ETHANOL (ANHYDROUS) ICSC: 0044
October 2000
Ethyl alcohol
CAS No: 64-17-5
RTECS No: KQ6300000
UN No: 1170
EC No: 603-002-00-5		     CH3CH2OH / C2H6O
Molecular mass: 46.1


TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE		 ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION         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 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. F Symbol
R: 11
S: (2-)7-16
UN Hazard Class: 3


EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-32
NFPA Code: H 0; F 3; R 0		 Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.


IMPORTANT DATA
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 (ACGIH 2000).
MAK: 500 ppm; 960 mg/m³; II,1 (1999).
MAK: class C,2 (1999).

 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 ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
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		  


NOTES
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.