Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Page: 1

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER: THE

INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION
ON ITS COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE
CHEMICAL'S SUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER
DISPOSAL. NO REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH
RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY
REFER. CRC NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

ETHANOLAMINE

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATION

HEALTH

FIRE

REACTIVE

OTHER

DEGREE OF HAZARD
0 = Minimum Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard

COLOR CODING

OTHER CODES

HEALTH = BLUE
FIRE = RED
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE

OX = Oxidizer
ACID = Acid
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
W = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization

RCRA Number

Aliphatic Amine

EPA Class

None

DOT Proper Shipping Name

Not Applicable

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

Ethanolamine (solution)

141-43-5

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

Corrosive Material

60

DOT Identification Number

Chemical Formula

UN 2491

NH2CH2CH2OH

Synonyms

2-Aminoethanol; -aminoethyl alcohol; ethylolamine; 2-hydroxyethylamine; monoethanolamine.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

Ethanolamine (derivation: By reaction of ammonia with ethylene oxide to

form mono, di, and tri-ethanolamines and
separated by fractionation).
3

1 ppm = 2.54 mg/m

OSHA Exposure Criteria

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

PEL (8-hour):
3 ppm
3
8 mg/m

REL (10-hour):
3 ppm
3
8 mg/m

STEL:
6 ppm
3
15 mg/m

STEL:
6 ppm
3
15 mg/m

Immediately Dangerous to
Life and Health (IDLH)

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

TLV:
3 ppm
3
8 mg/m
30 ppm
STEL:
6 ppm
3
15 mg/m

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

339F (170C)

1.02
Molecular Weight

0.4 at 69F (20C)

61.1

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

Melting Point

51F (10C)

2.1
Solubility

Completely soluble in water. Soluble in alcohol and acetone.

Appearance and Odor

Colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid or solid (below 51F) with an unpleasant, ammonia-like odor.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

185F (85C) closed cup

NFPA Classification

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

LEL: 3.0%

UEL: 23.5%

Autoignition Temperature

Class IIIA Combustible Liquid

1436F (780C)

Extinguishing Media

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol foam. Do NOT use direct stream of water (may scatter or
spread the fire).
Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Poisonous gases are produced in fire, wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Move containers from fire area if it can be done safely. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed
containers. Do not allow run-off from fire control methods to reach sewers or waterways.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Moderate fire and explosion hazard. Vapors form explosive mixtures in air. Vapors are slightly heavier
than air and can travel for great distances to an ignition source to flashback causing fire or explosion.

SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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Conditions to Avoid

Ethanolamine is normally stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal conditions of
storage and handling. Avoid contact with incompatible materials. Keep dry and away from heat and
flame.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Strong oxidizers (chlorine, bromine, fluorine), strong acids (sulfuric, nitric). It will dissolve and strip
some paints and varnishes. It will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, coatings, copper, and brass.

X
Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Will Not Occur

Conditions to Avoid

Under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, hazardous polymerization of ethanolamine is not
expected to occur.
Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

Toxic and irritating fumes and vapors are produced when ethanolamine is heated to decomposition.
These include toxic oxides of nitrogen and carbon.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Absorption (skin)?

Ingestion?

possible but not likely

Health Hazards

INHALATION: Vapors are irritating to the eyes, nose, and upper respiratory tract. It can also cause depression of the central nervous system (CNS) with symptoms of lethargy (drowsiness or
indifference. The extremely unpleasant odor makes this an unlikely exposure route.
SKIN & EYES: Moderately irritating to the skin causing redness and swelling. Severely irritating to the
eyes causing redness and possible burns.
INGESTION:

May damage the gastrointestinal tract.

Carcinogenicity

Unknown Human
Unknown Animal

NTP Listed?

IARC Cancer Review Group?

OSHA Regulated?

Target Organs?

No

No

29 CFR 1910.1000
Table Z-1

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, CNS

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

None Reported.
Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes (minimum), seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water.
Seek medical assistance. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide respiratory assistance and CPR. Transfer to medical facility. If swallowed: Call the poison control center and seek
medical attention immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. Never attempt to give an unconscious or convulsing person anything by mouth.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Absorb liquids in vermiculite or other absorbent and deposit in DOT-approved drum. Ventilate area and
remove ignition sources. Restrict those not involved in cleanup from entering area. Neutralize residues
or small spills with sodium bisulfite and flush to a drain with copious amounts of water. Notify appropriate authorities, if applicable.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method

Mix with a flammable solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator (with afterburner and scrubber).
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry well-ventilated area (preferably at 65-95F/18-35C). Protect containers from physical damage. Keep away from incompatible materials. Ground and bond metal
containers and equipment when making transfers (prevent static sparks).
Other Precautions and Warnings

Empty containers may still contain hazardous residues and should be handled accordingly.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)

Corrosive to lung tissue and mucus membranes. Use a supplied-air respirator with full facepiece operated in positive pressure mode or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
Ventilation

Local exhaust or general mechanical systems recommended.

Protective Gloves

Impervious Gloves (not rubber)

Eye Protection

Chemical Goggles or Face Mask

Other Protective Clothing

Protective Apron or Clothing

Work/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Page: 3

ETHANOLAMINE
NH2CH2CH2OH

CAS: 141-43-5

2
2

HO

CH2

CH2

NH2

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Ethanolamine is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid (or solid below 51F) with an extremely unpleasant, ammonia-like odor. It is used as a dispersing
agent for agricultural chemicals, in the synthesis of
surface active agents, as a softening agent for hides,
and in emulsifiers, polishes, and hair solutions.

The following acute (short-term) health effects may

occur immediately or shortly after exposure to ethanolamine:
Skin:

Mild to moderate irritation. May cause burns

with redness and swelling. Absorption can
also occur.

Eye:

Severe irritation, inflammation, with possible

damage to vision.

Lung: Inhalation causes irritation of the eyes, nose,

and upper respiratory tract with distressed
breathing, coughing, congestion, and tearing.

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment
Ethanolamine is moderately toxic by ingestion and
skin contact (absorption) has been reported as a route
of entry into the body. While inhalation is certainly a
probable exposure risk, the extremely unpleasant odor
of ethanolamine makes overexposure by inhalation an
unlikely event. There is no information in the references on the carcinogenic or teratogenic properties of
ethanolamine. However, human mutation data have
been reported. Some scientists believe that mutagenic
chemicals may have carcinogenic effects in the longterm. Additional study is required in this area. Lung,
kidney, and liver injuries can also occur following
prolonged or repeated exposures.
Inhalation of ethanolamine vapors causes irritation
to the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract.
Excessive exposure to the vapor lead to depression of
the central nervous system (CNS) with symptoms of
lethargy (drowsiness, indifference).
Skin contact will cause moderate irritation with
redness and swelling. Ethanolamine can be absorbed
through the skin in toxic amounts. Eye contact results
in severe irritation and may result in burns and tissue
damage.
Ingestion can occur through careless working conditions, accidents, and, improper hygienic practices. It
causes damage to the gastrointestinal tract and may
lead to systemic poisoning.

1 Acute Health Effects

CNS:

Depression of the central nervous system can

occur with lethargic symptoms, fatigue, somnolence, and dizziness.

0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to ethanolamine and
can last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: According to the information presented in the references, ethanolamine has not been
adequately tested for its ability to cause cancer in test
animals. Human mutation data have been reported.
More research is required.
Reproductive Hazard: According to the information
presented in the references, ethanolamine has not been
adequately tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposures may lead
to lung, liver, and/or kidney damage.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a
hazardous substance, engineering controls are the
most effective method of reducing exposures. The
best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. To prevent static sparks, all containers and
equipment should be electrically grounded and
bonded. While not always operationally feasible,
isolating operations can also reduce exposure.
Using respiratory protection is less effective than
the controls mentioned above, but is still advisable
whenever working with or around ethanolamine. For
relatively low, infrequent, or transient exposures, an
organic vapor respirator equipped with a cartridge
protecting against amines may suffice. For higher or
prolonged exposure, a supplied-air respirator with full
facepiece operated in positive pressure mode or a selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece and operated in pressure demand are the recommended respiratory protection methods of choice. If a
full facepiece is not available, then chemical goggles
should be worn to protect the eyes. Whenever a
chemical splash hazard exists, a face shield and apron
should be worn. To prevent hand and skin exposures,
impervious chemical gloves should be worn. Caution
should be used when selecting gloves. Ethanolamine
will attack some forms of rubber. Glove manufacturers should be contacted for permeation studies before
selecting a protective glove.
Administrative controls should also be in place to
minimize the potential for human exposures. These
may include written procedures or policies which
specify the methods and techniques that will be practiced whenever personnel are to work with ethanolamine.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Communication), prior to the first assignment in an
area where ethanolamine is used or stored.
Before beginning employment and at regular intervals thereafter (e.g. annually), the following medical tests are recommended:

Lung function tests (establish a baseline).

If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the

following medical tests may be useful:

;
;

Lung function tests.

Liver and kidney function tests.

Any evaluation should include a careful medical history of past and present symptoms with an examination. However, medical tests that evaluate existing
damage are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Other methods to reduce exposure include:

Page: 4

;
;
;
;

Where possible, enclose operations and use local

exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.
If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not
used, respiratory protection should be mandatory.
Also, if possible, automatically transfer liquids
from storage containers to process containers
using non-sparking tools.
Always ensure that proper protective clothing is
worn when using chemical substances.
Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to
ethanolamine and at the end of the work shift or
before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Hazard warning information should be posted in
the work area. In addition, as part of an on-going
education and training program, all information
on the health and safety hazards of ethanolamine
should be communicated to all exposed workers.
Eye wash stations should be provided in work
areas. If the potential for whole body exposure
exists, then safety showers should also be provided.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during intended use, transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of ethanolamine. In almost every scenario,
the threat of environmental exposure is contingent
upon the proper handling of the chemical substance.
Accidental spills, large or small, can result in fire, explosion, and possible contamination of the surrounding environmental mediums (water, soil, and air).
Ethanolamine is considered a class IIIA combustible liquid (per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106). While this
means it poses a minimum fire risk by itself, mixture
or contact with incompatible materials can cause fire
or explosion. It can react with many common oxidizing materials and strong acids. It is corrosive to copper, brass, galvanized iron, and rubber. Its vapors can
form explosive mixtures in air. These characteristics
require special consideration during any emergency
situation involving a leak or spill of ethanolamine.
Should ethanolamine ever come into contact with incompatible substances either during use, transportation, or storage, violent reactions can occur.
Ethanolamine can enter the environment through
its intended use as a dispersing agent for agricultural

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

chemicals, as well as through industrial discharges and

spills.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the death
of animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth rate
in plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after animals or plants are exposed to ethanolamine. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
short-term effects of ethanolamine to aquatic life,
plants, birds, or land animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic toxic effects may include shortened life span,
reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in
appearance or behavior in exposed animals. These
effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to toxic
chemicals. Insufficient data are available to evaluate
or predict the long-term effects of ethanolamine to
aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals.

6 Water Solubility
Ethanolamine is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1000 milligrams and more will mix with a
liter of water.

 Persistence in the Environment

Ethanolamine is slightly persistent in water, with a
half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a
pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one half of
the chemical to be degraded.

O Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Organisms

Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
as well as humans.
Ethanolamine is not expected to accumulate in
fish tissue.

Page: 5

properly and quickly to any disaster thereby reducing

the potential risk to the environment and to personnel.
Storage of ethanolamine should be segregated
from incompatible chemicals to minimize the risk of
cross-contamination or contact. Storage buildings
should be equipped with the proper fire protection
equipment (alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, etc.).
If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,
fire department, emergency response and/or hazardous
materials spill personnel should be notified immediately. Cleanup should be attempted only by those
trained in proper spill containment procedures. Contaminated soils should therefore be removed for incineration and replaced with clean soil. If ethanolamine
should contact the water table, aquifer, or navigable
waterway, remediation activities should be prompt.
Time is of the essence since it is highly soluble and
total containment and remediation may not be possible. When such spills occur, the local and/or state
emergency response authorities must be notified. A
comprehensive emergency response or disaster preparedness/recovery plan should be in place prior to
any operations involving the use, transportation, storage, or disposal of ethanolamine. Ethanolamine may
be disposed of by placing it in a chemical incinerator
equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
If ethanolamine is spilled or leaked, the following
specific steps are recommended:

;
;
;
;

Evacuate area and deny entry to those not involved in cleanup activities. Restrict persons not
wearing protective clothing from area of spill or
leak until cleanup is complete.
Ventilate area of leak, remove ignition sources.
Absorb liquids using vermiculite, dry earth, or
sand and place in a sealed drum for disposal.
Trace residues or small spills should be neutralized with sodium bisulfite and then flushed to a
drain using copious amounts of water.
It may be necessary to dispose of ethanolamine
as a hazardous waste. The responsible state
agency or the regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be
contacted for specific recommendations.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or
spill to the environment. The correct use of DOT labeling (per the MSDS) on all containers, trucks, and
rail cars will enable emergency responders to react

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving ethanolamine can present a significant threat to business operations. The
loss or damage of equipment or facilities can signifi-

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

cantly affect fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may result

from personnel injury/death, public exposures, and/or
environmental contamination will also require a serious expenditure of resources. Media attention surrounding an injury, death, or environmental damage
can also result in a loss of profits and loss of current
as well as future business.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in
the development of any procedures dealing with safety
or emergency response. A company official should be
pre-designated as a public relations officer with specific training in dealing with the press. Corporate
plans and policies should be developed, approved, and
implemented long before any need for such arises.

Page: 6
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