ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
GLYCINE (NH2CH2COOH)
SYNONYMS
Aminoacetic acid, glycocol.
CHARACTERISTICS
White, crystalline powder.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Combustible substance, keep away from heat or naked flames.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A combustible solid and should never be handled or stored close
to heat or a naked flame. There is very little data available on
the effects of this chemical on human health, but it is known
that it can be absorbed into the body by inhalation or
ingestion. Eye contact causes redness and may cause pain.
Inhalation causes coughing and ingestion causes nausea.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid inhalation.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact and
inhalation. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber
gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin 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 other
symptoms develop, seek medical advice.
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 exposure to fresh air. Rest in a
halfupright position and seek medical attention if necessary.
Ingestion rinse the mouth with water and give water to drink.
Seek medical attention if necessary.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or naked flames.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus or all purpose
canister respirator, and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Turn on the fume hood if the
acid is volatile. Cover the spill on bench or floor, with an
excess of sodium bicarbonate and vermiculite. Mix and scoop into
a large beaker of water. When the reaction is complete discharge
to the sewer with a large excess of water. Wash the spill site
with soap solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Pour on to an excess of sodium bicarbonate. Mix and scoop into
a bucket. Dump into a 200 litre drum and fill with water. After
24 hours slowly discharge to sewer with a large excess of water.
OR
2 Pour on to vermiculite in an open incinerator. Cover with
scrap wood and paper. Pour waste alcohol over all and ignite
with a torch or fuse. Stay on the upwind side.
OR
3 Dissolve in a flammable solvent such as waste alcohol. Spray
into an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT:
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