Safe Working with Phenol

First Aid

The recommended First Aid procedure has changed over the years. The current procedure adopted in SLS is based on the following documents

and is as follows:

  • Quickly remove contaminated clothing, avoiding contamination of unaffected areas.
  • Thoroughly flush area with copious amounts of water for at least 10 minutes.
  • Swab affected area with polyethylene glycol 300 (PEG 300) until the casualty receives treatment at A&E.
  • Do not use PEG 300 on eyes - use water only for at least 10 minutes.

Primary Route of Exposure

  • 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].
  • The skin is thought to be the primary route of entry during occupation exposure [Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (1998). Toxicological Profile for Phenol. US Department of Health and Human Services. Atlanta, US.].

Exposure via any route must be avoided as far as is reasonably practicable and the most likely exposure route may vary depending upon the specific procedure being carried out. However, in general, the skin is regarded as the primary exposure route in a lab setting. Note: the eyes are particularly at risk if the liquid is sprayed, splashed or flicked from a tube/lid.

Important Safety Measures

  • Understand the Hazards and Risks
  • Eliminate/Substitute
    • Could you use a different technique or a less hazardous chemical?
  • Reduce
    • Buy in and work with the absolute minimum amount required.
  • Contain
    • Carry out manipulations involving significant volumes, e.g. the stock bottle, in a fume hood. This will limit the spread of a spill and safely remove the vapours. The lip of the fume hood will prevent spilled chemical running on to you or the floor. The fume hood visor will protect you from splashes.
    • Employ double containment during storage and transport. A robust plastic container with a tightly fitting lid is ideal.
  • PPE
    • Lab coat with long sleeves and fastened.
    • Gloves: latex is more resistant than nitrile but not completely impervious, so change contaminated gloves asap.
    • Safety glasses.
  • Other
    • Keep PEG 300 close to hand when working with phenol.
    • If you are unsure about how to deal with a phenol spill clear the area, ventilate spill site if possible by opening windows and get help. Never put yourself at risk of exposure.