Disclaimer: These guidelines were developed under contract using generally accepted secondary sources. The protocol used by the contractor for surveying these data sources was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE). The information contained in these guidelines is intended for reference purposes only. None of the agencies have conducted a comprehensive check of the information and data contained in these sources. It provides a summary of information about chemicals that workers may be exposed to in their workplaces. The secondary sources used for supplements 111 and 1V were published before 1992 and 1993, respectively, and for the remainder of the guidelines the secondary sources used were published before September 1996. This information may be superseded by new developments in the field of industrial hygiene. Therefore readers are advised to determine whether new information is available.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINE FOR PHENOL
INTRODUCTION
This guideline summarizes pertinent information about phenol for workers and
employers as well as for physicians, industrial hygienists, and other
occupational safety and health professionals who may need such information to
conduct effective occupational safety and health programs. Recommendations
may be superseded by new developments in these fields; readers are therefore
advised to regard these recommendations as general guidelines and to
determine whether new information is available.
SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION
* Formula
C(6)H(6)O
* Structure
(For Structure, see paper copy)
* Synonyms
Carbolic acid, monohydroxybenzene, hydroxybenzene, benzenol,
phenylic acid, phenyl hydroxide, benzophenol, phenyl hydrate, phenylic
alcohol, monophenol, phenic acid, oxybenzene
* Identifiers
1. CAS No.: 108-95-2
2. RTECS No.: SJ3325000
3. DOT UN: 1671 55 (phenol, solid); 2821 55 (phenol solutions); 2312 55
(phenol, molten); 2821 55 (phenol solutions)
4. DOT label: Poison
* Appearance and odor
Pure phenol consists of white or clear acicular crystals. At
41degreesC (105degreesF), phenol congeals into a solid that can be liquefied
by mixing a very small amount of water (2 parts water: 23 parts phenol). On
exposure to air and light, phenol assumes a pinkish or reddish discoloration;
this discoloration is accelerated by the presence of alkalinity or
impurities. Phenol has a characteristic sweet, medicinal, or tar-like odor.
It is shipped in the molten state at elevated temperatures or in the solid or
crystalline form; it is also available as an aqueous solution. The air odor
threshold concentration for phenol is 0.04 part per million (ppm) parts of
air.
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
* Physical data
1. Molecular weight: 94.11
2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 181.7 degrees C (359.1 degrees F)
3. Specific gravity (water = 1): 1.07 at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F)
4. Vapor density: 3.24
5. Melting point: 43 degrees C (109.4 degrees F)
6. Vapor pressure at 35 degrees C (77 degrees F): 0.35 mm Hg
7. Solubility: Soluble in water and benzene; very soluble in alcohol,
chloroform, ether, glycerol, carbon disulfide, petrolatum, volatile and fixed
oils, and aqueous alkali hydroxides; almost insoluble in petroleum ether.
8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.
* Reactivity
1. Conditions contributing to instability: Heat, flames, or sparks.
2. Incompatibilities: Contact between phenol and strong oxidizers
(especially calcium hypochlorite), acids, and halogens should be avoided.
3. Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic gases (such as carbon
monoxide) may be released in a fire involving phenol.
4. Special precautions: Liquid phenol attacks rubber, coatings, and some
forms of plastic. Hot liquid phenol attacks aluminum, magnesium, lead, and
zinc metals.
* Flammability
The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability
rating of 2 (moderate fire hazard) to phenol.
1. Flash point: 79 degrees C (175 degrees F) (closed cup)
2. Autoignition temperature: 715 degrees C (1319 degrees F)
3. Flammable limits in air (percent by volume): Lower, 1,7; upper, 8.6
4. Extinguishant: For small fires use dry chemical, water spray, or
regular foam. Use water spray, fog, or regular foam to fight large fires
involving phenol.
Fires involving phenol should be fought upwind from the maximum
distance possible. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate the hazard area and
deny entry. Emergency personnel should stay out of low areas and ventilate
closed spaces before entering. Containers of phenol may explode in the heat
of the fire and should be moved from the fire area if it is possible to do so
safely. If this is not possible, cool fire exposed containers from the sides
with water until well after the fire is out. Dike fire control water for
later disposal; do not scatter this material. Stay away from the ends of
containers. Firefighters should wear a full set of protective clothing and
self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving
phenol.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
* OSHA PEL
The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
permissible exposure limit (PEL) for phenol is 5 ppm (19 milligrams per cubic
meter (mg/m(3))) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration. The
OSHA PEL also bears a "Skin" notation, which indicates that the cutaneous
route of exposure (including mucous membranes and eyes) contributes to
overall exposure [29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1].
* NIOSH REL
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
has established a recommended exposure limit (REL) for phenol of 5 ppm (19
mg/m(3)) as a TWA for up to a 10-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek and a
short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 15.6 ppm (60 mg/m(3)) for periods not to
exceed 15 minutes. NIOSH also assigns a "Skin" notation to phenol [NIOSH
1992].
* ACGIH TLV
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH) has assigned phenol a threshold limit value (TLV) of 5 ppm (19
mg/m(3)) as a TWA for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. The
ACGIH also assigns a "Skin" notation to phenol [ACGIH 1994, p. 29].
* Rationale for Limits
The NIOSH limits are based on the risk of skin, eyes, central
nervous system, liver, kidneys [NIOSH 1992].
The ACGIH limit is based on the risk of irritation and systemic
effects [ACGIH 1991, p. 1206].
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
* Routes of Exposure
Exposure to phenol can occur through inhalation, ingestion, eye or
skin contact, and absorption through the skin [Sittig 1991, p.
1284].
* Summary of toxicology
1. Effects on Animals: Phenol is an irritant of the eyes, mucous
membranes, and skin; absorption causes convulsions as well as liver, kidney,
and other systemic damage [Hathaway et al. 1991]. In animals, the
predominant effects of acute toxicity are exerted on motor centers in the
spinal cord, which induces marked twitching and severe convulsions.
Following absorption of a toxic dose, the heart rate first increases and then
becomes slow and irregular; the blood pressure initially rises slightly and
then falls markedly. There may be salivation and marked dyspnea, and the
body temperature usually decreases [Clayton and Clayton 1982]. The mean
lethal concentration for rats inhaling phenol vapors is 316 mg/m(3), and for
mice it is 177 mg/m(3). The oral LD(50) values are 317 mg/kg and 270 mg/kg
for rats and mice, respectively. In rabbits, the dermal LD(50) is 850 mg/kg
[NIOSH 1991]. Prolonged oral or subcutaneous administration of phenol to
animals can cause damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and
genitourinary tract. Prolonged inhalation of vapor concentrations in the
range of 30 to 60 ppm causes respiratory difficulties, lung damage, loss of
weight, and paralysis [Clayton and Clayton 1982]. In contact with rabbit
eyes, crystalline or concentrated aqueous phenol causes almost instantaneous
white opacification of the corneal epithelium; 8 hours after application, the
cornea is anesthetic, the surface ulcerated, and the stroma opaque. Five
weeks later, scarring of the conjunctiva and opacity of the cornea occur. In
addition, glaucoma has been induced experimentally in rabbits by injected
5-percent phenol subconjunctivally [Grant 1986]. Phenol administered by
gavage has produced fetotoxic effects in rats and mice. An increased
incidence of leukemia and lymphomas has been reported in rats receiving 2,500
ppm of phenol in drinking water for 103 weeks, although phenol was not
considered to be carcinogenic. In mice treated twice weekly for 41 weeks by
application of one drop of a 10-percent solution of phenol in benzene to the
shaved dorsal skin, papillomas occurred in five of 14 animals after 52 weeks,
and a single fibrosarcoma appeared at 72 weeks. Phenol may act as a
nonspecific irritant to promote the development of tumors when it is
repeatedly applied in large amounts to the skin [Hathaway et al. 1991].
2. Effects on Humans: The effects of phenol exposure in humans are
similar to those produced in animals: systemic absorption causes central
nervous system impairment and liver and kidney damage; local effects include
irritation of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes [Hathaway et al. 1991].
Because of its low volatility, phenol does not pose a serious inhalation
hazard in the occupational setting; the skin is a primary route of entry
[Hathaway et al. 1991; Parmeggiani 1983]. A 32-year-old man died 10 minutes
after spilling a strong solution of phenol over his scalp, face, neck,
shoulders, and back. There was coagulation necrosis of the skin and left eye,
acute dermatitis, and acute passive congestion of the lungs, liver, spleen,
and kidneys [NLM 1992]. An oral dose of 1 gram of phenol many be lethal to
humans; however, in exceptional cases, patients have survived the ingestion
of 65 grams of pure phenol or 120 grams of the crude product. Roughly 50
percent of all reported cases have been fatal. Death may be rapid and
usually results from respiratory failure [Clayton and Clayton 1982]. Chronic
phenol poisoning is characterized by systemic disorders such as digestive
disturbances, nervous system effects, and possibly by skin discoloration and
eruptions; the prognosis is grave when there is extensive damage to the liver
and kidneys [Parmeggiani 1983]. Concentrated phenol solutions are severely
irritating to the human eye and cause conjunctival swelling; the cornea
becomes white and loses sensation. Loss of vision has occurred in some cases.
In addition to systemic effects, contact with the solid or liquid can
produce chemical burns. Erythema, edema, tissue necrosis, and gangrene have
been reported [Hathaway et al. 1991].
* Signs and symptoms of exposure
1. Acute exposure: Acute phenol intoxication causes shock, collapse,
coma, convulsions, cyanosis, and death. Ingestion of lethal amounts causes
severe burns of the mouth and throat, marked abdominal pain, cyanosis,
muscular weakness, collapse, coma, and death. Tremors, convulsions, and
muscle twitching have also occurred. Contact of the skin with the solid or
liquid can produce chemical burns, redness, edema, tissue necrosis, and
gangrene; contact with the eye amy result in irritation, conjunctival
swelling, whitened cornea, and blindness.
2. Chronic exposure: Chronic phenol poisoning is characterized by
vomiting, difficult swallowing, excessive salivation, diarrhea, anorexia,
headache, fainting, vertigo, mental disturbances, and possibly skin
eruptions. Prolonged cutaneous exposure may result in deposition of dark
pigment in the skin.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES
* Emergency medical procedures: [NIOSH to supply]
5. Rescue: Remove an incapacitated worker from further exposure and
implement appropriate emergency procedures (e.g., those listed on the
Material Safety Data Sheet required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard
[29 CFR 1910.1200]). All workers should be familiar with emergency
procedures, the location and proper use of emergency equipment, and methods
of protecting themselves during rescue operations.
EXPOSURE SOURCES AND CONTROL METHODS
The following operations may involve phenol and lead to worker exposures to
this substance:
* The manufacture and transportation of phenol * Use as bonding resin
in plywood manufacture and of molding resins in manufacture of molded
articles, such as electrical appliances, automotive parts, foundry sand
molds, and utensil handles; and during manufacture of friction materials,
bonded adhesives, coated abrasives, wood particle board, and insulation
materials * Use as a peptizing agent in glue, as a blocking agent for
blocked isocyanate monomers, and in the synthesis of stabilizers and
preservatives for dyes, perfumes, and fungicides * Use in synthesis of
thermosetting phenolic resins, epoxy, polycarbonate, phenoxy, and
polysulfone; and in synthesis of caprolactam for use in nylon 6 fibers,
plastics, and films * Use in synthesis of bisphenol-a, adipic acid,
alkyphenols, agricultural chemicals, and intermediates; in synthesis of
pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastic plasticizers and antioxidants, and curing
agents * Use during solvent refining of lubrication il and wax and in
synthesis of additives for gasoline and lubricating fluids and intermediates
* Use in medicine as a preservative for pneumococcal polysaccharide
vaccine, as an agent for relieving itching, as a disinfectant for septic
wounds, as a cauterizing agent, and for the treatment of severe disability
(muscle spasms, paralysis, and related disorders) resulting from multiple
sclerosis * Use in synthesis of intermediates in polyester production; in
synthesis of corrosion-resistant polyester and polyester polyols; and in
synthesis of dye intermediates * Use in synthesis of disinfectants,
surface-active agents, detergent intermediates, explosives, and synthetic
cresols and xylenols * Use in the production or manufacture of fertilizer,
coke, illuminating gas, lampblack, paints, paint removers, and asbestos goods
* Use in veterinary medicine as an internal antiseptic and gastric
anesthetic
Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to phenol,
depending on the feasibility of implementation, are as follows:
* Process enclosure * Local exhaust ventilation * General dilution
ventilation * Personal protective equipment
Workers responding to a release or potential release of a hazardous
substance must be protected as required by paragraph (q) of OSHA's Hazardous
Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard [29 CFR 1910.120].
Good sources of information about control methods are as follows:
1. ACGIH [1992]. Industrial ventilation--a manual of recommended
practice. 21st ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists.
2. Burton DJ [1986]. Industrial ventilation--a self study companion.
Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
3. Alden JL, Kane JM [1982]. Design of industrial ventilation systems.
New York, NY: Industrial Press, Inc.
4. Wadden RA, Scheff PA [1987]. Engineering design for control of
workplace hazards. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
5. Plog BA [1988]. Fundamentals of industrial hygiene. Chicago, IL:
National Safety Council.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
OSHA is currently developing requirements for medical surveillance. When
these requirements are promulgated, readers should refer to them for
additional information and to determine whether employers whose employees are
exposed to phenol are required to implement medical surveillance procedures.
* Medical Screening
Workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards should be monitored
in a systematic program of medical surveillance that is intended to prevent
occupational injury and disease. The program should include education of
employers and workers about work-related hazards, early detection of adverse
health effects, and referral of workers for diagnosis and treatment. The
occurrence of disease or other work-related adverse health effects should
prompt immediate evaluation of primary preventive measures (e.g., industrial
hygiene monitoring, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment).
A medical surveillance program is intended to supplement, not replace, such
measures. To detect and control work-related health effects, medical
evaluations should be performed (1) before job placement, (2) periodically
during the term of employment, and (3) at the time of job transfer or
termination.
* Preplacement medical evaluation
Before a worker is placed in a job with a potential for exposure to
phenol, a licensed health care professional should evaluate and document the
worker's baseline health status with thorough medical, environmental, and
occupational histories, a physical examination, and physiologic and
laboratory tests appropriate for the anticipated occupational risks. These
should concentrate on the function and integrity of the skin, central nervous
system, respiratory system, liver, and kidneys. Medical surveillance for
respiratory disease should be conducted using the principles and methods
recommended by the American Thoracic Society.
A preplacement medical evaluation is recommended to assess medical
conditions that may be aggravated or may result in increased risk when a
worker is exposed to phenol at or below the prescribed exposure limit. The
health care professional should consider the probable frequency, intensity,
and duration of exposure as well as the nature and degree of any applicable
medical condition. Such conditions (which should not be regarded as absolute
contraindications to job placement) include a history and other findings
consistent with diseases of the skin, central nervous system, respiratory
system, liver, and kidneys.
* Periodic medical evaluations
Occupational health interviews and physical examinations should be
performed at regular intervals during the employment period, as mandated by
any applicable Federal, State, or local standard. Where no standard exists
and the hazard is minimal, evaluations should be conducted every 3 to 5 years
or as frequently as recommended by an experienced occupational health
physician. Additional examinations may be necessary if a worker develops
symptoms attributable to phenol exposure. The interviews, examinations, and
medical screening tests should focus on identifying the adverse effects of
phenol on the skin, central nervous system, respiratory system, liver, or
kidneys. Current health status should be compared with the baseline health
status of the individual worker or with expected values for a suitable
reference population.
* Termination medical evaluations
The medical, environmental, and occupational history interviews, the
physical examination, and selected physiologic or laboratory tests that were
conducted at the time of placement should be repeated at the time of job
transfer or termination to determine the worker's medical status at the end
of his or her employment. Any changes in the worker's health status should
be compared with those expected for a suitable reference
population.
* Biological monitoring
Biological monitoring involves sampling and analyzing body tissues
or fluids to provide an index of exposure to a toxic substance or metabolite.
A worker's exposure to phenol can be determined by analyzing a urine sample
taken at the end of the shift for total phenol. A 250 mg total phenol per
gram creatinine level corresponds to an airborne phenol exposure at the TLV
(5 ppm). It should be noted that dermal absorption of phenol may also
contribute to the urinary levels found.
WORKPLACE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT
Determination of a worker's exposure to airborne phenol is made using an
XAD-7 tube (100/50 mg sections, 15/50 mesh). Samples are collected at a
maximum flow rate of 0.1 liter/minute until a maximum collection volume of 24
liters is reached. The sample is then treated with methanol. Analysis is
conducted by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC/FID).
This method is fully validated and is described in the OSHA Computerized
Information System [OSHA 1994] and in NIOSH Method No. 2546 [NIOSH 1994b].
PERSONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES
If phenol contacts the skin, workers should immediately wash the affected
areas with soap and water.
Clothing contaminated with phenol should be removed immediately, and
provisions should be made for the safe removal of the chemical from the
clothing. Persons laundering the clothes should be informed of the hazardous
properties of phenol, particularly its potential for causing irritation and
tissue corrosion.
A worker who handles phenol should thoroughly wash hands, forearms, and face
with soap and water before eating, using tobacco products, using toilet
facilities, applying cosmetics, or taking medication.
Workers should not eat, drink, use tobacco products, apply cosmetics, or
take medication in areas where phenol or a solution containing phenol is
handled, processed, or stored.
STORAGE
Phenol should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly
sealed containers that are labeled in accordance with OSHA's Hazard
Communication Standard [29 CFR 1910.1200]. Containers of phenol should be
protected from physical damage and ignition sources, and should be stored
separately from strong oxidizers (especially calcium hypochlorite), acids,
and halogens.
SPILLS AND LEAKS
In the event of a spill or leak involving phenol, persons not wearing
protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from contaminated
areas until cleanup has been completed. The following steps should be
undertaken following a spill or leak:
1. Do not touch the spilled material; stop the leak if it is possible to
do so without risk.
2. Notify safety personnel.
3. Remove all sources of heat and ignition.
4. Ventilate the area of the spill or leak.
5. Use non-sparking tools.
6. Water spray may be used to reduce vapors.
7. For small dry spills, use a clean shovel and place the material into a
clean, dry container; cover and remove the container from the spill area.
8. For small liquid spills, take up with sand or other noncombustible
absorbent material and place into closed containers for later disposal.
9. For large liquid spills, build dikes far ahead of the spill to contain
the phenol for later reclamation or disposal.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for emergency
planning, reportable quantities of hazardous releases, community
right-to-know, and hazardous waste management may change over time. Users
are therefore advised to determine periodically whether new information is
available.
* Emergency planning requirements
Employers owning or operating a facility at which there are 10,000
pounds or more of phenol must comply with EPA's emergency planning
requirements [40 CFR Part 355.30]. (If phenol is in the form of a finely
divided powder or is handled in solution or in molten form, the employer must
comply with these requirements if 500 pounds or more of phenol are present at
the facility.)
* Reportable quantity requirements for hazardous releases
A hazardous substance release is defined by EPA as any spilling,
leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting,
escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the
abandonment or discarding of contaminated containers) of hazardous
substances. In the event of a release that is above the reportable quantity
for that chemical, employers are required to notify the proper Federal,
State, and local authorities [40 CFR 355.40].
The reportable quantity of phenol is 1,000 pounds. If an amount
equal to or greater than this quantity is released within a 24-hour period in
a manner that will expose persons outside the facility, employers are
required to do the following:
- Notify the National Response Center immediately at (800)
424-8802 or at (202) 426-2675 in Washington, D.C. [40 CFR 302.6].
- Notify the emergency response commission of the State likely to
be affected by the release [40 CFR 355.40].
- Notify the community emergency coordinator to the local
emergency planning committee (or relevant local emergency response personnel)
of any area likely to be affected by the release [40 CFR 355.40].
* Community right-to-know requirements
Employers who own or operate facilities in SIC codes 20 to 39 that
employ 10 or more workers and that manufacture 25,000 pounds or more of
phenol per calendar year or otherwise use 10,000 pounds or more of phenol per
calendar year are required by EPA [40 CFR Part 372.30] to submit a Toxic
Chemical Release Inventory form (Form R) to EPA reporting the amount of
phenol emitted or released from their facility annually.
* Hazardous waste management requirements
EPA considers a waste to be hazardous if it exhibits any of the
following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or
toxicity as defined in 40 CFR 261.21-261.24. Under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA) [40 USC 6901 et seq.], EPA has specifically listed
many chemical wastes as hazardous. Phenol is listed as a hazardous waste
under RCRA and has been assigned EPA Hazardous Waste No. U188. It is
approved for land disposal after treatment and only if the concentration of
phenol in the waste or treatment residual does not exceed 6.2
mg/kg.
Providing detailed information about the removal and disposal of
specific chemicals is beyond the scope of this guideline. The U.S.
Department of Transportation, EPA, and State and local regulations should be
followed to ensure that removal, transport, and disposal of this substance
are conducted in accordance with existing regulations. To be certain that
chemical waste disposal meets EPA regulatory requirements, employers should
address any questions to the RCRA hotline at (703) 412-9810 (in the
Washington, D.C. area) or toll-free at (800) 424-9346 (outside Washington,
D.C.). In addition, relevant State and local authorities should be contacted
for information on any requirements they may have for the waste removal and
disposal of this substance.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
* Conditions for respirator use
Good industrial hygiene practice requires that engineering controls
be used where feasible to reduce workplace concentrations of hazardous
materials to the prescribed exposure limit. However, some situations may
require the use of respirators to control exposure. Respirators must be worn
if the ambient concentration of phenol exceeds prescribed exposure limits.
Respirators may be used (1) before engineering controls have been installed,
(2) during work operations such as maintenance or repair activities that
involve unknown exposures, (3) during operations that require entry into
tanks or closed vessels, and (4) during emergencies. Workers should only use
respirators that have been approved by NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA).
* Respiratory protection program
Employers should institute a complete respiratory protection program
that, at a minimum, complies with the requirements of OSHA's Respiratory
Protection Standard [29 CFR 1910.134]. Such a program must include
respirator selection, an evaluation of the worker's ability to perform the
work while wearing a respirator, the regular training of personnel,
respirator fit testing, periodic workplace monitoring, and regular respirator
maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. The implementation of an adequate
respiratory protection program (including selection of the correct
respirator) requires that a knowledgeable person be in charge of the program
and that the program be evaluated regularly. For additional information on
the selection and use of respirators and on the medical screening of
respirator users, consult the latest edition of the NIOSH Respirator Decision
Logic [NIOSH 1987b] and the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection
[NIOSH 1987a].
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Workers should use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment
that must be carefully selected, used, and maintained to be effective in
preventing skin contact with phenol. The selection of the appropriate
personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, sleeves, encapsulating
suits) should be based on the extent of the worker's potential exposure to
phenol. The resistance of various materials to permeation by phenol (>70
percent) is shown below:
Material |
Breakthrough time (hr) |
|
Viton |
>8 |
Saranex |
>8 |
Barricade |
>8 |
Chemrel |
>8 |
Responder |
>8 |
Neoprene |
>4 |
Teflon |
>4 |
4H (PE/EVAL) |
>4 |
Butyl Rubber |
Caution 1 to 4 |
Natural Rubber |
<1(*) |
Nitrile Rubber |
<1(*) |
Polyethylene |
<1(*) |
Polyvinyl Alcohol |
<1(*) |
Polyvinyl Chloride |
<1(*) |
(*) Not recommended, degradation may occur
To evaluate the use of these PPE materials with phenol, users should consult
the best available performance data and manufacturers' recommendations.
Significant differences have been demonstrated in the chemical resistance of
generically similar PPE materials (e.g., butyl) produced by different
manufacturers. In addition, the chemical resistance of a mixture may be
significantly different from that of any of its neat components.
Any chemical-resistant clothing that is used should be periodically
evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing dermal contact. Safety
showers and eye wash stations should be located close to operations that
involve phenol.
Splash-proof chemical safety goggles or face shields (20 to 30 cm long,
minimum) should be worn during any operation in which a solvent, caustic, or
other toxic substance may be splashed into the eyes.
In addition to the possible need for wearing protective outer apparel (e.g.,
aprons, encapsulating suits), workers should wear work uniforms, coveralls,
or similar full-body coverings that are laundered each day. Employers should
provide lockers or other closed areas to store work and street clothing
separately. Employers should collect work clothing at the end of each work
shift and provide for its laundering. Laundry personnel should be informed
about the potential hazards of handling contaminated clothing and instructed
about measures to minimize their health risk.
Protective clothing should be kept free of oil and grease and should be
inspected and maintained regularly to preserve its effectiveness.
Protective clothing may interfere with the body's heat dissipation,
especially during hot weather or during work in hot or poorly ventilated work
environments.
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