Phenol SDS

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Phenol Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to phenol may be severe, and range from tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) to hypotension (low blood pressure), weak pulse, cardiac failure, pulmonary edema, and respiratory arrest. Cardiac arrhythmias may be noted. Weakness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), delirium, and shock are common. Seizures may often be followed by coma. Pallor, profuse sweating, dilated pupils, and a profound drop in body temperature may occur. Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, abdominal pain, bloody vomitus, and bloody diarrhea. Renal insufficiency may lead to hematuria (bloody urine). Liver damage may also occur. Phenol is corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes. Contact may result in severe and painful burns, which promptly become anesthetized (numb) to touch and pain. Ulceration may follow.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to phenol may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure: 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phenol. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure: 1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to phenol. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. 4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 5. Remove phenol from skin with undiluted polyethylene glycol 300 or 400, if available. If not available, use water. Follow polyethylene glycol wash with a water wash. 6. Wash exposed skin areas for at least 15 minutes with large amounts of water. 7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 8. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure: 1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 3. Immediately give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert. 4. If a dilute (5% or less) solution has been ingested, vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. DO NOT induce vomiting if concentration is greater than 5% or unknown. If elapsed time since ingestion of phenol is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step 5. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of phenol may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step 5.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal. 5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water. 6. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults. 7. Transport to a health care facility.

Fire and explosion hazard

Extinguishing media and tactics

Containment and clean-up

Initial isolation and evacuation