MSDS: Isopropyl Alcohol
Hazardous when in contact with the eyes, ingested, or inhaled. Also slightly hazardous with skin-contact
It is a classified reproductive system and developmental system toxin. Isopropyl alcohol can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, skin, and CNS.
Is the chemical a carcinogen?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that Isopropyl alcohol is a carcinogen.
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that Isopropyl alcohol is a carcinogen.
What personal protective equipment or special precautions should be taken when working with this chemical?
Because Isopropyl is a flammable substance, it should be kept away from heat sources. Is should also be stored in a segregated area that is cool and well-ventilated.
Those handling the substance should wear splash goggles, lab coats, respirators, and gloves.
If this is a chemical found in your workplace, what training/education were you given about any risks associated with this chemical?
This substance is found within our heavy cleaners, such as Cavicide. This is used to wash away bodily fluids, such as blood. I have been instructed to use gloves, whenever I need use this substance. Also, a face mask has been advised, but not strictly enforced. I have not heard of any protocols in which I should wear a lab coat as PPE, however it makes senses, given that Isopropyl can be a skin-irritant.
Toxnet Findings:
- Isopropyl alcohol is twice as toxic as ethanol
- Lab workers, cleaners, and hospital workers are at the greatest risk for toxic exposure
- There have been cases of suicide with the use of products containing large concentrations of isopropyl alcohol
There were no discernible discrepancies noted between toxnet and the MSDS. However, toxnet provided much more additional, and in-depth information.
I would consider the MSDS sufficient as a tool for workers who need to know about Isopropyl alcohol. Nonetheless, the language would probably be too complex for most, especially when it comes to the chemical breakdown of things such as Isopropyl alcohol. Overall, workers should be able to understand that the substance is harmful, how to protect themselves, and what to do in cases of exposure, using the MSDS. If I were to augment the MSDS, I would be specific as to how I can be exposed to the substance, by providing a list of items which contain the chemical.
HI, Samuel!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your posting and Elena’s about MSDS, I noticed that MSDS can be improved to protect the workers by adding more specific information. Also, I am wondering how many workers have read the information in reality. In particular, Isoproply is a flammable substance, which adds extra caution in the work place.
Hi Samuel,
ReplyDeleteI also wrote my blog post on isopropanol alcohol because it is one of the chemicals that I use most frequently. For example, I clean all of my personal items with it at the end of my shift. This includes items like my badge, stethoscope, pens, and cellphone. After reading the MSDS and ToxNet, this may be excessive. I was also never instructed to wear a lab coat or goggles with its use. I think most workplaces could do a better job of instructing employees how to correctly handle chemicals they may use on a more regular basis. Lastly, I also agree that the MSDS was written with too complex of language for the average reader.