Chemical safety

Hexane: hazards and COSHH prompts

Highly flammable extraction solvent with a nerve-damage profile on repeated exposure.

Always work from your own safety data sheet. Classification varies with grade, concentration and supplier. Use this page to orient yourself, then assess the task you are actually doing, at the scale you are actually doing it.

Hazard classification

CAS: 110-54-3
Formula: C6H14
Molecular weight: 86.18
Signal word: Danger

GHS pictograms

Hazard statements

H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour
H304May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H315Causes skin irritation
H317May cause an allergic skin reaction
H319Causes serious eye irritation
H335May cause respiratory irritation
H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H401Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
H411Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
H412Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

Precautionary statements (35)

P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233Keep container tightly closed.
P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
P242Use non-sparking tools.
P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P264Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P264+P265Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273Avoid release to the environment.
P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
P301+P316IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
P302+P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P303+P361+P353IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305+P351+P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
P321Specific treatment — see the safety data sheet.
P331Do NOT induce vomiting.
P332+P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
P333+P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
P337+P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
P362+P364Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P370+P378In case of fire: Use appropriate extinguishing media.
P391Collect spillage.
P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P403+P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P405Store locked up.
P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional and national regulations.

Classification data from PubChem CID 8058 , retrieved automatically and refreshed weekly. PubChem aggregates from multiple suppliers; entries can differ from the SDS for your grade.

What your COSHH assessment has to answer

Based on the hazard classes above. These are prompts, not answers — the right control depends on your task, your quantities and your room.

Because it is flammable

Where are the ignition sources relative to where this is opened and poured?
How much is on the bench at once, and how much is in the cabinet?
Is decanting done in the fume hood, and are larger containers earthed?
Which extinguisher is appropriate, and does everyone using this know?

Because it is acutely toxic

Which exposure route is credible for your task — inhalation, skin, or both?
Is containment engineered (fume hood, cabinet) rather than relying on PPE?
What is the first-aid response, and is the material for it actually at the point of use?
Is lone working with this restricted?

Because it burns or irritates skin and eyes

Is eye protection specified for the actual task, including splash risk when pouring?
Are the gloves rated for this substance and this contact time?
Where is the nearest eyewash, and when was it last flushed and checked?

Because it is a carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive hazard

Has substitution been considered, and is the reason for not substituting recorded?
Is exposure reduced as low as reasonably practicable, not merely below a limit?
Are new and expectant mothers specifically considered?
Is health surveillance or exposure monitoring expected for this work?

Because it can damage organs

Is the exposure repeated or long-term rather than one-off?
Is there an exposure limit to design the controls around?
Are users told what early symptoms look like and who to report them to?

Because it is hazardous to the environment

Is drain disposal ruled out, and does everyone know that?
Is the waste container labelled at the point of generation?
Is the disposal contractor's consignment paperwork in order?

Stop rebuilding this by hand

Keep Hexane — and everything else — in one inventory.

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