ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS [HO(CH2H2O)NH]
Polyethylene glycols are mixtures of mainly penta, hexa, hepta
and octo ethylene glycols, each individual product is blended to
give a particular molecular weight between 200 and 6,000. EP and
USP purity grades are available.
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid prolonged skin contact.
Avoid eye contact.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
CHARACTERISTICS
White solid or clear, viscous liquid depending upon the
molecular weight.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Polyethylene glycols are considered to be practically
nonharmful. They are combustible substances and should never be
stored or handled near a naked flame. Prolonged skin contact can
be irritating and eye contact can cause irritation.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately wash the affected area with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes).
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 medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
None known.
STORAGE
Store away from heat or naked flames.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin and eye contact. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves and safety
goggles 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:
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