ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ETHANOL (C2H5OH)
SYNONYMS
Ethyl alcohol, methylated spirits, denatured alcohol, absolute
alcohol.
CHARACTERISTICS
Clear, colourless, mobile and volatile liquid. Characteristic
odour and burning taste. Vapours are heavier than air and may
travel a considerable distance along the ground to a source of
ignition and flash back.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating may produce the toxic fumes of carbon monoxide. Ethanol
is incompatible with oxidising agents, and aluminium. Never
store in aluminium containers as aluminium alcoholates may be
formed.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Flammable liquid that should never be stored or handled close to
heat or a naked flame. Ethanol is generally regarded as one of
the safest industrial solvents. Although it possesses narcotic
properties, vapour concentrations sufficient to produce this
effect are rarely, if ever, reached in a medical laboratory.
Ethanol is rapidly oxidised in the body to carbon dioxide and
water and it does not cause permanent damage to the central
nervous system as does methanol, when ingested in moderate
amounts. A splash to the eye can cause redness and pain.
Repeated or prolonged skin contact may lead to dermatitis.
Inhalation is moderately irritating to the respiratory system.
Chronic exposure may result in headache and central nervous
system depression. Ingestion can cause dizziness, dullness,
gastric disorders and central nervous system depression.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin contact defats the skin and can cause dermatitis.
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Earth all metal containers as static is generated when pouring.
Do not store in aluminium containers.
Never handle close to heat or a naked flame. Use a fume hood if
exposure is expected to exceed the recommended threshold limit,
i.e. 1,000 ppm (NH & MRC, Australia, 1980) or 1.900 mg/m3.
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact and
inhalation. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber
gloves, safety goggles as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area
with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical
has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). Wash contaminated
clothing before reuse. If irritation persists seek medical
advice. Barrier creams offer some resistance to ethanol.
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 stopped apply artificial respiration. Keep warm
and allow to rest. Seek medical advice.
Ingestion give plenty of water to drink. If the patient is
conscious induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of
the throat or by administering syrup of ipecac. Seek medical
advice if it is deemed necessary.
STORAGE
Store away from heat or naked flame. Store in a cool, dry
atmosphere. Do not store in aluminium containers. If stored in
metal containers ensure that the containers are properly earthed
before commencing pouring.
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 leak: 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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