1. Process o Use of Acetaldehyde in a laboratory environment. 2. Physical Hazards o Colorless, flammable, volatile liquid or gas (above 69°F) with a pungent, fruity odor. o Fire or explosion may result from contact with strong oxidizers. o Prolonged contact with air may cause formation of peroxides that may explode and burst containers; easily undergoes polymerization. o Incompatibilities and Reactivities: acid anhydrides, alcohols, ammonia & amines, halogens, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, isocyanates, ketones, phenols, phosphorus and strong alkalies. 3. Health Hazards o Acute exposure to acetaldehyde can cause: § Irritation of the eyes with burning. § Conjunctivitis. § Tearing. § Blurred vision. § Photophobia. § Irritation and burning of the nose with rhinorrhea. § Irritation of the upper respiratory tract with pain and coughing. o Exposure to high levels may cause: § Headache. § Drowsiness. § Dizziness. § Excitement and agitation followed by narcosis or stupor. § Pulmonary edema. § Possibly death resulting from respiratory failure. § Ingestion can induce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. § Skin contact may cause dermatitis and burns. § Chronic exposure may cause heart and kidney damage, reproductive and teratogenic effects. § Considered a suspect human carcinogen. 4. Personal Protective Equipment EYE PROTECTION Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which acetaldehyde might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution). Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection. Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational Education Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989) and must be equipped with side shields. Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended. Contact lenses shall not be worn if the potential exist for acetaldehyde exposure. HAND PROTECTION Use of SilverShield®/ 4-H Gloves are recommended for use with acetaldehyde which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-26697. LAB COATS, ETC. Lab coat, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling acetaldehyde. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with acetaldehyde. SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to acetaldehyde, suitable facilities for quick drench or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable. 5. Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices All acetaldehyde work shall be done in the laboratory fume hood. The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved. 6. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements Store acetaldehyde in a flammable liquids storage cabinet. Peroxide hazard on concentration--do not distill or evaporate without first testing for the presence of peroxides--discard or test for peroxides after 6 months. EM QUANT Peroxide test strips can be ordered through Fisher Scientific, catalogue # M100111 for testing the acetaldehyde for the presences of peroxides. Alde-X™ Aldehyde Management System Neutralizer which is available through Lab Safety Supply Catalogue # 2BD-18248 must be available for use in case of liquid spill less than 300 cc. 7. Waste Disposal Excess acetaldehyde and all waste material containing acetaldehyde must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE ACETALDEHYDE ". Full containers of acetaldehyde waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program. 8. Decontamination of Equipment and Area Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information. 9. Spill and Accident Procedures In the event of a liquid spill greater than 300cc, immediately vacate and secure the area. Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111. |