ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
COLLODION DB 6
(See also Ether and Ethanol for associated hazards).
Collodion is the commercial name of a nitro cellulose usually
supplied as a 4% or 6% solution in ether/ethanol.
SYNONYMS
Celloidin, low viscosity nitrocellulose, necoloidin.
CHARACTERISTICS
Supplied as a colourless, viscous liquid with an etherlike
odour. The vapour is heavier than air and may travel for a
considerable distance along the ground to a source of ignition
and flash back.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen, hydrogen, cyanide, and
carbon. Beware of static electricity. Also see diethyl Ether and
Ethanol (this section).
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Highly flammable never store or handle close to heat or a
naked flame. It is usually dissolved in a mixture of ether and
ethanol. See Ether and Ethanol (this section) for related
hazards. Health hazards relate more to the solvents than to
collodion. High concentrations of ether vapours may cause
narcosis, loss of consciousness and respiratory paralysis if
inhaled. Care is required when pouring as there is a tendency to
produce static electricity which could ignite the vapour,
especially if a metal container is used. If a metal container is
used ensure that it is properly earthed before pouring begins.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
The solvent is a narcotic, avoid inhalation.
Avoid skin contact.
Highly flammable, keep away from heat or naked flames.
Take precautions against static discharge.
Use a fume hood. Do not handle close to heat or a naked flame.
See Ether for limits of exposure. Wear protective clothing. A
long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety
goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin collodion is sticky and may require the use of the
solvent to remove contaminations from the skin. After removed
with a solvent 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). Collodion
is difficult to remove from clothing and shoes. Ether defats the
skin and may cause dermatitis. If irritation or dermatitis
develop 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 persists seek immediate medical advice.
Inhalation as for Ether.
Ingestion as for Ether.
STORAGE
Keep the container tightly closed and store in a well
ventilated, cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or naked flame.
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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