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Material Handling
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| Caprolactam can cause a variety of reactions ranging from mild to
moderately severe eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation depending on the
length of exposure or contact. In addition, the molten material may cause
thermal burns. Prolonged inhalation of the aerosol, vapors and/or dust may
irritate the membranes of the nose and throat; at high concentrations,
caprolactam may cause reversible symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness
and headache. Only personnel that have been trained in the safe handling of
caprolactam should work in areas where it is present – all others should
refrain from being in those areas until properly trained. |
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| Like other organic chemicals, caprolactam should always be handled, stored
and used with every precaution against fire. Fires involving caprolactam can be
extinguished using water spray, dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide. When
heated to its decomposition temperature, hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide
may be emitted. Only essential, trained personnel should be in the area during
a caprolactam fire. |
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| When handling caprolactam, appropriate safety gear should always be worn,
including safety glasses with cup-type side shields or chemical goggles, safety
shoes, natural rubber or neoprene gloves, and a hard hat. All contaminated
clothing should be washed before reuse. |
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 | If eye, skin, inhalation or ingestion exposure does occur, treat promptly
as directed and seek medical attention immediately if necessary. |
| In case of eye contact, flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at
least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids to ensure thorough
flushing. Obtain medical attention. |
| If skin contact occurs, remove affected clothing and was affected area with
large quantities of water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| If caprolactam is inhaled, remove the patient to fresh air. If the patient
is not breathing, give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth. If
breathing is difficult, give oxygen that is administered only by trained
personnel. Get prompt medical attention. |
| If caprolactam is ingested, seek immediate medical attention. If conscious,
and more than a mouthful was ingested, drink 2 to 4 glasses of water and induce
vomiting by touching finger to back of throat. |
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For more detailed information on first aid and the safe handling of
caprolactam, refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet, provided in compliance
with OSHA hazard communication regulations. |
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