International Chemical Safety Cards

ETHANOL (ANHYDROUS)

ICSC: 0044

Ethyl alcohol
CH₃CH₂OH / C₂H₆O
Molecular mass: 46.1

ICSC #    0044
CAS #     64-17-5
RTECS # KQ6300000
UN #        1170
EC #         603-002-00-5
October 02, 2000 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with strong oxidants.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water in large amounts, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION	Cough. Headache. Fatigue. Drowsiness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN	Dry skin.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES	Redness. Pain. Burning.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Burning sensation. Headache. Confusion. Dizziness. Unconsciousness.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

F symbol
R: 11
S: 2-7-16
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0044

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

ETHANOL (ANHYDROUS)

ICSC: 0044

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts slowly with calcium hypochlorite, silver oxide and ammonia, causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with strong oxidants such as nitric acid, silver nitrate, mercuric nitrate or magnesium perchlorate, causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1000 ppm as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 500 ppm, 960 mg/mł;
Peak limitation category: II(2); Carcinogen category: 5; Pregnancy risk group: C; Germ cell mutagen group: 5;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: 3300 ppm LEL

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes. Inhalation of high concentration of vapour may cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the upper respiratory tract and central nervous system , resulting in irritation, headache, fatigue and lack of concentration. See Notes.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 79°C
Melting point: -117°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water:
miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 5.8

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.03
Flash point: 13°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 363°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.3-19
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.32

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Ethanol consumption during pregnancy may adversely affect the unborn child. Chronic ingestion of ethanol may cause liver cirrhosis. The flash point of 50% water solution is 24°C. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1170
NFPA Code: H 0; F 3; R 0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0044	ETHANOL (ANHYDROUS)
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.