☣️ Hazardous Chemicals Safety Reference | Class 6a of 6

Toxic, Carcinogenic & Schedule Chemicals — Part I

Storage, handling, process hazards, PPE and emergency procedures for the first 25 of 50 toxic, carcinogenic and Schedule Poison chemicals — covering metals, cyanides, isocyanates, chlorinated solvents and reactive intermediates.

Chemicals (1–25)25
Toxic & CarcinogenicClass 6a
Poisons IncludedSchedule 1
Group 1/2A/2BIARC

☣️ Class Overview — Toxic, Carcinogenic & Schedule Chemicals (Part I of II)

📑 Jump to a Chemical

Cyanides (NaCN / KCN)
Also known as: Sodium / potassium cyanide
Industrial Uses
Electroplating (gold, silver, zinc), heat treatment, case hardening
STORAGE HAZARDS
Schedule 1 Poison — locked restricted-access room; segregate from acids (HCN released instantly); alkaline pH storage
HANDLING HAZARDS
IDLH 25 mg/m³; skin contact with dry powder or solution is hazardous; HCN released in pH drop below 9.5
PROCESS HAZARDS
Plating bath pH monitoring essential; accidental acid addition generates lethal HCN instantaneously

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Full face SCBA for HCN release
  2. Chemical splash goggles
  3. Neoprene gloves
  4. Full chemical suit
  5. On-site antidote kit (amyl nitrite + sodium thiosulphate) MANDATORY

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Call 108 immediately — cyanide poisoning is minutes-to-death
2Administer amyl nitrite (trained personnel only)
3Move victim to fresh air; CPR if unresponsive
4SCBA for rescue team
5Neutralise spill with ferrous sulphate + NaOH
6Notify Poison Control: 1800-11-6117
Mercury (Hg) & Compounds
Also known as: Quicksilver / mercuric chloride
Industrial Uses
Chlor-alkali plants (mercury cell), scientific instruments, switches (legacy)
STORAGE HAZARDS
Vapour pressure significant at room temp; store sealed in cool location; no proximity to heat
HANDLING HAZARDS
Vapour accumulates invisibly; spilled droplets nearly impossible to fully recover; amalgamates with gold/silver jewellery
PROCESS HAZARDS
Heating mercury dramatically raises vapour conc.; organic mercury (methylmercury) more toxic from environmental metabolism

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Mercury vapour respirator (activated carbon/HEPA combination)
  2. Nitrile or neoprene gloves
  3. Chemical goggles
  4. No jewellery
  5. Mercury spill kit on-site

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Do NOT use vacuum cleaner — disperses vapour
2Sprinkle elemental sulphur on droplets to amalgamate
3Collect with suction bulb; seal airtight
4Ventilate 48 hours minimum
5Report to SPCB; urine mercury monitoring for exposed workers
Isocyanates (TDI / MDI)
Also known as: Toluene / methylene diisocyanate
Industrial Uses
Polyurethane foam, adhesives, coatings, insulation boards
STORAGE HAZARDS
Moisture-sensitive — reacts with water releasing CO₂ and heat; store sealed in dry temperature-controlled area
HANDLING HAZARDS
One significant exposure can cause permanent occupational asthma — no cure once sensitised; TLV 0.005 ppm
PROCESS HAZARDS
Thermal degradation generates HCN; spray application most hazardous — fine aerosol

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Supplied air respirator for spray — organic vapour cartridges inadequate for TDI
  2. Chemical splash goggles
  3. Neoprene gloves
  4. Full coverall — skin absorption occurs

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Move to fresh air; bronchodilator + steroid (hospital)
2Neutralise spill with 5–10% ammonia or sodium carbonate
3Workers with any exposure: pulmonary function assessment
4Mandatory medical surveillance for all isocyanate workers
Arsenic & Compounds (As₂O₃)
Also known as: White arsenic / arsenious oxide
Industrial Uses
Pesticide manufacture, glass clarifying, wood preservatives, alloys
STORAGE HAZARDS
Schedule poison; store in locked secure room; dust is invisible and odourless
HANDLING HAZARDS
Cumulative systemic toxin; carcinogen; affects liver, peripheral nervous system, skin (hyperkeratosis)
PROCESS HAZARDS
Heating liberates AsH₃ (arsine gas) — immediately dangerous

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. P3 HEPA respirator for dust
  2. Chemical goggles
  3. Neoprene gloves
  4. Full coverall — no skin exposure
  5. Change and shower before leaving work area

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Arsine release: SCBA; evacuate; call 108
2Dust spill: wet carefully; HEPA vacuum; double-bag waste
3Exposed workers: urine arsenic + full metabolic panel
4Notify DISH and SPCB — arsenic is a hazardous waste Schedule substance
Lead & Compounds (Pb, PbO, Pb₃O₄)
Also known as: Red lead / white lead / litharge
Industrial Uses
Lead-acid batteries, cable sheathing, pigments (legacy), ceramic frits
STORAGE HAZARDS
Lead dust extremely hazardous; store in closed drums; no food/drink in storage area
HANDLING HAZARDS
Cumulative neurotoxin; attacks nervous system; particularly harmful to children of workers (take-home dust); no safe blood level
PROCESS HAZARDS
Battery manufacturing: high-temperature processes release lead fume; grinding/polishing releases fine dust

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. P3 HEPA respirator (lead fume/dust)
  2. Nitrile gloves
  3. Full coverall — no take-home contamination
  4. Shower and change clothing before leaving
  5. Dedicated canteen — no eating in work area

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Spill: wet before sweeping; HEPA vacuum; no compressed air
2Medical: blood lead monitoring every 3 months for all workers
3BLL >40 μg/dL: remove from exposure; medical evaluation
4Notify DISH — Schedule substance under OSH Code 2020
Chromium VI Compounds (CrO₃, K₂Cr₂O₇)
Also known as: Chromic acid / potassium dichromate
Industrial Uses
Electroplating (chrome), pigments, leather tanning, corrosion inhibitors
STORAGE HAZARDS
Strong oxidiser; fire with combustibles; store away from organics, reducing agents
HANDLING HAZARDS
IARC Group 1 carcinogen (lung cancer); causes chrome holes (nasal septum perforation); severe dermatitis; STEL 0.05 mg/m³
PROCESS HAZARDS
Chrome plating mist is the main exposure route; chromic acid spray in plating tank area

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. HEPA/P100 respirator for mist
  2. Chemical splash goggles
  3. Neoprene gloves
  4. Full coverall and apron
  5. Weekly nasal inspection for workers

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Spill: absorb with dry sand; do NOT mix with organics
2Neutralise with sodium bisulphite + acid to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III)
3Skin: flush 20 min; chrome burns — hospital immediately
4Annual chest X-ray + pulmonary function for all chrome workers
5SPCB hazardous waste disposal mandatory for chrome effluent
Organophosphate Pesticides
Also known as: Malathion / DDVP / chlorpyrifos
Industrial Uses
Pesticide mfg., agro-chemicals, public health applications
STORAGE HAZARDS
Toxic; Schedule poison; store locked, cool, dry, away from food and water sources
HANDLING HAZARDS
Inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzyme — miosis, salivation, convulsions, death; absorbed through skin rapidly
PROCESS HAZARDS
Formulation operations — mixing/dilution step most hazardous; fine dust/aerosol from blending

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Full face SCBA or supplied air for formulation operations
  2. Butyl rubber gloves (nitrile permeates)
  3. Full coverall — no skin exposure
  4. Atropine auto-injector on-site MANDATORY

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Call 108 — organophosphate poisoning needs IV atropine + pralidoxime
2Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash skin
3If unconscious: CPR; recovery position
4Spill: contain; absorb with dry earth; hazardous waste disposal
5Blood cholinesterase monitoring for all workers
Chlorinated Solvents (TCE, PCE, DCM)
Also known as: Trichloroethylene / perchloroethylene / methylene chloride
Industrial Uses
Degreasing, dry cleaning, paint stripping, pharmaceutical extraction
STORAGE HAZARDS
Non-flammable (most); vapour denser than air — oxygen displacement risk; store in ventilated area
HANDLING HAZARDS
CNS depressant; suspected/confirmed carcinogens; liver/kidney toxins; vapour narcotic at modest concentrations
PROCESS HAZARDS
Metal degreasing tanks: high vapour conc.; DCM decomposes to phosgene in contact with hot surfaces or UV

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Supplied air respirator (cartridges have short service life)
  2. Butyl rubber or neoprene gloves (rapid permeation through PVC/nitrile)
  3. Chemical goggles
  4. Full coverall

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Remove victim to fresh air; O₂; 108
2If DCM: rule out phosgene exposure — observe 24 hr
3Spill: contain vapour buildup; ventilate; absorb with dry sand
4No sewers — SPCB scheduled waste
5Regular liver/kidney function tests for exposed workers
Epoxy Resins & Hardeners
Also known as: Bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether / amine hardeners
Industrial Uses
FRP, adhesives, floor coatings, electrical encapsulation, composites
STORAGE HAZARDS
Hardeners (amines) are corrosive and sensitising; store resin and hardener separately; away from heat
HANDLING HAZARDS
Amine hardeners are skin and respiratory sensitisers; epoxy resin causes contact dermatitis; BADGE is a suspected carcinogen
PROCESS HAZARDS
Spray or hot cure operations generate amine vapour; uncatalysed spills have lower hazard but hardener spills severe

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Nitrile gloves (change frequently)
  2. Chemical splash goggles
  3. OV + P2 combination respirator for spray
  4. Full coverall — no skin contact with amine hardeners

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Skin contact with hardener: flush 20 min water; dermatology review
2Spill: contain; absorb with dry sand; bag as chemical waste
3Sensitised workers: remove from exposure permanently — no cure
4Ventilate spray/cure area; monitor for amine vapour
Acrylates (Acrylic Acid, Acrylates)
Also known as: Acrylic acid / methyl acrylate / ethyl acrylate
Industrial Uses
Adhesives, acrylic fibres, superabsorbents, coatings, water treatment polymers
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point variable (acrylic acid 54°C); can polymerise without inhibitor — heat or light triggers runaway polymerisation; store cool with inhibitor
HANDLING HAZARDS
Lachrymatory vapour; strong skin/respiratory sensitiser; absorbed through skin; irritating at very low concentrations
PROCESS HAZARDS
Polymerisation runaway in storage tank or reactor can cause pressure buildup and rupture

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Chemical splash goggles
  2. Nitrile gloves (check compatibility — some acrylates permeate)
  3. OV respirator
  4. Full coverall

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Runaway polymerisation: cool tank with water spray; evacuate
2Fire: foam or CO₂
3Spill: absorb with dry sand; neutralise acrylic acid with soda ash
4Skin: flush 20 min; sensitised workers remove from exposure
Sodium Cyanide Solution
Also known as: Liquid NaCN / plating solution
Industrial Uses
Large-scale electroplating baths, gold/silver plating, surface treatment
STORAGE HAZARDS
Same as solid NaCN — schedule poison; pH must be maintained above 10.5; alkaline storage mandatory
HANDLING HAZARDS
Solution looks innocuous — deceptive; HCN released at pH <9.5; high toxicity even through skin
PROCESS HAZARDS
Plating bath temperature control and pH maintenance critical; inadvertent acid addition catastrophic

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. SCBA on standby for any pH alarm
  2. Chemical splash goggles
  3. Neoprene gloves
  4. Full face shield for bath monitoring
  5. Antidote kit on-site — MANDATORY

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Same as solid cyanide: 108 immediately
2Do NOT attempt mouth-to-mouth — rescuer risk
3Amyl nitrite inhalation; IV sodium thiosulphate in hospital
4Bath neutralisation: ferrous sulphate solution raises pH and precipitates iron-cyanide complex
Diethyl Ether (C₂H₅OC₂H₅)
Also known as: Ether / ethoxyethane
Industrial Uses
Pharmaceutical extraction, lab solvent, starting fluid
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point −45°C; explosive range 1.9–36%; forms peroxides on storage — test before using old stock; vapour heavier than air
HANDLING HAZARDS
Peroxide formation in opened/old containers is explosion risk; highly narcotic; invisible vapour travels long distances
PROCESS HAZARDS
Peroxide-contaminated ether can detonate on distillation — NEVER distil to dryness

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Anti-static clothing and footwear
  2. Nitrile gloves
  3. Chemical goggles
  4. OV respirator
  5. SCBA for spill response

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Do NOT distil unknown-age ether without peroxide test
2CO₂ for fire
3Remove to well-ventilated area away from ignition sources
4Absorb spill with dry sand
Acetic Anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O)
Also known as: Acetic oxide
Industrial Uses
Pharmaceuticals (aspirin, cellulose acetate), dyes, explosives precursor
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point 49°C; controlled chemical (narcotics precursor — requires licence); reacts vigorously with water generating heat and acetic acid
HANDLING HAZARDS
Corrosive to skin and respiratory tract; vapour irritating; rapid saponification of skin
PROCESS HAZARDS
Water contact in process generates heat and acetic acid — potential for runaway if vessel design inadequate

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Chemical splash goggles
  2. Nitrile or neoprene gloves
  3. OV respirator
  4. Face shield for bulk transfer

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Cool water flush for skin/eye (generates heat initially — continue flushing)
2Spill: dry sand containment; no water addition
3Controlled chemical: log all inventory; report loss to Narcotics Control Bureau
4Notify DISH for spill >10 litres
Perchloroethylene (PCE / PERC)
Also known as: Tetrachloroethylene
Industrial Uses
Dry cleaning, metal degreasing, chemical intermediate
STORAGE HAZARDS
Non-flammable; vapour denser than air — O₂ displacement; IARC Group 2A probable carcinogen
HANDLING HAZARDS
Narcotic at high conc.; chronic exposure causes liver/kidney damage; skin defatting and dermatitis
PROCESS HAZARDS
Degreasing tanks — vapour exposure to operators during parts loading; hot surfaces decompose to phosgene

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Neoprene or butyl rubber gloves
  2. Chemical goggles
  3. Supplied air respirator for dip-tank operations
  4. Full coverall

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Move to fresh air; O₂; medical if symptomatic
2Spill: absorb with dry earth; no sewers (scheduled waste)
3Potential phosgene formation near hot surfaces — 24 hr hospital observation
4Biological monitoring: trichloroacetic acid in urine
Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl₄)
Also known as: Tetrachloromethane / carbon tet
Industrial Uses
Solvent (largely banned in production); fire suppression (legacy); lab use
STORAGE HAZARDS
Non-flammable but decomposes to phosgene in fire; store in cool ventilated area; minimise stock
HANDLING HAZARDS
Severe hepatotoxin and nephrotoxin; suspected carcinogen; synergistically more toxic with alcohol; absorbed through skin
PROCESS HAZARDS
In fire situations decomposes to phosgene — firefighters at risk; no longer approved for new processes

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Butyl rubber or neoprene gloves
  2. Supplied air respirator (cartridges inadequate)
  3. Chemical goggles
  4. Full coverall

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Move victim to fresh air; hospital — liver/kidney monitoring
2Phosgene risk in fire — SCBA mandatory
3Spill: contain; ventilate; no sewers (ODS + toxic scheduled waste)
4Liver/kidney function tests at 24–72 hr post exposure
Nitrobenzene (C₆H₅NO₂)
Also known as: Oil of mirbane
Industrial Uses
Dye and aniline manufacture, shoe polish, solvent
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point 88°C; toxic by all routes; store in vented area away from reducing agents and flammables
HANDLING HAZARDS
Causes methemoglobinaemia — converts Hb to MetHb, impairing O₂ transport; blue skin (cyanosis) is late sign; absorbed rapidly through skin
PROCESS HAZARDS
In aniline reduction plants: high-temperature reduction reaction releases nitrobenzene vapour

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Supplied air respirator for production environments
  2. Nitrile or neoprene gloves
  3. Full coverall — skin absorption is major route
  4. Methemoglobin monitoring at plant entry

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Call 108 — antidote is methylene blue IV
2Remove contaminated clothing; flush skin 15 min
3Blue skin = medical emergency
4Biological monitoring: methemoglobin levels for all workers
Aniline (C₆H₅NH₂)
Also known as: Aminobenzene / phenylamine
Industrial Uses
Dye manufacture, rubber chemicals, pharmaceuticals, MDI precursor
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point 70°C; toxic; store away from oxidisers and acids; suspected carcinogen
HANDLING HAZARDS
Methemoglobinaemia risk (same as nitrobenzene); readily absorbed through skin; bladder cancer risk on chronic exposure
PROCESS HAZARDS
In dye intermediate synthesis: vapour in closed rooms; hot aniline more volatile

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Nitrile or neoprene gloves (change frequently)
  2. Chemical splash goggles
  3. OV respirator
  4. Full coverall — no skin contact
  5. Methemoglobin monitoring

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Same as nitrobenzene — methylene blue antidote for severe cases
2Remove clothing; flush skin; hospital
3Annual bladder cancer screening (urine cytology) for long-term exposed workers
Phthalic Anhydride (PA)
Also known as: 1,3-isobenzofurandione
Industrial Uses
Plasticizer (DOP/DEHP) production, alkyd resins, dye intermediates
STORAGE HAZARDS
Vapour sublimes even at ambient temperature; store sealed; away from strong oxidisers and bases
HANDLING HAZARDS
Potent respiratory and skin sensitiser; occupational asthma with even brief repeated exposure; irritant at low conc.
PROCESS HAZARDS
Melting/handling molten PA — significant vapour and fume generation; dust in solid handling

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. P3 combination OV respirator for dust/vapour
  2. Chemical splash goggles
  3. Nitrile gloves
  4. Full coverall

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Move sensitised worker out of area — permanent removal may be needed
2Spill: contain dust (wet suppression); bag as chemical waste
3Sensitisation: no effective treatment; prevent by eliminating exposure
4Annual pulmonary function tests for all PA workers
Sulphur (elemental, S)
Also known as: Brimstone / flowers of sulphur
Industrial Uses
Fungicide, rubber vulcanisation, dye intermediates, chemical synthesis
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flammable solid — fine dust forms explosive clouds; segregate from oxidisers; static generation during pneumatic conveying
HANDLING HAZARDS
Low acute toxicity as solid; burning sulphur produces SO₂; dust cloud in bag-tipping operations can deflagrate
PROCESS HAZARDS
Grinding or pneumatic conveying of sulphur creates explosive dust; melting sulphur generates H₂S in the presence of organics

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. P2 dust mask for dry handling
  2. Anti-static clothing and footwear for powder operations
  3. Chemical goggles for dust

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Sulphur dust fire: water spray for cooling and suppression
2Evacuate — SO₂ generation in fire
3Do NOT use CO₂ (ineffective for smouldering sulphur)
4If H₂S detected in melt area: SCBA; evacuate; ventilate
Dioctyl Phthalate / DEHP
Also known as: DOP / di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate
Industrial Uses
PVC plasticizer (widely used in cable, tubing, flooring, medical devices)
STORAGE HAZARDS
Low volatility at ambient; store away from strong oxidisers and heat
HANDLING HAZARDS
Suspected reproductive toxin (endocrine disruptor); REACH restricted for many applications; skin absorption with prolonged contact
PROCESS HAZARDS
At high processing temperatures (PVC compounding) vapour and aerosol generated

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Nitrile gloves for handling
  2. Safety goggles for hot processing
  3. OV respirator for compounding operations

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Spill: absorb with dry sand; no drains (water pollution)
2Skin: wash with soap and water
3Fire: CO₂ or foam
4Notify SPCB for large spills (water contamination hazard)
Sodium Dichromate (Na₂Cr₂O₇)
Also known as: Sodium bichromate
Industrial Uses
Chrome tanning, surface treatment, corrosion inhibitor, wood preservative
STORAGE HAZARDS
Strong oxidiser + Cr(VI) carcinogen; store away from organics, reducing agents; secured area with limited access
HANDLING HAZARDS
Carcinogen (lung, nasal); causes deep non-healing chrome ulcers/holes; systemic toxicity on absorption
PROCESS HAZARDS
Chrome tanning baths; corrosion inhibitor injection systems

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. P100 + OV respirator
  2. Chemical splash goggles
  3. Neoprene gloves
  4. Full coverall
  5. Weekly nasal examination for workers

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Skin/eye: flush 20 min + hospital
2Spill: contain; reduce with sodium bisulphite + dilute H₂SO₄ to convert Cr(VI)→Cr(III); then neutralise
3SPCB hazardous waste disposal mandatory
4Annual chest X-ray and lung function for all workers
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
Also known as: Butanone / 2-butanone
Industrial Uses
Surface coatings, adhesives, printing inks, magnetic tape, extraction
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point −9°C; store in earthed flammable cabinet; vapour heavier than air
HANDLING HAZARDS
Narcotic at high conc.; potentiates n-hexane neurotoxicity; degreases skin causing dermatitis
PROCESS HAZARDS
High evaporation rate; explosive range 1.8–10%; static generation during pumping

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Nitrile gloves
  2. Chemical goggles
  3. OV respirator for confined/heavy use
  4. Anti-static clothing

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1CO₂ or dry powder for fire
2Eliminate ignition sources; ventilate low areas
3Absorb spill with dry sand; no drains
4Inhalation: fresh air; medical if symptoms persist
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
Also known as: 4-methylpentan-2-one
Industrial Uses
Paints, varnishes, dewaxing of mineral oils, rubber chemicals, adhesives
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point 14°C; store in earthed flammable store; vapour denser than air
HANDLING HAZARDS
CNS depressant; irritant to eyes and respiratory tract; potentiates hexane neurotoxicity
PROCESS HAZARDS
In solvent recovery units — distillation creates explosive vapour if controls fail

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. OV respirator
  2. Nitrile gloves
  3. Chemical goggles
  4. Anti-static footwear

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1CO₂ or foam for fire
2Eliminate ignition sources; evacuate low areas
3Absorb with dry sand; sealed waste containers
4Inhalation: fresh air
Ethylene Oxide (EtO)
Also known as: Oxirane / EO
Industrial Uses
Sterilisation (medical devices, spices), ethylene glycol production, surfactants
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point −18°C; IARC Group 1 carcinogen; genotoxic, mutagenic; store in explosion-proof refrigerated area; PESO licence required
HANDLING HAZARDS
Immediately toxic and carcinogenic; sweet odour at low conc. — deceptive; vapour explosive range 3–100%
PROCESS HAZARDS
Sterilisation chamber leaks most common exposure route; pressurised system failure

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Supplied air respirator — no cartridge APR is adequate
  2. Butyl rubber gloves
  3. Full encapsulating suit for spill
  4. SCBA for emergency response

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1Call 108 and DISH immediately — EtO is a carcinogen and explosive
2Evacuate; eliminate ignition sources
3SCBA team shut off valve
4Biological monitoring: haemoglobin adducts for workers
5Report all exposures — mandatory notification
Propylene Oxide (PO)
Also known as: 1,2-epoxypropane / methyl oxirane
Industrial Uses
Polyol for polyurethane, propylene glycol production, fumigant
STORAGE HAZARDS
Flash point −37°C; suspected carcinogen; IARC Group 2B; vapour heavier than air; explosive range 2.1–21.5%
HANDLING HAZARDS
Eye, skin, respiratory irritant; narcotic at high conc.; mutagen in laboratory assays
PROCESS HAZARDS
In polyurethane production — pressurised systems; static generation in pumping

🛡️ Required PPE — Specific Grades & Types

  1. Butyl rubber gloves
  2. Chemical goggles
  3. OV respirator or SCBA for major use
  4. Anti-static clothing

🚨 Emergency Procedure — Large Spill / Major Leak

1CO₂ or dry powder for fire
2Evacuate low-lying areas
3Absorb with dry sand; no ignition sources
4Suspected carcinogen: minimise exposure; STEL monitoring