder and is very soluble in water.

q       Urethane is almost odorless.  The odor threshold has not been established.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Urethane has demonstrated carcinogenic properties when administered to rats and mice as well as mutagenic properties in mice, when administered at anesthetic dosages.

q       Urethane is well absorbed across the skin.

q       Urethane shows multiple organ effects:

·         Suppresses the bone marrow.

·         Readily crosses the placenta.

·         Induces tumor formation in fetuses exposed in utero.

·         Initiates preneoplastic changes in the skin.

Pregnant women should avoid working with urethane.

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which urethane might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution.  Eye Protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling urethane.  Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection.  Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational Education Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989) and must be equipment with side shields.  Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended.

·          Contact lenses should not be worn if the potential exists for urethane exposure.

q       Safety Shower/Eyewash - Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to urethane, suitable facilities for quick drench or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.  Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable.

·          Eyewash fountains and emergency showers should be available within the immediate work area whenever the potential exists for eye or skin contact with urethane.

q       Lab coat, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling urethane. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with urethane.

q       Use of Safeskinâ„¢ Purple Nitrile Xtra Exam Gloves are recommended for use with urethane which are available through Fisher Scientific, catalog # 19-149-864.

·          Gloves must be worn if the user is to come in contact with blood or serum from an animal anesthetized with urethane.

q       Use a NIOSH N-95 Particulate Dust Respirator which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue #2BD-37746.  Check catalogue for size and with and without exhalation value.   Call WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 to be fit tested for the respirator as required by the WFUHS EH&S Respiratory Protection Program. 

5.      Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices

q       All urethane work shall be done in the laboratory fume hood. The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved.  

6.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Open containers of urethane should never be permitted. 

q       Once mixed into an aqueous solution, urethane should then be transferred into a sealed bottle. This will prevent volatilization, spillage, and accidental contamination of the environment.

q       Spill-X-S Kit which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14628 must be available in the event of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

7.      Waste Disposal

Excess urethane and all waste material containing urethane must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE URETHANE ". Full containers of urethane waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program.

8.      Decontamination of Equipment and Area

Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information.

9.      Spill and Accident Procedures

q       In the event of a liquid spill greater than 300 cc, immediately vacate and secure the area.  Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.

q       If accidental contact of the skin, eyes, or other mucous membranes occurs, the area of contamination should be washed thoroughly with water.