ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
SAFRANIN O (Colour Index No. 50240)
Safranin O is a mixture of dimethyl and trimethyl phenosafranin.
Dimethyl phenosafranin (C20H19N4Cl)
Trimethyl phenosafranin (C21H21N4Cl)
SYNONYMS
Safranin Y, safranin A, gossypimine, cotton red.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid eye contact.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark red powder. Quinoneimine group of dyes.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Its toxicity has not been quantified but other dyes in this
group are known to be highly toxic and mutagenic, e.g. toluidine
blue, and potential carcinogens, e.g. resorcin fuchsin.
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 immediate medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and seek
immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride and nitrogen
compounds.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
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:
Butyl rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained
breathing apparatus.
SPILLS:
On skin and clothing: wash skin with strong soap solution
immediately. Rinse thoroughly. Contaminated clothing should be
removed, dried and washed with strong soap solution or
destroyed. It may be necessary to destroy shoes by burning.
Small spills: absorb liquid on paper towels. Brush solids on to
paper. Place in an iron pan and allow evaporation in a fume
hood. Add crumpled paper and burn. Wash spill site with a strong
soap solution.
Large spills: cover with sand and soda ash mixture (90/10). Mix
and shovel into a cardboard box. Pack with a large excess of
crumpled paper. Burn in an open pit or incinerator equipped with
an afterburner and scrubber.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Pour or sift on to a thick layer of sand and soda ash mixture
(90/10). Mix, and shovel into a heavy paper box with much paper
packaging. Burn in an incinerator. The fire may be augmented
with scrap wood. Stay on the upwind side.
OR
2 Dissolve in a flammable solvent and spray into the firebox of
an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT:
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