ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
nPROPYL ALCOHOL (C2H5CH2OH)
SYNONYMS
1propanol, propylic alcohol, npropyl alcohol.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from strong oxidising agents.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless liquid with characteristic odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a flammable liquid and should not be stored or handled
close to heat or a naked flame. The vapour is heavier than air
and can travel for a considerable distance along the ground to a
source of ignition and flashback. It is a toxic substance, a
narcotic and a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant. It can
be absorbed into the body by skin absorption, inhalation or
ingestion. Skin contact may cause localised redness. It defats
the skin and prolonged contact can cause dermatitis. Eye contact
will cause redness and pain. Inhalation may cause coughing,
shortness of breath, dullness and unconsciousness due to
depression of the nervous system. Ingestion causes abdominal
pain and dullness. The ingestion of alcoholic beverages enhances
the toxic of this substance.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and 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). Dermatitis will require medical
treatment. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
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
medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. If irritation persists or develops seek medical
attention. If signs of toxicity develop seek immediate medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Seek immediate medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Reacts violently with alkalis and alkali earth metals generating
flammable gas (hydrogen). Reacts violently with oxidising agents
causing fire and explosion hazards.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible
substances.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear
protective clothing. 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:
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