Question

What is a lachrymator?

What are appropriate precautions and safety equipment to use when working with lachrymators?

Answer 1

A lachrymator is an irritant that causes tearing (watering of the eyes). "Real World" examples include onions, tear gas and pepper spray (capsaicin). Some typical lachrymating chemicals are thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) and acrolein (CH₂=CH-CHO).

Eye Protection
Personnel handling lachrymators chemicals must wear adequate eye protection. Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z.87. 1 1989) and must be equipped with side shields. Ordinary prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection unless they meet this standard and are marked as such. Safety glasses with side shields do not provide adequate protection from splashes; therefore, when the potential for splash hazard exists other eye protection and/or face protection must be worn (i.e., splash goggles or face shield).

Skin Protection
Gloves should be worn when handling these chemicals. Disposable nitrile gloves provide adequate protection against accidental hand contact with small quantities of most laboratory chemicals.

Appropriate protective clothing should be worn if the possibility of skin contact is likely. Open-toe shoes are not appropriate when handling chemicals in a laboratory or in other areas where there is a potential for exposure.

Engineering, Ventilation and Administrative Controls

Administrative
Brandeis employees who work with hazardous chemicals must be apprised of the hazards of chemicals present in their work area. This training must be provided before initial assignment to a lab and distribution of keys or must work under supervision before training occurs. Lab personnel need to be trained on how lachrymators react with other materials, the identity and location of lachrymators in the lab, the proper measure to handle and store them and measures to be used to clean up spills.

Engineering Controls
Lachrymators should always be handled in a fume hood.

Special Handling and/or Storage Requirements

Lachrymators should be stored in a cool and dry location. Keep tightly closed. Do not allow contact with water with some lachrymating chemicals (check MSDS). Avoid mixing or storing near oxidizers, alcohols, amines and strong bases.

Handling Emergencies Involving Oxidizing Chemicals

Anticipate emergency situations, have proper handling equipment in the lab and readily available for spills. Check the MSDS to determine what is appropriate. Spill control materials for lachrymators are designed to be inert and will not react with the reagent (i.e., dry lime, sand, soda ash).

In the event of a spill or adverse reaction, notify lab personnel immediately that an incident has occurred. Do not attempt to handle a large spill/reaction/fire, or one in which you are not trained or equipped for. Turn off all ignition sources if this can be done safely; vacate the area and call for assistance. The chemical should be in a fume hood; close the hood sash all the way if this can be done safely.