Hazard Communication Sheet

ETHANOL C
2
H
5
OH
Ethyl Alcohol

DESCRIPTION
Clear, colourless, mobile liquid with characteristic odour; m.p. -130
o
C; b.p. 79
o
C.
Miscible with water. CAS: 64-17-5. UN number: 1170.


HEALTH HAZARDS IRRITANT: Irritating to the eyes
Eye contact with liquid causes pain and severe irritation. May
cause chemi cal conjuncti vitis and corneal damage.
Exposure to high vapour concentrations causes irritati on of the
eyes and respiratory tract, headache, giddiness and nausea.
Swallowing causes narcotic effects (headache, giddiness, nausea, vomiting with
coma and death in severe cases).Repeated excessive intake causes liver damage.
Liquid degreases the skin and repeated contact may cause cracking.


FIRST-AID
Inhalation: Remove from source of exposure. If breathing stops or shows signs of failing
apply artificial respiration. Use oxygen if breathing is laboured. Obtain medical help.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected area with water for
at least 15 minutes. Treat patient as for inhalation. Obtain medical help.
Eyes: Flood with eyewash or water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical help.
Ingestion: Wash out mouth with water. Treat as for inhalation. Obtain medical help.


SAFETY HAZARDS
INCOMPATIBLE with strong oxidising agents, acids, alkali metals, ammonia,
hydrazine, peroxides, sodium, acid anhydrides, calcium hypochlorite, chromyl
chloride, bromine pentafluoride, silver nitrate, mercuric nitrate, potassium tert-
butoxide, acid chlorides, platinum, uranium hexafluoride, silver oxide, iodine
heptafluoride, acetyl bromide, disulphuryl difluoride, tetrachlorosilane + water,
acetyl chloride, permanganic acid, ruthenium (VIII) oxide, potassium dioxide.
EXPLOSION HAZARD. Forms flammable/explosive vapour/air mixtures. Take
precautions against static discharges. Ground and bond containers when
transferring bulk material. Use spark-proof tools and explosion proof equipment.


FIRE
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Flash point 12
o
C. Explosive limits 3.3-19%.
For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or
alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or
alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed
containers. Do not use straight streams of water. Use self-contained
breathing apparatus if fire is large or in a confined space.



SPILLAGE
Refer to local spillage/emergency procedures.
Liquid can be absorbed using sand/proprietary adsorbent or transferred to a
suitable closed container. Contaminated adsorbent should be transferred into a
double polythene lined or other suitable container and disposed of as contaminated
waste. Use non-sparking tools and avoid sources of ignition. Clean up spills
immediately, observing precautions in the Exposure Controls section.


EXPOSURE
CONTROLS
CONTAINMENT LEVEL 2
Refer to local procedures/risk assessment for
details of personal protective equipment
requirements. Eye Protection and Chemical
Protective Clothing suitable for protection
against liquids must be worn where there is risk
of body contact. Respiratory Protective
Equipment and Local Exhaust Ventilation may
be requi red to protect against vapour.


OCCUPATIONAL
EXPOSURE LIMIT
Health & Safety Executive : Workplace Exposure Limit
8-Hour TWA : 1000ppm (1900mgm
-3
) 15 minute STEL : None

I S S U E D A T E : 2 0 0 9 R E F . N U M B E R : 0 0 9 C 9 9
Risk Assessment Services