ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
nAMYL ACETATE [CH3CO2(CH2)4CH3]
SYNONYMS
nPentyl acetate.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless, flammable liquid with banana or pear-like,
characteristic odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Flammable liquid. Keep away from all sources of ignition. There
is a risk of fire or explosion when contact is made with strong
oxidising agents. Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a toxic substance and a skin, eye and respiratory tract
irritant. Eye contact causes redness and pain. It defats the
skin and prolonged contact can cause dermatitis and cracking.
Inhalation causes sore throat, headache, dizziness and
drowsiness. The vapour is also toxic and an irritant. It is a
central nervous system depressant and prior ingestion of
alcoholic beverages enhances the toxic effects. Ingestion causes
sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, dizziness and
drowsiness.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from plastics.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear
protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and 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). Dermatitis will require medical
attention. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek
medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. If irritation persists or develops seek immediate
medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat, direct sunlight
or ignition sources and incompatible substances.
DISPOSAL
Caution: Keep your stock low and date each container as
received. Never transfer to glass stoppered containers or screw
cap bottles which can cause dangerous friction.
Wear rubber gloves, large heavy face shield and laboratory coat.
Work under a flash proof fume hood and from behind a heavy body
shield.
SPILLS: Eliminate all sources of ignition. Spills may be
absorbed in a large quantity of vermiculite or sand. Using a
soft, plastic scoop, carefully place the mixture in a plastic
container. Spread on a steel pan or in a deep pit. Ignite from a
safe distance with a torch or fuse. Wash the scoop and container
with 20% sodium hydroxide. Burn the original cartons and bags or
dispose of by waste disposal contractor. Small quantity - a very
small amount of solid or liquid may be destroyed by adding 10
volumes of 20% sodium hydroxide. after 24 hours, neutralise
using litmus paper as an indicator then discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT
No data available.
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