Ethyl Alcohol Safety Data Sheet

Ethyl Alcohol Safety Data Sheet: A Comprehensive Guide

This document provides a comprehensive overview of Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol), its properties, hazards, and safety precautions. It serves as a detailed Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and aims to equip users with the knowledge necessary for safe handling, storage, and disposal of this common chemical. Understanding this information is crucial for preventing accidents and protecting human health and the environment. This guide covers key aspects including identification, hazards, first aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls/personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, and regulatory information. This information is crucial for anyone working with ethyl alcohol, regardless of their level of experience.

1. Identification

Product Name: Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)

Synonyms: Alcohol, Ethanol, Ethyl hydroxide, Grain alcohol, Absolute alcohol

CAS Number: 64-17-5

Chemical Formula: C₂H₅OH

Recommended Use: Solvent, disinfectant, fuel, pharmaceutical ingredient, beverage production (in regulated contexts).

2. Hazards Identification

GHS Hazard Statements:

• H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
• H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
• H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• EUH066: Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking. (Depending on concentration and formulation)

Precautionary Statements:

• P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. – No smoking.
• P233: Keep container tightly closed.
• P240: Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
• P241: Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/…/equipment.
• P242: Use only non-sparking tools.
• P243: Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
• P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
• P264: Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
• P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
• P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
• P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
• P337+P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.
• P370+P378: In case of fire: Use dry sand, carbon dioxide, foam, or powder to extinguish.
• P403+P235: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
• P501: Dispose of contents/container to an appropriate hazardous or special waste collection point.

Potential Health Effects:

• Acute Exposure: Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, central nervous system depression (drowsiness, dizziness, headache, incoordination), and potentially coma or death. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Skin contact may cause irritation and dryness. Eye contact can cause significant irritation and burning.
• Chronic Exposure: Repeated or prolonged exposure to ethyl alcohol can lead to liver damage, neurological problems, and addiction (alcoholism). Skin exposure can lead to dermatitis.

3. First-aid Measures

Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Seek medical attention.

Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected area with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Remove the person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing stops, perform CPR. Seek immediate medical attention.

Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

4. Fire-fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or alcohol-resistant foam. Water spray may be used to cool surrounding areas and prevent spread, but it is not effective at extinguishing the fire itself.

Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Flammable vapors can travel considerable distances to an ignition source and flash back. Burning ethyl alcohol produces carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing. Stay upwind and approach the fire cautiously.

5. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate the area and restrict access to unauthorized personnel. Ensure adequate ventilation. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as described in Section 8.

Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or waterways. If a significant spill occurs, contact local emergency services and environmental protection agencies.

Methods and Materials for Containment and Cleanup: Contain the spill using absorbent materials (e.g., sand, vermiculite). Transfer the contaminated absorbent to appropriate containers for disposal. Clean the affected area thoroughly with water and detergent.

6. Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use in well-ventilated areas or with local exhaust ventilation. Ground and bond containers to prevent static electricity buildup. Use explosion-proof equipment in areas where flammable vapors may accumulate. No smoking.

Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible materials (oxidizers). Store away from sources of ignition. Keep containers upright to prevent leaks. Follow all applicable local, regional, and national regulations for storage of flammable liquids.

7. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general ventilation to maintain air concentrations below the occupational exposure limits.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Eye/Face Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles.
• Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene) and protective clothing.
• Respiratory Protection: Use a respirator with organic vapor cartridges if exposure limits are exceeded.

8. Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid.
• Odor: Characteristic alcoholic odor.
• Boiling Point: 78.4 °C (173.1 °F)
• Melting Point: -114.1 °C (-173.4 °F)
• Flash Point: 12-21 °C (54-70 °F) (Closed cup)
• Autoignition Temperature: 363 °C (685 °F)
• Vapor Pressure: 5.9 kPa at 20 °C (68 °F)
• Specific Gravity: 0.789 at 20 °C (68 °F)
• Solubility in Water: Miscible
• Vapor Density: 1.59 (Air = 1)

9. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal conditions.

Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, strong oxidizers, and strong acids.

Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

10. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Ingestion of significant quantities can be fatal. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause respiratory depression and central nervous system depression. Eye and skin contact can cause irritation.

Subchronic and Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure can lead to liver damage, neurological problems, and addiction (alcoholism). Skin exposure can lead to dermatitis.

Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen.

Reproductive Toxicity: May affect fertility and fetal development.

Target Organ Effects: Central nervous system, liver, gastrointestinal tract, skin.

11. Ecological Information

Toxicity: Ethyl alcohol is considered moderately toxic to aquatic organisms.

Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable.

Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly.

Mobility: Highly mobile in the environment.

12. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of ethyl alcohol and contaminated waste materials in accordance with all applicable local, regional, and national regulations. Contact a licensed waste disposal contractor for proper disposal. Do not discharge to sewer or waterways.

13. Regulatory Information

This Safety Data Sheet complies with all applicable regulations. Specific regulations vary by location. Consult local, regional, and national regulations for complete requirements. This may include but is not limited to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), and other relevant environmental protection agencies.

14. Other Information

Disclaimer: This Safety Data Sheet provides information based on our current knowledge and understanding. This information is intended for guidance only and does not constitute a warranty of any kind. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that all handling, storage, and disposal practices comply with all applicable local, regional, and national regulations. Users should conduct their own risk assessment prior to handling ethyl alcohol. Always consult the most current version of the SDS before handling this material. Seek professional advice if necessary.

This comprehensive Safety Data Sheet for Ethyl Alcohol aims to provide a thorough understanding of its potential hazards and safe handling practices. Remember, safety is paramount when working with any chemical substance. Always prioritize safe work practices and follow established safety protocols.