ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

TRYPAN BLUE (Colour Index No. 23850) (C34H24N6O14S4Na4)

SYNONYMS
Chlorazol blue 3B, benzo blue 3B, dianil blue H3G, Congo blue 3B, naphthamine blue 3BX, benzamine blue 3B, azidine blue 3B, Niagara blue 3B, diamine blue 3B.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Teratogen ­ must not be handled by staff who are pregnant.
Carcinogen ­ use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Blue­grey powder, disazo group of dyes.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This dye is a known animal carcinogen and a teratogen. It must never be handled by staff who are pregnant and must only be handled in a fume hood when the ventilation system is working efficiently. It is a toxic substance and an eye irritant.
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 sulphur 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:
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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