ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

PONCEAU S (Colour Index No. 27195) (C22H12N4O13S4Na4)

SYNONYMS
Fast ponceau 2B.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid eye contact.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark red, combustible powder. Disazo group of dyes.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a combustible substance and should never be handled close to heat or a naked flame. It is an eye irritant. Its toxicity has not been quantified but other dyes in this group are known to be mutagenic and potential carcinogens, e.g. Sudan III, scarlet R and Sudan IV.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ remove contaminated clothing then wash the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the dye has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical advice. Wash contaminated clothing before re­use.
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the dye has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Give oxygen if required. Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of sulphur compounds. Can react with oxidising materials. This is a combustible substance and should never be handled close to heat or a naked flame.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or oxidising materials.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood to keep the level of exposure to a minimum. Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Leather gloves, heavy face shield and laboratory coat. Work from behind a barricade (body shield or wall). Avoid unnecessary heat, friction or impact.
SPILLS:
Absorb the liquid with paper or vermiculite. If it is a solid, dampen then brush on to paper with great care. Place in a plastic bag and remove outside for burning.
OR
Sponge up with water, followed by decontamination with 10% ammonium ceric nitrate solution. 'Kill', by adding to a greater stoichiometric amount of ammonium ceric nitrate solution with agitation sufficient to provide suspension of all solids. Cool the reaction. The organic azides and heavy metal azides are explosive. Alkali and alkaline earth azides are not considered explosives under normal laboratory conditions. Keep the stock of azides very low. Stamp the date of receipt upon the package.
ENVIRONMENT:

 


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