ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
BIOGRAM
(Also see Phenol)
Synonyms
None known.
General Precautions
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid ingestion of this solution.
Characteristics
Clear blue, strongly alkaline, liquid.
Health Hazard Data
A broad spectrum polyphenolic disinfectant and detergent
(hospital grade) with approximately 18% phenol. It is
bactericidal, fungicidal and tuberculocidal. This substance is a
strong irritant if ingested or splashed on the skin or in the
eyes. Avoid all contact with the undiluted product.
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). If
hypersensitivity develops seek medical attention.
Eyes: 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 immediate medical
attention.
Ingestion: wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
milk to drink. Induce vomiting if more than 15 minutes from a
hospital. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Treat as for phenolic poisoning. Seek immediate medical advice.
Incompatibility
None known.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere.
Handling
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact,
inhalation or ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves and safety goggles as a minimum standard.
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. See code 15 for ether
peroxides.
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.
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.
Solid peroxide: spills should be mixed with a large volume of
vermiculite or sand. Cautiously transfer to a deep pit and
ignite from a safe distance with a torch or fuse.
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.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Absorb or mix in small portions of vermiculite or sand. Wet down
with 10% sodium hydroxide. Scoop up with plastic scoops and
remove to an open incinerator-pit. When dry, ignite from a safe
distance with a torch or fuse.
Environment:
Reference
Gibson Chemicals Ltd. (1988)
Material Safety Data Sheet.
Gibson Chemicals Ltd., 350 Reserve Road, Cheltenham, Vic.,
Australia.
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List