6
Ethyl Alcohol Safety Information
Emergency Overview
OSHA Vacated PELs:
Alcohol: 1000 ppm TWA; 1900 mg/m3 TWA
Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes:
Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by
OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard
EN166.
Skin:
Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators:
A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and
ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever
workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.
First Aid Measures
Eyes:
Get medical aid. Gently lift eyelids and flush continuously with water for at least 15
minutes.
Skin:
Get medical aid. Wash clothing before reuse. Flush skin with plenty of soap and
water.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cups of milk or
water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
Inhalation:
Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If not breathing,
give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. Do NOT use
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
General Information:
Containers can build up pressure if exposed to heat and/or fire. As in
any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH
(approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Vapors may form an explosive mixture
with air. Vapors can travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors will burn if involved
in a fire. Flammable liquid can release vapors that form explosive mixtures at temperatures
above the flashpoint. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Containers
may explode in the heat of a fire.
Extinguishing Media:
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. Water may be ineffective. Do NOT use straight
streams of water.
Flash Point:
16.6° C (61.88° F)
Auto-ignition Temperature:
363° C (685.40° F)
Explosion Limits, Lower:
3.3 vol %
Explosion Limits, Upper:
19.0 vol %
NFPA Rating:
(estimated) Health: 2; Flammability: 3; Instability: 0
