NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Ethyl alcohol

CAS
64-17-5

CH3CH2OH

RTECS
KQ6300000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Alcohol, Cologne spirit, Ethanol, EtOH, Grain alcohol
DOT ID & Guide
1170 / 127

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m3)
IDLH
3300 ppm [10%LEL] See: 64175
Conversion
1 ppm = 1.89 mg/m3
Physical Description
Clear, colorless liquid with a weak, ethereal, vinous odor.
MW: 46.1
BP: 173°F
FRZ: -173°F
Sol: Miscible
VP: 44 mmHg
IP: 10.47 eV

Sp.Gr: 0.79
Fl.P: 55°F
UEL: 19%
LEL: 3.3%

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, potassium dioxide, bromine pentafluoride, acetyl bromide, acetyl chloride, platinum, sodium
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1400; OSHA 100
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation

First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush promptly
Breathing: Fresh air
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 3300 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape: Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, nose; headache, drowsiness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), narcosis; cough; liver damage; anemia; reproductive, teratogenic effects
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, blood, reproductive system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0044   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0097