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IV.
SOLVENTS
Characteristics • May be flammable, toxic, or carcinogenic
• Fire and explosion hazard
• Most are easily absorbed through skin
Storage
Precautions
Potential
Hazards
Detection of
Release
Immediate
Action
• Store in approved safety cans or cabinets
• Do not use plastics for storage of large amounts of flammable liquids
• Segregate from oxidizers
• Keep away from any source of ignition: flames, localized heat or sparks
• Safety cans or drums containing flammable liquids should be grounded and bonded
when being used
• Keep fire fighting equipment readily available
• Have spill cleanup materials handy
• Do not exceed the recommended maximum container size for flammable and
combustible liquids (Call EH&S for more information)
• Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location
Fire • Maybe flammable
• May be ignited by heat
• Vapors may travel to ignition source
Explosion • Container may explode due to heat or fire
• Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outside, and in confined spaces
Health • Some are toxic
• Can replace oxygen and cause suffocation
• Irritation of eyes, nose, throat, lungs
• May cause headaches, dizziness, and sleepiness
• Higher levels of exposure may cause unconsciousness, brain and
central nervous system effects
• Skin contact may cause dryness, irritation and dermatitis
• Chronic effects: liver, kidney, central nervous system, and brain
damage
• Odor thresholds vary widely from person to person, don't depend on odor for
warning
• Some solvents produce "olfactory fatigue" - rapid loss of ability to smell the odor
• Solvent vapors are invisible
• Detected by industrial hygiene instruments
NOTIFY EH&S OF ANY RELEASE:
• Beyond immediate work area
• Causing personal injury
• Stop leak if without risk to personnel
Personal
Protection
• Avoid breathing vapors
• Wear appropriate protective clothing
• Wear self-contained breathing apparatus
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