Honeywell Chemical Intermediates

Material Handling

Material Handling
Cyclohexanol is a hazardous chemical that 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. Prolonged inhalation can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, tremors and lack of coordination; at high concentrations, cyclohexanol can cause loss of consciousness and even death from respiratory depression. Only personnel that have been trained in the safe handling of cyclohexanol should work in areas where it is present – all others should refrain from being in those areas until properly trained.
 
Like other combustible materials, cyclohexanol should always be handled, stored, and used with every precaution against fire and explosion. Since cyclohexanol vapors travel with air currents, flames and sparks at even remote site locations can ignite them. Prolonged exposure to cyclohexanol may cause clothing to retain the chemical, and as such, smoking should be prohibited. In addition, cyclohexanol should not be exposed to strong oxidizing agents; it can react violently with nitric acid and may cause uncontrolled decomposition resulting in explosion or fire.
 
When handling cyclohexanol, 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. In unusual or emergency situations when contact with the liquid is necessary or likely, the handler should wear full protective equipment and clothing. All contaminated clothing must be washed before reuse.
 
If eye, skin or inhalation 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 immediately.
If skin contact does occur, remove all affected clothing and wash affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention immediately.
If cyclohexanol is inhaled, remove the patient from contaminated atmosphere 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.
 
For more detailed information on first aid and the safe handling of cyclohexanol, refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), provided in compliance with OSHA hazard communication regulations.