Chemical safety

Sodium azide: hazards and COSHH prompts

Preservative in buffers and reagents that is acutely toxic and forms explosive metal azides in drains.

Always work from your own safety data sheet. Classification varies with grade, concentration and supplier. Use this page to orient yourself, then assess the task you are actually doing, at the scale you are actually doing it.

Hazard classification

CAS: 26628-22-8
Formula: N3Na
Molecular weight: 65.01
Signal word: Danger

GHS pictograms

Hazard statements

H300Fatal if swallowed
H310Fatal in contact with skin
H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318Causes serious eye damage
H370Causes damage to organs
H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H400Very toxic to aquatic life
H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

Precautionary statements (24)

P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P264Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P264+P265Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P273Avoid release to the environment.
P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
P301+P316IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
P301+P330+P331IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P302+P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P302+P361+P354IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305+P354+P338IF IN EYES: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P308+P316IF exposed or concerned: Get emergency medical help immediately.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P317Get medical help.
P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
P321Specific treatment — see the safety data sheet.
P330Rinse mouth.
P361+P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P391Collect spillage.
P405Store locked up.
P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional and national regulations.

Classification data from PubChem CID 33557 , retrieved automatically and refreshed weekly. PubChem aggregates from multiple suppliers; entries can differ from the SDS for your grade.

What your COSHH assessment has to answer

Based on the hazard classes above. These are prompts, not answers — the right control depends on your task, your quantities and your room.

Because it is acutely toxic

Which exposure route is credible for your task — inhalation, skin, or both?
Is containment engineered (fume hood, cabinet) rather than relying on PPE?
What is the first-aid response, and is the material for it actually at the point of use?
Is lone working with this restricted?

Because it burns or irritates skin and eyes

Is eye protection specified for the actual task, including splash risk when pouring?
Are the gloves rated for this substance and this contact time?
Where is the nearest eyewash, and when was it last flushed and checked?

Because it can damage organs

Is the exposure repeated or long-term rather than one-off?
Is there an exposure limit to design the controls around?
Are users told what early symptoms look like and who to report them to?

Because it is hazardous to the environment

Is drain disposal ruled out, and does everyone know that?
Is the waste container labelled at the point of generation?
Is the disposal contractor's consignment paperwork in order?

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