ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
OCTAN1OL [CH3(CH2)7OH]
SYNONYMS
noctanol, noctyl alcohol, Capryl alcohol.
OCTAN2OL [CH3(CH2)5CHOHCH3]
SYNONYMS Capryl alcohol, secoctanol, secoctyl alcohol.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless, oily liquids with a penetrating odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
These substances are eye and respiratory tract irritants and
they may irritate the skin in sensitive individuals. They are
regarded as having a low toxicity. Both may be harmful if
ingested in large amounts but permanent damage is unlikely.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately 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). If irritation persists 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 persists seek medical
attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. In
severe cases of exposure seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. If discomfort persists or if ingested in large
amounts seek medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon. Octan1ol can react
with oxidising materials.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and oxidising
materials.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin and eye contact or
inhalation. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber
gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
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:
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List