1.      Process

Use of phenol in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Colorless to light-pink, crystalline solid with a sweet, acrid odor. (Note: phenol liquefies by mixing with about 8% water.)

q       Combustible solid.

q       Incompatibilities and Reactivities: acids, aluminum chloride, calcium hypochlorite and strong oxidizers.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Typical exposure routes for phenol include inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact.

q       Effects of overexposure include:

·          Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat

·          Anorexia and weight loss

·          Weakness, muscle ache, pain

·          Dark urine

·          Cyanosis

·          Liver and kidney damage

·          Skin burns

·          Dermatitis

·          Ochronosis

·          Tremor

·          Convulsions and twitching

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

·         Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which phenol 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 exists for phenol exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·         Use of butyl rubber gloves are recommended for use when handling phenol which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-14998.  Check catalogue for size and finish. 

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

·         Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling phenol. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with phenol.

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·         Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to phenol, 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

q       All Phenol work shall be done in the laboratory fume hood.

q       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

q       Keep tightly closed.

q       Keep away from heat and open flame.

q       Refrigerate.

q       Spill-X-S Kit, which is available from Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14628, must be available in the event of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

7.      Waste Disposal

Excess phenol and all waste material containing phenol must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE PHENOL". Full containers of phenol 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 300 cc, immediately vacate and secure the area.  Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.