ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
BUTVAR B72 POLYVINYL BUTYRAL
SYNONYMS
Terpolymer of polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl
acetate.
CHARACTERISTICS
White, granular, solid.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Dust mixed in sufficient quantities of air will form explosive
concentrations. Can react violently with strong oxidising
agents. Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Butvar is only slightly irritating to eyes. Otherwise it is
regarded as being nonirritating and nontoxic provided that
good laboratory hygiene is followed.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye contact.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising agents.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
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). 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
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 develops seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from 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. 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.
Liquid peroxide - 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.
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
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