ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
BUTANOL1OL (CH3(CH2)2CH2OH)
SYNONYMS
Butanol, nbutanol, nbutyl alcohol.
CHARACTERISTICS
Flammable, clear, colourless liquid with an irritating odour.
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel a considerable
distance along the ground to a source of ignition and flash
back.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Butanol is incompatible with oxidising agents. Heating produces
toxic fumes of carbon.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a flammable liquid and should never be stored
or handled close to heat or a naked flame. It is an irritant to
the eyes, skin and mucous membranes and is a central nervous
system depressant. Prolonged exposure can damage the auditory
nerve resulting in hearing loss and impaired balance. Acute
exposure to eye causes redness and pain and can cause permanent
eye damage. Skin contact causes localised irritation and
prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis. The vapour is a
narcotic and inhaling may cause headache, dizziness and
drowsiness. Ingestion may cause nausea and vomiting. High
concentrations can lead to central nervous system depression.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from combustible substances.
Keep away from oxidising agents.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Handle in a well ventilated area that will keep the level of
exposure below the recommended threshold limit, i.e. 50 ppm (vapour),
150 mg/m3 (liquid). If the level of exposure is
expected to exceed these limits then a fume hood should be used
or a respirator should be worn. Wear protective clothing. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles
and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing then immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation persists or dermatitis develops seek medical
attention.
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 persists seek
immediate 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 signs of toxicity
develop seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water. Induce
vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat. Seek
immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a well ventilated, cool, dry atmosphere away from heat
and incompatible substances.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all
purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS:
A gas leak - keep the concentration of the gas below the
explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank
to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt
to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid - absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid - sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume
hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas - pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit and
allow to burn.
A liquid - atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be
improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid - make up packages in paper or other flammable material.
Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a
flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT
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