ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

ALCIAN BLUE (Colour Index No. 74240) (C32H12N8Cu+4X) X = onium group

SYNONYMS
Alcian blue 8GX.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark blue powder. A phthalocyanin dye.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen compounds. Can react violently with oxidising materials.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a combustible powder and should never be handled close to heat or a naked flame. It is an eye and respiratory tract irritant. The affects of ingestion are unknown.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). Contaminated clothing should be removed, dried and washed with strong soap solution or destroyed. It may be necessary to destroy shoes by burning.
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the dye has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth thoroughly with water. If discomfort develops seek medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and oxidising materials.
DISPOSAL
Wear butyl rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing apparatus.
Spills: Small spills - absorb liquid on paper towels. Brush solids on to paper. Place in an iron pan and allow evaporation in a fume hood. Add crumpled paper and burn. Wash spill site with a strong soap solution.
Large spills - cover with sand and soda ash mixture (90/10). Mix and shovel into a cardboard box. Pack with a large excess of crumpled paper. Burn in an open pit or incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
Package lots: Either - 1. Pour or sift on to a thick layer of sand and soda ash mixture (90/10). Mix, and shovel into a heavy paper box with much paper packaging. Burn in an incinerator. The fire may be augmented with scrap wood. Stay on the upwind side OR 2. Dissolve in a flammable solvent and spray into the firebox of an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT
No data available.

 


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