1.      Process

Use of xylene in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor.

q       Flammable (it has a flashpoint of 90°F).

q       It is incompatible with strong acids and strong oxidizers.

3.   Health Hazards

q       Chronic exposure by inhalation or skin contact may result in liver or kidney damage, CNS disorders, blood disorders and GI tract disorders.

q       Symptoms of acute exposure can lead to:

·          Dermatitis

·          Dizziness

·          Incoherency

·          Nausea

·          Vomiting

·          Abdominal pain

q       May irritate eyes, nose and respiratory tract.

q       Xylene can be absorbed through the skin and may cause dermatitis.

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which xylene might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution.  Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling xylene.  Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection.  Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational Education Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989) and must be equipment with side shields.  Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended.

·          Contact lenses should not be worn if the potential exists for xylene exposure.

q       Safety Shower/Eyewash - Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to xylene, suitable facilities for quick drench or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.  Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable.

·          Eyewash fountains and emergency showers should be available within the immediate work area whenever the potential exists for eye or skin contact with xylene.

q       Lab coats, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling xylene. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with xylene.

q       Use of Cobraâ„¢ Viton Chemical Resistant Gloves are recommended when using which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-86549.

5.      Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices

All xylene work shall be done in the laboratory fume hood. The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved.  

6.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Keep away from ignition sources.

q       Store xylene in a flammable liquids storage cabinet.

q       Incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong acids.

q       Wash hands thoroughly after use.

q       Spill-X-S Kit which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD- 14628 must be available in the event of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

7.      Waste Disposal

Excess xylene and all waste material containing xylene must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE XYLENE ". Full containers of xylene waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program.

8.      Decontamination of Equipment and Area

Contact WFHUS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information.

9.      Spill and Accident Procedures

In the event of a liquid spill greater than 300 cc, immediately vacate and secure the area.  Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.