Isopropyl Alcohol
GHS hazards
Classification
Flammable liquid Cat 2; Eye irritation Cat 2; STOT SE Cat 3 (drowsiness or dizziness)
Hazard statements
- H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
- H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Key precautionary statements
- P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- P233 Keep container tightly closed.
- P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
- P241 Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting equipment.
- P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
- P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
- P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
Exposure limits
The OSHA PEL is an 8-hour TWA with no short-term limit. NIOSH and Cal/OSHA add a 500 ppm STEL. ACGIH's TLV is lower, at 200 ppm TWA and 400 ppm STEL, and ACGIH also publishes a biological exposure index (BEI). The NIOSH IDLH of 2000 ppm is set at 10% of the lower explosive limit for safety. State OSHA plans may set different limits.
Physical properties
- Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
- Odor: Like rubbing alcohol
- Molecular weight: 60.1
- Boiling point: 181°F (83°C)
- Freezing point: -127°F (-88°C)
- Flash point: 53°F (12°C); Class IB flammable liquid
- Autoignition temperature: 750°F (399°C)
- Explosive limits: LEL 2.0%, UEL 12.7% (at 200°F)
- Vapor pressure: 33 mmHg
- Specific gravity: 0.79
- Water solubility: Miscible
Health effects
Inhalation
Irritates the nose and throat. Higher levels cause headache, drowsiness and dizziness.
Skin
Repeated or prolonged contact dries the skin and can cause cracking.
Eyes
Causes serious eye irritation.
Ingestion
NIOSH lists ingestion as an exposure route. Seek medical attention immediately if swallowed.
Target organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Personal protective equipment
Gloves
Nitrile rubber. For full contact, use gloves at least 0.4 mm thick (breakthrough time 480 minutes); for splash contact, at least 0.2 mm (breakthrough time 60 minutes), per the Sigma-Aldrich SDS for 2-propanol.
Eyes and face
Chemical safety goggles or safety glasses meeting 29 CFR 1910.133; add a face shield where splashing is likely.
Respiratory
Not normally needed with good ventilation. Above exposure limits, up to 2000 ppm, use a NIOSH-approved respirator with organic vapor cartridges (full facepiece) or a supplied-air respirator. For emergencies or unknown levels, use a full-facepiece pressure-demand SCBA.
Clothing
Protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Remove clothing promptly if it becomes wet (flammable), and wash skin when contaminated.
Storage and handling
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammables area in tightly closed containers, away from heat, sparks, open flames and oxidizers.
Ground and bond containers during transfer and use with adequate ventilation. Do not pressurize, cut, weld or heat empty containers, which hold flammable residue. Isopropyl alcohol may form explosive peroxides.
Keep away from
- Strong oxidizers
- Acetaldehyde
- Chlorine
- Ethylene oxide
- Acids
- Isocyanates
Spill response
- Remove all ignition sources and ventilate the area. Vapors can collect in low areas and form explosive mixtures.
- Wear protective equipment, including eye protection and gloves.
- Contain the spill and keep it out of drains.
- Absorb with an inert material such as vermiculite or sand, or collect with an electrically protected vacuum, and place in closed containers for disposal.
- For transport incidents (UN1219), refer to ERG Guide 129.
First aid
If inhaled
Move the person to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration; give oxygen if breathing is difficult. Get medical attention.
On skin
Flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention if irritation develops.
In eyes
Flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical attention.
If swallowed
Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. For poisoning advice in the US, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Firefighting
Suitable extinguishing media
- Alcohol-resistant foam
- Dry chemical
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Water spray (to cool fire-exposed containers)
Special hazards
Highly flammable liquid. Vapors are heavier than air and can travel to an ignition source and flash back. Containers may explode when heated. A straight stream of water may be ineffective and can spread the fire. Burning produces carbon oxides. Firefighters should wear SCBA and full protective gear.
Regulations
- OSHA Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): Hazardous chemical; SDS, labels and training required.
- OSHA Flammable Liquids (29 CFR 1910.106): Class IB flammable liquid.
- OSHA Air Contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1): 400 ppm (980 mg/m³) TWA.
- EPA EPCRA Section 313 (TRI) (40 CFR 372.65): Listed only for facilities that manufacture isopropyl alcohol by the strong acid process; no supplier notification.
- DOT (49 CFR 172.101): UN1219, Isopropanol, Class 3, PG II.
Sources
This library is a general reference compiled from public sources such as the NIOSH Pocket Guide, OSHA and PubChem. It does not replace the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet for the product you use, which may differ by grade, concentration or supplier. Always check the SDS and current regulations before handling a chemical.
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